Anti-drug drives

Even as Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria lead parallel anti-drug campaigns, it is imperative that the efforts go beyond political rivalry and yield tangible results. Punjab, ranking second in the country for drug-related cases under the NDPS Act, continues to grapple with a crisis that has devastated families and endangered the future of its youth. While high-profile marches, public oaths and pledges can create awareness, they must be backed by strong enforcement and systemic change.

The numbers tell a concerning story. While the number of drug-related cases in Punjab has declined from 12,423 in 2022 to 9,025 in 2024, the state remains a major hub for drug smuggling. The government has adopted an aggressive stance, with the Punjab Police shifting focus to dismantling high-level drug networks and targeting kingpins. The real challenge lies in cracking down on the “big fish" who control the supply chain. Deaths due to drug overdose continue to be a stark reality in Punjab, with scores of young individuals succumbing to addiction each year. The absence of adequate deaddiction and rehabilitation services further exacerbates the problem, leaving many vulnerable to relapse or fatal overdose.

Without a multi-pronged strategy that includes medical intervention, community support and economic opportunities for those at risk, the state will struggle to turn the tide. The Mann government’s youth engagement and the Governor’s padyatra aim to mobilise public participation, but deeper interventions are needed. Schools and colleges must play a proactive role and, as the Chief Minister has suggested, teachers should be trained to identify early signs of addiction. For Punjab to truly rid itself of this scourge, political leaders must prioritise long-term structural reforms over momentary optics.

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