De-addiction centre of Kullu dist a model initiative: Chief Secy

Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena visited the Integrated De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre at Bhuntar, about 10 km from Kullu, and praised the facility as a model initiative in the fight against drug abuse. He termed rising drug addiction among youth as a serious challenge for both the government and society and highlighted the state’s firm commitment to combating it.

“The efforts made for drug prevention at this centre are both exemplary and commendable,” he said, while reviewing the facilities and interacting with staff and patients.

Satyavrat Vaidya, in-charge of the centre, briefed the Chief Secretary on the centre’s progress, achievements and ongoing programmes. He also stressed the need for setting up AIIMS-supported de-addiction centres in other parts of Himachal Pradesh, especially in border districts, to tackle the growing menace.

The Chief Secretary lauded the doctors and staff for their dedicated and selfless service, calling their work both noble and inspiring. He appreciated the provision of treatment facilities for both men and women and assured full government support to further strengthen the centre’s operations.

During his visit, Saxena interacted with patients undergoing treatment, commending their courage to seek help voluntarily and encouraging them to remain committed in their recovery journey. He urged them to spread awareness about the facility to others who may need similar support.

Later, the Chief Secretary, accompanied by Wing Commander Kunal Sharma of the NCC Air Squadron, Kullu, and other administrative officials, reviewed progress on the under-construction NCC Air Hangar at Bhuntar Airport. He emphasised the hangar’s importance in providing localised training opportunities to NCC Air Wing cadets from the region.

Saxena revealed that the government has released an additional Rs 75 lakh for the timely completion of the project, in addition to the Rs 1.5 crore already spent. He instructed officials to expedite the remaining work and complete all formalities to make the training facility operational soon.