SHIMLA, March 11: Rising drug addiction among youth is reportedly claiming 30 to 40 young lives every year in Himachal Pradesh, raising serious concern among social organisations despite the state government’s declared zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.
According to available data, drug overdose deaths in the state increased from 10 in 2020 to 21 in 2023, while the government has acknowledged 41 deaths due to drug overdose in the last nearly three years.
Experts believe the actual number may be higher, as several cases remain unreported due to social stigma and family pressure.
Highlighting the growing menace of “chitta” (heroin) addiction, the Anti-Drug Control Forum, led by the Himachal Pradesh Gyan Vigyan Samiti, said the problem has reached alarming proportions among the youth.
Forum convenor Satyavan Pundir said reports indicate that around 30 to 40 young people die every year due to chitta overdose in the state.
He added that in many instances families do not disclose the real cause of death, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the problem.
According to estimates gathered by the forum and other social organisations, around 70 people have lost their lives due to drug overdose in the last two years.
Concern over the issue has intensified following several recent incidents of youth deaths suspected to be linked to drug overdose in different parts of the state.
In Una district, the body of an 18-year-old youth from the Janjo area of Punjab was found at Haroli, with a syringe reportedly recovered from the spot.
In another case, the body of a youth was found near Rampur Hospital in Shimla district within the last 24 hours.
Similar incidents have also been reported recently from Mandi district, where suspected drug overdose cases have raised alarm among local residents and social organisations.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and stated that the state government has intensified its campaign against drug trafficking.
He said strict action is being taken against drug peddlers under the NDPS Act, with several traffickers arrested and networks busted across the state.
The Chief Minister added that the government is also strengthening de-addiction and rehabilitation services, expanding awareness campaigns in schools and colleges, and encouraging community participation to prevent youth from falling prey to narcotics.
He emphasised that the government is committed to making Himachal Pradesh a drug-free state through the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies, health institutions and civil society.
(UNI)
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