NGOs call for shunning drugs, channelising youth energy

NGOs call for shunning drugs, channelising youth energy

Kuldeep Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, December 12

Various NGOs today urged residents and the authorities to fight together against the menace of drugs in the capital city. They made a plea to the civic authority to create playgrounds, libraries and parks to channelise the energy of youth in positive and inclusive direction.

Voicing their concern over the rising menace of drug addiction among the youth in the capital city, NGOs demand that the police and other law enforcement agencies should nab all those involved in the contraband business and also those patronising the crime.

“Drug menace has assumed an alarming proportion in the state. Therefore, all government agencies, NGOs and the community should join hands to beat the menace,” said Bindu Joshi, president, Women Welfare Society, after inaugurating a seminar organised by the Nagrik Sabha here today.

The NGOs cited a recent study done by the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital on the problem of drug addiction in the city. “As many as 40 per cent of students studying in government senior secondary schools are under the influence of drugs,” said Vijender Mehra, president of the Nagrik Sabha.

“More alarming is the fact that about 7.7 per cent of criminals in jails are involved in drug-related crimes. This figure is 5 per cent more than the national average of 2.7 per cent and must serve as an eye-opener” said an NGO member. The government agencies should not only step up their crackdown on drug cartels operating in the state but also put in place a policy for the creation of sports infrastructure in the state.