Bhubaneswar: With an aim to make college campuses free from alcohol and drugs, the Odisha government has announced strict enforcement of a directive declaring a 500-metre radius around educational institutions as a drug- and alcohol-free zone.

According to the Higher Education Department, authorities of all government and aided private colleges have been directed to ensure no outlets selling alcohol, tobacco, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or any other intoxicants operate within this 500-metre perimeter. Principals have been instructed to conduct on-ground inspections to verify compliance and submit detailed reports.

The move is in line with the guidelines of the National Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) and aims to create a safe, healthy, and addiction-free environment for students.

Following the verification, principals are required to upload the collected data on the Higher Education Information Management System (HIMS) portal by July 15.