The Himachal Pradesh government has adopted a comprehensive two-pronged strategy to curb drug abuse and reintegrate drug-affected youth into the mainstream.
The strategy focuses both on preventing substance abuse among the youth and on rehabilitating those already addicted.
A spokesperson of the state government said here on Monday that to facilitate rehabilitation, the state government has sanctioned Rs 5.34 crore for the construction of a 100-bedded state-of-the-art de-addiction centre at Kotla Barog, District Sirmaur, with ample space for recreational activities.
In addition, five new drug de-addiction centres are being established in Mandi, Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Solan, and Sirmaur districts. For counseling and early intervention, 108 new ‘Disha’ centres have been set up in health institutions across the state, where ASHA workers, doctors, and psychiatrists are being specially trained.
Currently, four de-addiction and rehabilitation centres for men are operational in Kullu, Una, Hamirpur, and Kangra, while a separate centre for women is being run by the Red Cross Society in Kullu.
For long-term preparedness, the government is working in collaboration with NITI Aayog, PGI, and the Health Department to frame a State Action Plan for drug prevention and rehabilitation. As a part of mass awareness efforts, more than 5.76 lakh people have been sensitized about the ill effects of drug abuse under the National Drug Prevention Campaign, covering 5,660 villages and 4,332 educational institutions, with a focus on adolescents, youth, women, and the general public.
Strengthening the legal framework, he said that the government has passed the Himachal Pradesh Organized Crime (Prevention and Control) Bill-2025, which provides for stringent punishments, including the death penalty, life imprisonment, fine 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 establishes a State Fund to support de-addiction, rehabilitation, preventive education, and livelihood initiatives, while also prescribing strict penalties for those engaged in the illegal drug trade.
To curb illicit manufacturing of narcotics, the state government is constituting a special monitoring committee led by the SDM and officers from the Excise, Police, and Health Departments to oversee codal formalities and regulate pharmaceutical companies holding narcotic drug licenses.
The spokesperson said that the state government reaffirms its commitment to making Himachal Pradesh a drug-free state, with a focus on prevention, rehabilitation, awareness, and stringent enforcement against offenders.
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