Kinnaur DC urges coordinated action against drug abuse

Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Amit Sharma on Tuesday directed all government departments to work in close coordination and conduct regular awareness camps against drug abuse in schools and village panchayat halls. The initiative aims to educate schoolchildren and youth about the dangers of substance abuse and to inspire them to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Chairing a meeting held under the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, Dr Sharma emphasised the urgent need to prepare a comprehensive action plan to create public awareness about the harmful effects of drugs. He issued necessary instructions to departments concerned to intensify efforts in this direction.

Expressing concern over the rising trend of drug abuse, especially among the youth, the DC stated that tackling addiction is not solely the responsibility of the administration, police or educational institutions. “The role of parents is equally important. By closely monitoring their children’s social lives and proactively educating them about the ill effects of drugs, parents can play a crucial role in steering them away from substance abuse,” he said.

Dr Sharma also informed officials about the MANAS Helpline (1933), launched by the Narcotics Control Bureau, where drug-affected individuals, especially youth, can access counselling and psychological support.

The district health department has been instructed to incorporate drug prevention awareness into routine health check-up camps organised across Kinnaur. The meeting also featured detailed discussions on establishing de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in the district, particularly for the youth and on encouraging broader community involvement in combating substance abuse in the tribal region.