J&K faces alarming rise in drug abuse, Govt steps up efforts to combat addiction

New Delhi, Dec 10: The Government of India (GoI) has implemented various initiatives to combat the rising drug abuse, particularly heroin addiction, in Jammu and Kashmir, with over 31,000 people treated for drug de-addiction, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
Replying to a question raised by MP Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi in the Rajya Sabha about the alarming rise in drug abuse, particularly heroin addiction, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said, “Under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), the Union Territory has received support for preventive education, awareness generation, rehabilitation centres, and treatment facilities.”
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) has reached over 98 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir, including more than 8 lakh youth and 9 lakh women, the ministry said, adding, “In FY 2023-24, over 31,000 people have been treated for drug de-addiction, and a toll-free helpline, 14446, has been established for immediate support.”
Mehdi also inquired about the steps taken to address the issue, the increase in rehabilitation centres, the effectiveness of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ and the collaborative measures with international law enforcement agencies to counter drug trafficking from Pakistan.
The Ministry said more than 98 lakh people have been reached through NMBA in Jammu and Kashmir, and the department supports several de-addiction programs, including Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts (IRCA), Outreach and Drop-In Centers (ODIC), and Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATF).
“The government has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pakistan’s Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) and participates in international forums like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to address cross-border drug trafficking,” the ministry added. (KNO)