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J&K's Drug Crisis Triples in 3.5 Years, Officials Rally Religious Leaders in Fight

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has declared drug addiction a grave and rapidly intensifying social challenge, noting the problem has multiplied threefold in just three and a half years. In response, the government is expanding its anti-drug campaign, actively involving religious leaders and training counsellors through IMHANS to build a prevention network. A major awareness drive is underway, personally monitored by the Chief Secretary, with helpline numbers being widely circulated to support those seeking help. The effort leverages the upgraded Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), which provides critical diagnostic and therapeutic services for addiction.

Key Points: J&K Drug Addiction Triples; Officials Launch Expanded Awareness Campaign

  • Addiction tripled in 3.5 years
  • Campaign involves religious leaders
  • IMHANS training counsellors
  • Helpline numbers being circulated
2 min read

Drug addiction - a major challenge, says J&K Divisional Commissioner

J&K Divisional Commissioner warns drug addiction has tripled in 3.5 years. Government expands campaign with religious leaders & IMHANS training.

Drug addiction - a major challenge, says J&K Divisional Commissioner
"The problem has intensified rapidly... multiplied three times in the last three and a half years, which is alarming. - Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner"

Srinagar, Jan 3

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner, Anshul Garg, said on Saturday that drug addiction is a major challenge facing Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters here, the Divisional Commissioner said that drug addiction is a major warning signal that calls for a united response to tackle the growing menace.

Garg called it one of the gravest social issues that Jammu and Kashmir is facing.

He said, "The problem has intensified rapidly, and the issue has multiplied three times in the last three and a half years, which is alarming. Government is expanding its anti-drug awareness campaign to involve all stakeholders, including religious leaders."

"A very big awareness campaign is going on in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Chief Secretary is personally monitoring it," he said.

He said that extensive programmes are being organised by IMHANS, in which counsellors are being trained across health and educational institutions.

Five-day training sessions are being held to build a strong network for early intervention and prevention.

He added that all sections of society are joining hands in this effort.

"We are trying to involve all religious leaders of Srinagar in this fight so that they can also inform society about this problem. They have already been a part of this campaign for a long time, but we are giving new energy to it," he said.

The Divisional Commissioner said helpline numbers of IMHANS are being circulated widely to assist those seeking help.

"We continuously support the callers who approach us. This training programme helps us enhance that assistance," he added.

In the 1970s, the Department of Psychiatry was established in the Government Medical College, Srinagar and this mental health facility was converted into the Government Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, an associated hospital of the Government Medical College, Srinagar.

In 2009, under the NHMP, the hospital was selected for upgradation to the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS).

Presently, the government Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, Srinagar has two components, a 100-bedded IMHANS at Rainawari, Srinagar and a 30-bedded Community General Hospital Unit located within SMHS premises.

The hospital has a diagnostic section where tests such as Routine Hematology, Routine Biochemistry, Serum Electrolytes, Serology, EEG-Electroencephalography, and ECT-Electroconvulsive Therapy are performed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with youth NGOs, I've seen firsthand how unemployment and lack of opportunities in the region contribute to this menace. Awareness is good, but we need parallel job creation and skill development programs. The youth need hope and purpose.
P
Priya S
Heartbreaking to read this. So many families are suffering in silence. The helpline number is a crucial step. Parents and teachers need to be more vigilant. Jai Hind, let's fight this together! 🙏
V
Vikram M
While the government's efforts are commendable, I respectfully feel the focus is too much on treatment and awareness after the fact. We need to crack down harder on the supply chain. Where are these drugs coming from? The borders need to be sealed tighter. National security is at stake here too.
R
Rohit P
Training counselors in educational institutions is the right move. Peer pressure in schools and colleges is a major gateway. We need to make our campuses drug-free zones. More power to IMHANS and the teams on the ground.
M
Michael C
The article mentions the problem has intensified rapidly. This is a pattern seen in many post-conflict regions globally. The mental health infrastructure development (IMHANS) is a positive long-term investment. Rehabilitation and social reintegration programs are key.

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