THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, January 10: The DAWN (Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation) campaign against drug abuse, launched in Jharkhand under the aegis of Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) and its district unit, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), is gaining momentum in Palamu district.
People Seeking Practical Solutions
The campaign is drawing increasing attention, with concerned citizens raising direct and serious questions on how to prevent youth from falling into drug and other addictions.
Sharing details with The Jharkhand Story Network, DLSA Secretary Rakesh Ranjan said an interactive session was held with people and patients at the Nasha Mukti Kendra in Daltonganj.
“The patients undergoing treatment asked very concerning questions. They said, we know who sells drugs and who uses them. We ask them not to do it, but nobody listens. We feel helpless,” Ranjan recalled.
Hope for Collective Fight Against Drugs
Ranjan said such frank queries reflect hope that the fight against drug abuse can succeed if society collectively says no to drugs.
“Rhetoric will not work. People want practical guidance on how to deal with those involved in drug trade or addiction. Such bold questions call for a sustained crackdown,” he added.
Legal Aid and Helpline Support
He informed that NALSA has launched a toll-free helpline number 15100 for assistance related to drug abuse and allied issues.
Government mental health doctor Dr Ashish Kumar expressed deep concern over rising addiction cases.
“Nearly 90 per cent of patients are males and 10 per cent females who come to the mental health centre for treatment,” he said.
According to him, alcohol, cannabis, opioids and inhalants are the most common substances abused, while tobacco consumption remains extremely high.
“Society must wake up before it is too late,” he warned.
Tobacco Consumption on the Rise
Sources said that on average, two truckloads of tobacco arrive in Daltonganj every week, making tobacco the most sold item after tea in the district. People in Palamu chew tobacco more than clove (loung) or fennel (saunf).
Court sources said Principal District and Sessions Judge Sriram Sharma has directed the DLSA and para-legal volunteers to implement the DAWN campaign without any laxity.