About 1,000 college students participated in a human chain awareness programme on Race Course road in Coimbatore city on Wednesday to spread awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and to promote the goal of a “Drug-Free Tamil Nadu”.

The students formed the human chain along with Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar.

Students from Government Arts and Science College for Women, Puliyakulam; Government Arts and Science College; and Bishop Appasamy College of Arts and Science, Race Course Road, participated in the programme.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Giriyappanavar said a series of awareness programmes against drug abuse would be conducted across Coimbatore district for a week. The programmes followed the State-wide mass pledge-taking event held on Tuesday in Chennai as part of efforts to achieve a drug-free Tamil Nadu.