Himachal Calling: Rise in drug menace posing threat to youth
The youth of Himachal Pradesh are facing a grave threat from the increasing drug menace, particularly the spread of chitta (adulterated heroin). Once confined to urban centres, the drug problem has now permeated even rural areas. Youth across the state are falling prey to drug addiction, with many arrested for possessing small amounts of heroin and other narcotics. This surge in drug-related arrests points to a widespread issue that is not only jeopardising the future of the state’s youth but also devastating their families.
From January 1 to August 31 this year, the police seized 6.39 kg of heroin from various locations across the state. In addition, 193 kg of charas (cannabis), 32.5 kg of opium, 497 kg of poppy husk, 24.9 kg of ganja, 6.09 grams of smack, and 5.21 grams of cocaine were confiscated. A total of 1,070 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, reflecting the alarming scale of the drug problem.
The situation has become so dire that several drug kingpins have been arrested, including Shashi Negi, also known as Shahi Mahatma, a notorious figure who was running an illicit chitta racket in the upper Shimla region. Another kingpin of Nepalese origin was apprehended in Narkanda for operating a similar drug racket.
The impact on families
The drug menace is not just destroying the lives of the youth who get addicted but is also shattering their families. Many parents watch helplessly as their children spiral into the grip of addiction, unable to recognise the warning signs until it is too late. One father recounted how his son was lured into trying chitta by friends who initially offered it for free. Once addicted, his son was forced to pay for the drug, and by the time the family realised what was happening, he was already in the throes of addiction.
Government’s response
In response to this growing crisis, the Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched the ‘Nasha Mukt Himachal Abhiyan’ (Drug-free Himachal Campaign). This ambitious initiative focuses on three core areas: prevention, early identification of drug users, and the rehabilitation of addicts.
The campaign aims to involve various government departments, including the Police, Health, Education, Rural Development, and Youth Services, as well as local bodies such as Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Yuvak Mandals, Mahila Mandals, and NGOs.
Special attention will be given to high-risk areas, such as industrial hubs, the state capital, educational institutions and municipal corporations. The government seeks to spread awareness about the dangers of drugs at the grassroots level, ensuring that no community remains untouched by the message of prevention and recovery.
