HP govt to encourage people to stop sowing cannabis, poppy

Buoyed over the success of its statewide drive to destroy cannabis plant, Himachal Pradesh government has now come up with a plan to wean away people in the remote regions of the state from narcotic trade.

The government has now proposed a plan to rehabilitate families in remote regions that depend on drug trade for earning their livelihood.

“The government has drawn a proposal to wean people away from cannabis and opium trade,” chief secretary VC Pharkha told Hindustan Times.

Government has directed teams of officials from horticulture agriculture and animal husbandry departments to visit regions infamous for cultivating cannabis and opium.

“Various government departments will hold consultations with people in the cannabis growing areas. Teams will find what can be the best alternative crop for the people so that they stop cultivating narcotic plants,” he said. Narcotics trade in the state has reached an alarming stage with international drug mafia operating actively.

Survey shows sad state of affairs

A survey conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau reveals that nearly 2,500 villages across Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Kangra, Shimla and Sirmour depend on money earned from narcotic trade for their livelihood. Malana, a remote village in Kullu. is famous for “narco-tourism”.