HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 155 : Model Answer

QUESTION: What are the Key Factors Influencing the availability of Drugs and its addiction in Himachal Pradesh? (8 marks/120 words)

Answer:

According to a survey of the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre at (AIIMS), Delhi, the prevalence of the use of charas and ganja is 1.2% in the country, while it’s higher than the national average at 3.2 % in Himachal Pradesh.

Key factors that are influencing the availability of Drugs and its addiction are as follows:

1. Illicit production of cannabis (Charas) and Opium Poppy (Opium) in five districts. (Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Shimla & Sirmour
2. Illicit trafficking of Opioids (Heroin/ Chitta) and chemical based synthetic Psychotropic Drugs trafficked into the state through the inter-state borders with neighbouring states.
3. Diversion of chemical based psychotropic drugs from state’s pharmaceutical sector and state wide retailers/Chemist outlets into illegal channels.
4. Illicit trafficking of Heroin/ Chitta sourced to Afghanistan/ Pakistan (Producer countries) channeled through the bordering states into HP cannot be ignored, though, the issue is of primary importance to the neighboring states of Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
5. The diversion of Licit Opium from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh (Licit Opium cultivation states) into illicit channels is also contributing to the illicit manufacturing of Heroin/Chitta which is subsequently smuggled into Himachal Pradesh through inter-state borders.
6. Criminal nexus of certain foreign nationals in other states like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, UT Chandigarh and J & K with their partners operating in Himachal Pradesh have established drug supply chain at inter-state level. The latest trends emerged from the seizures of drugs (Heroin/ Chitta) and arrests made thereof in the state suggest that the international drug operating gangs, especially the nationals of African origin (e.g. NIGERIANS) have actively engaged themselves in drug trafficking into Himachal Pradesh.
7. The social acceptance for recreational use of liquor and cannabis (Bhang) in the state is adversely affecting the functional abilities of young people apart from posing a serious threat to socio-economic fabric of our Society.

Way forward: Himachal Pradesh has devised the Integrated Drug Prevention Policy which emphasises on a multipronged strategy to curb the drug menace in the hill state, including intensive supply reduction, empowering various line agencies with a focus on the justice delivery system and a government-administered de-addiction and social integration.