India’s First Anti-Drug Awareness Park to Come Up in Visakhapatnam

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, proposals have been finalized for the launch of a unique Anti-Drug Awareness Park within Central Park in Visakhapatnam. This facility is aimed at educating youth and the public about the dangers of drug abuse.

Led by VMRDA Chairman Pranav Gopal and overseen by Commissioner K S Vishwanathan, this innovative project is inspired by the public sentiment witnessed during Nara Lokesh’s Yuvagalam Padayatra, which highlighted widespread drug use in Visakhapatnam.

Spread across 2 acres in Central Park and with an estimated budget of Rs 3.5 crore, the park blends education with creativity. It will use glow devices, green plants, animal-shaped displays, and electric light installations to showcase how colourful and fulfilling life can be without drugs for those undergoing rehabilitation. “The main objective of this park is to discourage drug use among students and the general public. The park will showcase the ill effects of drugs, educate the public, and even be fitted with counselling centres. It will be a model park in India” said VMRDA Chairman Pranav Gopal.

Key highlights of the Anti-Drug Awareness Park are:

• Counselling centres and psychology classes to aid recovery and build self-confidence
• A 15-minute awareness program with video presentations for all visitors
• Designed to engage all age groups, especially targeting the youth
• Park themes focus on how drug addiction dulls senses, like smell and colour, and to tackle that, the park reflects nature and colours and shows what one could have if they leave drugs
• This landmark project by VMRDA is a bold step toward fighting drug abuse through public awareness, emotional support, and immersive experiences
  

The usage of psychoactive drugs like marijuana and others has seen a rapid increase in recent years.

The Visakhapatnam Government Railway Police (GRP) alone, seized 284 kg of cannabis in 2022,  616 kg in 2023, 2,242 kg in 2024, and 748 kg in 2025 (As of May 2025). This rapid shift underscores the adaptability of drug trafficking operations and the need for enhanced surveillance and precautionary measures.

Even the recent seizure of 212 kgs of Marijuana on the outskirts of Vizag highlights the need for this park.

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