India, March 1 -- The state government on Saturday announced a joint drive by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Mumbai Police to crack down on drug use and peddling in the city's public gardens, playgrounds and open spaces.

Replying to a calling attention motion by Shiv Sena MLA Dilip Lande in the legislative assembly, minister Shambhuraj Desai said security at gardens and grounds would be strengthened and surprise inspections would be conducted to curb the drug menace.

The announcement followed concerns raised by legislators from across party lines over the increasing presence of drug addicts and illegal activities in public spaces. Lande had flagged the issue and demanded strict action to free gardens and open space...