The drug menace is Punjab is a serious concern not only for the state but for the country, activist Medha Patkar said today. The convener of the National Alliance of People’s Movements was in Ludhiana today to meet various NGOs and RTI activists regarding her forthcoming national movement on the drug menace starting October 2 from Delhi.

“I am taking feedback from NGOs regarding our movement. Although it will be a national movement, our focus will be on Punjab because this state is in the grip of drugs.” She said the recent efforts of the state government were inadequate and a massive awareness drive was required to get rid of the addiction that gripped the youth.

Coming down heavily on the state government regarding industrial growth, she said, “Pollution in Buddha Nallah was the outcome of industrial growth. The state must keep in mind that industrial growth should not be at the cost of ecology because fertile land is being used for setting up industries, which is not justified.”

She also said she was against the Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal. Patkar said there was not much hope from the PM’s Japan visit as it would only create problems for small industrial houses.