Rising Drug Addiction Among Youth in Himachal Concerns the Governor

Acharya Devvrat, Himachal Pradesh Governor, expressed his concern over the increase in drug addiction, especially among the youth in the state, and asked for combined efforts to stop the threat.

"The government and police administration have taken effective steps, but we all need to work together in this direction," he said at the inauguration of the centuries-old Lavi Fair in Rampur town, which was once a center of barter trade with Tibet.

Impact of Drug Abuse on Health and Society
Drug abuse is a negative social trend that pushes youth to drug addiction in the pretext of getting psychological effects like excitation.

‘A rise in drug addiction among the youth concerns the Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat. He calls for combined efforts to end the problem.’
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He called upon the people to promote natural farming. The state government has made a provision of Rs 25 crore to promote natural or organic farming to produce chemical-free food.

The 400-year-old Lavi Fair has undergone a sea change with the rural folk's changing lifestyles and aspirations, resulting in a greater sale of gadgets and automobiles than traditional items such as farm implements, livestock and dry fruits.

The fair dates back to the time when Raja Kehari Singh of Rampur Bushahr state signed a treaty to promote trade with Tibet.

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Prescription drug abuse is consuming prescription medications in a way different from that as prescribed by the doctor. It is becoming a colossal health problem which can lead to addiction and even death.

Rampur, 120 kilometers from state capital Shimla, was once a major trade center as it is located on the old silk route connecting Afghanistan, Tibet, and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir.

"People have stopped buying farm implements, horses and sheep. Now, they prefer to shop luxury goods like television sets and automobiles," trader Ishwar Goyal told IANS.

Drug Abuse | Drug Addiction | Substance Abuse - Overview
The use of Drugs for reasons other than its prescribed recommendation, is known as Drug abuse or substance abuse. Drug abuse or substance abuse is initiated by various biological and social factors.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur will preside over the concluding session of the fair on November 14.

Another trader Deepak Negi said Rampur was a center of trade before the 1962 India-China war.

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Drug abuse during pregnancy has an adverse effect on the mother as well as the fetus. It is advisable to stop usage of illicit drugs well before pregnancy.

The traders from Tibet used to bring raw wool, butter, herbs, and leather products and bartered them for wheat, rice, farm implements, and livestock.

"Now, the traders from across the border have stopped coming. Indian multinational companies come here to sell their products. The fair has largely lost its relevance," he added.

A three-day horse trade-cum-exhibition was organized before the beginning of the Lavi Fair. The main attraction during the exhibition were the Chamurthi horses - an endangered species known as the 'Ship Of the Cold Desert.' Being a sure-footed animal, it is mainly used for transporting goods in the Himalayas.

The Chamurthi horse traces its origin to the Tibet region. In India, it's bred in the villages of Himachal Pradesh bordering China.

The fair sees several folk artistes from Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh perform.

Source-IANS