Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Jan 3: The drug addiction in J&K has escalated sharply, with addiction levels nearly tripling over the past three and a half years, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said today.
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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a drug de-addiction awareness program at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), here, Garg also stated that the heroin use is rising alarmingly among young people.
“Drug addiction has become a problem. The numbers that we saw today show that in the last three years, the problem has multiplied three times. We have also come to know that youth are getting involved in it and the tendency of heroin consumption is increasing.”
He described the situation as a grave social challenge and a clear warning for society.
“There is a need for fighting collectively. All the stakeholders are being roped in. The religious leaders are being made part of it so that they can make people aware of the situation.”
Garg also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention and capacity-building initiatives, saying, “Such training programs will be rolled out; we will focus more on prevention.”
He noted that official data indicates a steep rise in substance abuse, particularly heroin consumption, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action to curb the growing menace.
The Divisional Commissioner said the anti-drug campaign is being monitored at the highest level, with the Chief Secretary personally overseeing what he termed one of the Valley’s largest awareness initiatives.
He stressed that sustained efforts are required not only to prevent addiction but also to support institutions and individuals working on rehabilitation and prevention.
Highlighting the role of IMHANS, Garg said the institute has emerged as a key hub for capacity building and awareness generation.
He said that Counsellors are being trained across health and educational institutions, with five-day training programmes currently underway under the supervision of the Principal, Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar.
He added that similar programmes will be rolled out across all districts of Kashmir.
Garg also pointed to increasing community participation in the campaign, noting that religious leaders in Srinagar have extended active support, helping amplify the message against drug abuse.
“Stakeholders from various sections of society are coming together to strengthen the fight against addiction,” he said.
He further informed that IMHANS has operationalised dedicated helpline services and is training volunteers to manage distress calls and guide affected individuals toward appropriate medical and counselling support.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment, the Divisional Commissioner said the health, social welfare, and district administration departments remain available round-the-clock to assist those battling addiction.
He emphasised that the challenge cannot be addressed by the Government alone and called for sustained societal support to back medical and rehabilitation institutions engaged in combating drug abuse.
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