Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has emphasized the importance of sensitivity, vigilance and awareness in tackling the drug menace. Speaking at a function to mark ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking’, he expressed concern over the increasing number of youths falling into drug addiction and stressed the need for a robust infrastructure to treat and rehabilitate individuals trapped in the quagmire of drug addiction.
The Chief Minister called for all sections of society to be involved in the drug de-addiction campaign, adding that a Gram Sabha meeting will be held soon. He urged the public to report any drug peddlers to the police and highlighted the severe physical and mental repercussions of drug addiction, which impacts entire families.
Â
The Chief Minister also expressed concern over the sale of drugs near educational institutions, which has led to youth addiction. He revealed that over 300 people have been arrested in Shimla alone in the past six months related to 400 cases registered. A Vidhan Sabha resolution seeking amendments to the Narcotics Act for strict actions against drug peddlers has been sent to the Union Government.
The government plans to open two drug de-addiction and rehabilitation centers in the state. One of these centers will be located on about 50 bighas land near Shimla, with sufficient funds allocated for the purpose. At the function, awards were presented to various individuals and NGOs for their contributions in the campaign against drug abuse.
Inaugurating a Drugs De-addiction cum Rehabilitation Center in New Shimla, the Chief Minister administered the oath of drug prevention to all attendees. He stressed the need for communication between parents and children to prevent drug abuse, including raising awareness of the issue. Sensitivity, vigilance and awareness remain critical factors in the fight against the drug menace, and the Chief Minister urged everyone to be actively involved in this campaign.
