Shimla, March 11 -- A spurt in drug addiction among youth is reportedly claiming 30 to 40 young lives every year in Himachal Pradesh, raising serious concern among social organisations despite the state government's declared zero-tolerance policy against narcotics.
According to available data, drug overdose deaths in the state increased from 10 in 2020 to 21 in 2023, while the government has acknowledged 41 deaths due to drug overdose in the last nearly three years. Experts believe the actual number may be higher as several cases remain unreported due to social stigma and family pressure.
Highlighting the growing menace of "chitta" (heroin) addiction, the Anti-Drug Control Forum, led by the Himachal Pradesh Gyan Vigyan Samiti, said that t...