Panchayats play proactive role in curbing drug trafficking in Mandi
In a strong initiative against the growing menace of drug abuse, particularly heroin known as 'chitta' (a form of synthetic drug), several panchayats in the Balh and Sundernagar regions of Mandi district have formed committees to monitor suspicious activities. This move comes in the wake of growing drug menace in the area.
In a recent meeting, the village heads (pradhans) decided to take matters into their own hands, forming local monitoring committees to patrol areas known for drug trafficking. The committees will carry out regular checks at suspicious spots and help raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. A special team of 60 young volunteers has been created in the Chathau panchayat to keep watch over vulnerable areas.
In Rigad panchayat, an anti-drug committee has been set up with focus on guiding individuals affected by substance abuse and offering them a way out. Kummi panchayat has similarly adopted a proposal to crack down on drug trafficking and has urged local residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Ex-pradhan of Kummi panchayat Balraj Chaudhary stated that growing drug menace, especially illicit trade of heroin, has become a major issue in this region, which is destroying youths because they are easy target for drug offenders. Recently, the newly formed committee nabbed a few drug offenders and handed them over to the police for further action. This created a sort of fear among drug offenders, those involved in illicit trade of drugs in the region.
Some videos have gone viral on social media from Balh valley, where villagers caught drug offenders red-handed, assaulted them and let them go with warning.
The local police have been actively supporting these efforts. Mandi SP Sakshi Verma praised the community’s proactive stance, emphasising that public cooperation is key to eradicating the drug trade. She encouraged residents to inform the police about any suspected drug-related activities. "The law is equal for everyone. We must all work together to curb this menace," she said.
Meanwhile, the police have stepped up patrolling and appealed to residents to report any drug-related information to assist in their fight against the spread of addiction.
These collaborative efforts from the community and law enforcement indicate a growing resolve to combat the drug problem and protect the youth from falling into the trap of substance abuse.
