Concerned about rising drug abuse, the state government is undertaking a comprehensive campaign against the same, with several initiatives that include the destruction of cultivation of opium poppy, sensitising the students and parents.

An official spokesperson said here on Sunday that with the state turning into a major attraction for foreign tourist, it is disheartening to note that far more than its outstanding geography, people and culture, the tourist influx reveals a deadly narcotic nexus.

An increasing number of localities are falling prey to this business and addiction, he maintained.

In Himachal Pradesh the growing narcotics menace has overwhelmed a good number of youth in Kullu, Manali, Mandi and Shimla, he said, adding that the narcotics trade is assuming horrific shape in Kullu where a large numbers of tourists, mostly Israelis, pour in every year.This has inspired local farmers to clandestinely cultivate illegal poppy or cannabis crops to earn quick bucks, he added.

The number of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Himachal Pradesh has more than tripled in last decade, he said.

To tackle the menace the state government has launched a comprehensive destruction campaign against the cultivation of Opium Poppy from 4 April, in all the districts of the state, especially areas where such cultivation is reported.

The drive is being launched through the Panchayats for the destruction of cannabis crop grown areas by the end of June, 2018 and crop to grown to a stage when it is difficult to destroy it.

Giving details of the action plan being undertaken during the campaign, Director General of Police (DGP), Sita Ram Mardi informed that all revenue officials, forest officials and elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Bodies and Urban Local Bodies are duty bound under section 47 of Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 to inform police about the illegal cultivation of cannabis and opium-poppy in their respective area of jurisdiction.

They will give the information in writing to concerned SHO and also to Superintendent of Police, besides, the forest officials will undertake patrolling in their respective jurisdiction and report the illegal cultivation in their beat to the police, he added.

Once illegal cultivation is detected, a joint campaign will be launched to destroy such cultivation by involving all stakeholders, enforcement agencies such as police, NCB, SNCB, CID and departments of Forests, Revenue, Punchayati Raj and Rural Development, said Mardi.

He further added that these agencies will submit progress report on opium poppy and cannabis destruction before 15 August and all SPs will associate Mahila Mandals, Yuvak Mandals and other NGOs while conducting the destruction of opium poppy and cannabis crops.

Agriculture and Horticulture departments in coordination with Rural Development department jointly will submit a proposal to adopt alternative cash crops suitable for areas cultivating opium poppy and cannabis illegally.To sensitise the school students about drug abuse a training module for Nodal training Officers of Education department will be prepared and also the parents of students will also be sensitized on this issue, he added.