In what an be seen as a worrying figure for the authorities in UT, the menace of drug addiction in J&K has escalated sharply, with addiction levels nearly tripling over the past three and a half years. This information was given by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg to media on the sidelines of a programme organized to spread awareness about the hazard afflicted among youth.
Garg also pointed to increasing community participation in the campaign, noting that religious leaders in Srinagar have extended active support, helping amplify the message against drug abuse.“Stakeholders from various sections of society are coming together to strengthen the fight against addiction,” he said.
A drug de-addiction awareness program at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), in Srinagar on Saturday. Speaking to media later Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg also stated that the heroin use is rising alarmingly among young people.“Drug addiction has become a problem. The numbers that we saw today show that in the last three years, the problem has multiplied three times. We have also come to know that youth are getting involved in it and the tendency of heroin consumption is increasing,” Garg said while lamenting the jeopardy it has resulted in multifold manner.
He described the situation as a grave social challenge and a clear warning for society.“There is a need for fighting collectively. All the stakeholders are being roped in. The religious leaders are being made part of it so that they can make people aware of the situation.”
Garg also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention and capacity-building initiatives, saying, “Such training programs will be rolled out; we will focus more on prevention.”
He noted that official data indicates a steep rise in substance abuse, particularly heroin consumption, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action to curb the growing menace.The Divisional Commissioner said the anti-drug campaign is being monitored at the highest level, with the Chief Secretary personally overseeing what he termed one of the Valley’s largest awareness initiatives.
He stressed that sustained efforts are required not only to prevent addiction but also to support institutions and individuals working on rehabilitation and prevention.
Highlighting the role of IMHANS, Garg said the institute has emerged as a key hub for capacity building and awareness generation.He said that Counsellors are being trained across health and educational institutions, with five-day training programmes currently underway under the supervision of the Principal, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar.He added that similar programmes will be rolled out across all districts of Kashmir.
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