Himachal Pradesh Government is planning to set up a dedicated task force to combat the drug menace in the hill state.
Announcing this on Sunday while presiding over an event at Gaiety Theatre to present prizes to the winners of various events organized under the ‘Pradhav’ (Wipe out drugs) campaign, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed concern over the rising drug-related issues in bordering areas of the State.
“The State Government is contemplating to form a dedicated special task force to combat this menace,” he said emphasizing the need for strict action against drug peddlers and increased awareness campaigns to rescue the youth from the clutches of drug abuse.
“The State Government has taken up the issue of making the Narcotics Act more stringent with the Central Government so that the properties of drug peddlers can be confiscated and strict action can be taken against them,” he said.
“To tackle drug addiction and aid in the rehabilitation of affected individuals, the State Government plans to establish two State-of-the-art drug de-addiction-cum-rehabilitation centers in Himachal. About 50 bighas of land is being identified for setting up each center, which will focus on providing effective treatment and support to those in need,” he said, adding that as the State Government continues its endeavours to combat drug abuse, Himachal remains committed to ensure the welfare and prosperity of its citizens.
Highlighting the importance of modernizing the Police Department, Sukhu said that the Government would extend full support to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement. He advocated the use of modern technologies like artificial intelligence to make the Police Department more efficient. The State Government has sanctioned four new police stations, with three to be located on the Kiratpur-Manali four-lane highway, and one in Bir in Kangra district.
“Despite the state’s poor financial condition, the present government is making earnest efforts to provide citizen-centric governance so that the people of the State can avail government facilities at ease. Special attention is being paid on health and education sector,” he said.
Besides, the State Government has taken many green initiatives in the budget this year. It will take some time to materialize the results but Himachal would emerge as one of the most prosperous states in the country through collective efforts, said the Chief Minister, who also administered the anti-drugs oath to the participants.
Applauding the Police Department’s efforts against drugs, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation chairman RS Bali announced that the Tourism Department would provide training to individuals recovering from rehabilitation centers in the hospitality sector to equip them with skills for integration into mainstream society.