Srinagar, July 30: In response to the rising drug abuse problem, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to involve Anganwari and ASHA workers in identifying drug abuse victims.
Over the past two years, more than 1700 drug-related cases have been registered, averaging three to four cases daily.
“The Health Department will conduct counseling sessions for drug addicts and ensure access to substitute drugs for home detoxification. Additionally, research, surveys, and impact assessments on substance use will be conducted,” a senior official said.
“Efforts will also be made to engage youth in sports activities to divert their attention away from drugs. There are many teams working to engage youth in sports to prevent them from turning to other activities,” the official added.
These teams have been tasked with promoting youth engagement and sports activities, developing a road map, and finalizing a program related to sports and youth engagement policy.
A doctor at GMC Srinagar emphasized the widespread prevalence of drug addiction across the valley, affecting both young and older individuals. “The easy availability of substances is a significant contributing factor, making it crucial to raise awareness about the consequences of drug abuse and address the supply chain,” the doctor said.
The J&K government previously formulated a drug de-addiction policy in 2018, involving 14 governmental departments to tackle various aspects of substance abuse.
A senior police official mentioned that the government was taking measures to develop sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
“There is easy availability of drugs, especially in South Kashmir. We can counter this drug menace only through sports. The government has been promoting sports under different programs, which has brought a visible positive change on the ground,” the official added.
