Dr. Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha deserves appreciation for launching the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign, emphasizing strict action against those involved in drug smuggling. He warned that individuals harming the future of youth will not be spared, announcing measures such as cancellation of passports and Aadhaar cards, and attachment of properties of offenders. This sends a strong message that the administration is serious about tackling the drug menace. The campaign aims to create awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and promote a drug-free lifestyle, especially among the youth.
Jammu and Kashmir is facing a serious challenge, with over 13 lakh adults using addictive substances. Opioids are the most prevalent, followed by alcohol, cannabis, and sedatives. Intravenous heroin use is increasing, bringing risks of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV transmission. Nearly 95–98% of treatment-seeking patients are opioid-dependent, particularly on heroin. The government has also been implementing initiatives like Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, focusing on awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation. Alarmingly, over 1.68 lakh minors are struggling with substance abuse, including around 95,000 using opioids.
The campaign is gaining momentum through public participation, awareness drives, and community engagement. Schools, colleges, and local organizations are stepping forward to support the movement. In Baramulla, Deputy Commissioner S F Hamid flagged off a padyatra to spread awareness against drug abuse, with active participation from locals, students, and officials. Similar initiatives are being carried out across the region, where people are taking pledges to stay drug-free and extending support to those battling addiction.
The key strategies include awareness and sensitization, youth engagement, community participation, and rehabilitation support. The impact is gradually becoming visible, with rising awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and increased community involvement. Drugs disrupt the brain’s communication system, affecting nerve cell function. Substances like heroin and marijuana mimic natural chemical messengers, overstimulating the brain’s reward system. While addiction can develop at any age, early use significantly increases the risk. Teenagers, in particular, are more vulnerable due to ongoing brain development.
Governments, families, schools, and communities must work together to counter drug trafficking and substance abuse. Manoj Sinha has rightly pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir is at a critical juncture, where efforts are being made to push youth toward addiction. The campaign also focuses on providing support and rehabilitation for those affected, aiming to build a healthier and more resilient society.
The success of this campaign depends on collective effort. As emphasized, it is not about any one individual—it is about safeguarding the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth. With sustained awareness, strong community support, and firm administrative action, the region can overcome the drug menace. From rallies and seminars to rehabilitation initiatives, every step is contributing to the larger goal. The positive response from the people reflects a growing determination to fight this issue together. The Nasha Mukt campaign is a step in the right direction, and with continued commitment, Jammu and Kashmir can move towards a healthier and drug-free future.
