Leh, Oct 27: Dr. Stanzin Dawa, noted educationist and Principal, Lamdon Senior Secondary School Leh has urged the UT Administration of Ladakh to establish a 21st-century Drug Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and constitute UT Level/District Level Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Committee to realize the goal of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan launched by Government of India.
In a letter addressed to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT, Brig (Dr.) BD Mishra, Dr Dawa said, “I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of utmost importance and urgency that concerns the well-being and future of the residents of Ladakh. It pertains to the increasing cases of substance abuse within the region and the dire need for a 21st-century drug rehabilitation and wellness center.
At present, Ladakh is facing a significant challenge as there is no dedicated place for drug rehabilitation in the region. Those who are unfortunately addicted to substances find themselves confined to either hospitals or police jails. This situation is far from ideal and fails to address the complexities and sensitivities associated with substance abuse and addiction.”
The letter further reads, “The issue of substance abuse is growing at an alarming rate in Ladakh, and it is evident from the increasing number of drug peddlers being apprehended by the police and the rising number of adolescents and youth succumbing to substance abuse. This trend poses a potential danger to our society and the future of Ladakh. While I acknowledge the commendable efforts of the Ladakh Police, led by Dr. S.D Singh Jamwal-IPS ADGP Ladakh and respective SSPs of Leh and Kargil, it is essential to understand that the police alone cannot ensure a drug-free healthy Ladakh.
Given the complexity and sensitivity of the drug problem, I respectfully request you consider establishing a multi-stakeholder Ladakh UT Level Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Committee and respective district level Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Committee dedicated to addressing this issue in a holistic manner. This task force should meet bimonthly, at the district level with the respective district SSPs serving as chairpersons, to provide updates on the status of multi-stakeholder initiatives, successes, and challenges faced in the fight against substance abuse.
Furthermore, it is crucial to note that the Government of India has launched the ambitious Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to combat substance abuse at a national level. However, it is imperative that the program reaches remote areas like Ladakh, located on the border, where our adolescents, youth, and adults are vulnerable to substance addiction. We must ensure that the residents of Ladakh have access to adequate specialist professionals, amenities, treatments, and therapies to help them overcome their addictions and regain their lives.
This initiative will not only provide hope and support to those battling addiction but also protect the future of Ladakh by offering a path to recovery and a brighter tomorrow.
I would be grateful if you could consider this proposal and take the necessary steps to address this pressing issue. Your commitment to the well-being of the residents of Ladakh is greatly appreciated, and your actions in this regard would undoubtedly make a substantial difference.”
