Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla issued a stark warning on Thursday, comparing the rising drug menace in the hill state to the situation in Punjab depicted in the film Udta Punjab. According to Hindustan Times, he said if swift and effective action is not taken by the state government, Himachal could face a similar crisis within the next five years.
Governor Sounds Alarm on Drug Crisis
Addressing a state-level workshop on the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” (Drug-Free India Campaign) at Peterhoff in Shimla, the Governor said, “If we don’t wake up now, the situation will deteriorate rapidly. In the next five years, Himachal Pradesh will be ‘Udta Punjab’ if we remain negligent.”
He stressed that Himachal, once known for its natural beauty and peace, is now grappling with increasing drug abuse, especially among the youth. He urged both government departments and civil society to act in unison to stop the spread of narcotics.
Disturbing Trends Among Youth
Shukla expressed concern over the growing use of synthetic drugs, especially in urban areas like Shimla, Mandi, and Kullu. He highlighted how easy access and peer pressure are pulling even school and college students into the trap of substance abuse.
Citing recent studies, he mentioned that cannabis and synthetic drugs are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers, a trend that poses serious long-term risks to public health and safety.
Call for Coordinated Action
The Governor called for joint efforts from law enforcement, educational institutions, health departments, and community leaders to create awareness and rehabilitation programs. He emphasized that the fight against drugs must be a “people’s movement” and not just a law-and-order issue.
He also praised voluntary organizations and recovery centers working across Himachal but said much more needed to be done, especially in rural areas where awareness levels are low.
State Government Under Pressure
While the Governor did not directly criticize the state government, his strong remarks are being seen as a wake-up call for the ruling administration. Political observers believe the statement adds pressure on the government to act decisively before the issue escalates further.
The ruling Congress party in Himachal has previously acknowledged the drug problem but has also blamed cross-border trafficking routes and poor surveillance in border areas for the growing menace.
A Social and Economic Time Bomb
Experts warn that drug addiction in a hilly state like Himachal can have cascading effects—not only on health but also on tourism, education, and the local economy. The Governor urged parents to talk openly with their children and encouraged schools to integrate drug awareness programs into their curriculum.
He concluded the workshop by saying that protecting the youth is a collective responsibility, and “the time to act is now.”
Photo Credit: HT
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