Himachal's Battle Against the Rising Drug Menace

Himachal Pradesh is facing an escalating drug abuse crisis, with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla warning that the state could resemble 'Udta Punjab' within five years if immediate steps are not taken. He criticized the lack of government-operated rehabilitation centers as a major concern.

Highlighting a worrying 340% rise in NDPS cases from around 500 in 2012 to about 2200 in 2023, the governor emphasized the pressing need for a state-of-the-art de-addiction center. Currently, only a lone rehab facility operated by the Red Cross in Kullu exists, with plans for another in the Sirmaur district stalling.

The governor said that the fight against drugs is gaining momentum through increased public awareness and participation, with many now openly reporting drug peddlers to the authorities. He called for a unified political front to combat the issue, revealing that drug abuse is most severe among the 15-30 age group.

(With inputs from agencies.)