The Himachal Pradesh government has adopted a comprehensive two-pronged strategy to combat drug abuse and reintegrate affected youth into mainstream society, an official said here on Monday.
(Representational Image: iStock)
The Himachal Pradesh government has adopted a comprehensive two-pronged strategy to combat drug abuse and reintegrate affected youth into mainstream society, an official said here on Monday.
The approach focuses on both prevention of substance abuse and rehabilitation of those already in need, the government spokesperson said, adding Rs. 5.34 crore has been sanctioned for setting up a 100-bedded state-of-the-art de-addiction centre at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district, with dedicated space for recreational activities.
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In addition, five new de-addiction centres are being established in Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Solan and Sirmaur districts.
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“The state government reaffirms its commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a drug-free state, with a strong focus on prevention, rehabilitation, awareness and stringent enforcement against offenders.”
To ensure early intervention and counseling, 108 new ‘Disha’ centres have been set up in health institutions across the state, where ASHA workers, doctors and psychiatrists are being given specialized training.
Currently, four de-addiction and rehabilitation centres for men are functional in Kullu, Una, Hamirpur and Kangra, while a separate centre for women is being operated by the Red Cross Society in Kullu.
For long-term preparedness, the state government is working in collaboration with NITI Aayog, PGI and the Health Department to frame a State Action Plan for drug prevention and rehabilitation.
Under the National Drug Prevention Campaign, over 5.76 lakh people have already been sensitized across 5,660 villages and 4,332 educational institutions, with special emphasis on adolescents, youth and women.
Strengthening the legal framework, the Himachal Pradesh Organized Crime (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2025 has been passed, providing for stringent punishments, including the death penalty, life imprisonment, fines up to Rs 10 lakh and confiscation of illegally acquired property for those involved in drug smuggling.
The Himachal Pradesh Drugs and Controlled Substances (Prevention, De-addiction and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2025 has also been enacted, establishing a state fund to support de-addiction, rehabilitation, preventive education and livelihood initiatives, along with strict penalties against the illegal drug trade, he added.
To curb illicit manufacturing of narcotics, the government is constituting a special monitoring committee ,led by the SDM and comprising officials from the Excise, Police and Health Departments, to oversee codal formalities and regulate pharmaceutical companies holding narcotic drug licenses.
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