Drug Abuse awareness camp under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan held at Kharnakling

LEH: An awareness campaign on drug abuse was held at Kharnakling in Choglamsar on Thursday, with officials and experts urging parents and local residents to remain vigilant and work together to prevent substance abuse, particularly among young people.

The programme was organised at the Choglamsar Community Hall under the directions of Leh District Magistrate Romil Singh Donk, IAS, as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The administration is conducting similar awareness programmes across Leh district, with special attention to newly established settlement areas.

Local residents, including the Nabardar and Gobas, participated in the camp, which brought together representatives from the health, police, social welfare and de-addiction services.

Dr Padma Angmo, Psychiatrist at SNM Hospital, Leh, spoke about the health consequences of substance abuse and shared her experience of treating drug-related cases. She explained the different categories of drugs and their harmful effects, while warning that sharing needles can increase the risk of infections such as Hepatitis C.

She also informed participants about the services available at the De-addiction Centre in Leh and the toll-free helpline for people seeking assistance. Dr Angmo stressed the need to strengthen awareness among schoolchildren and suggested establishing Yato Clubs in schools to encourage students to understand the risks associated with drug abuse.

Sub-Inspector Lobzang Rinchen of Choglamsar Police Station highlighted growing concerns over substance abuse among youth and spoke about factors that can contribute to drug use. He urged parents to maintain open communication with their children and pay attention to changes in their behaviour and circumstances.

Residents attending the programme also sought increased police patrolling in the area.

The Manager of the De-addiction Centre, Leh, briefed participants about the facilities offered to people undergoing treatment and rehabilitation. These include medical care, medication, accommodation and structured programmes aimed at supporting recovery.

Officials from the Social Welfare Department emphasised the role of families in preventing substance abuse, urging parents to maintain supportive relationships with their children, understand their concerns and address problems before they escalate.

Tehsildar Leh Mohd Shabir, the nodal officer for the programme, called for greater community vigilance and urged residents to report suspicious activities linked to drugs to the concerned authorities without delay.

He also sought public cooperation with the UT Administration of Ladakh in tackling drug abuse and protecting children and young people from substance dependence.