Haryana NEWS : Haryana Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda announced that the state government will establish an authority named ‘Sankalp’ to combat drug smuggling and protect the youth from falling into addiction. He emphasized that making Haryana drug-free is a top priority, and the government is implementing a three-pronged strategy: strict legal action against smugglers, widespread awareness campaigns, and effective treatment and rehabilitation for addicts.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, he mentioned that various departments, including Police, Health, Social Justice and Empowerment (SEWA), and Public Relations, are actively working to ensure the success of the de-addiction campaign.
Responding to concerns raised during the Haryana Legislative Assembly’s budget session regarding the rising influence of synthetic drugs, Sh. Dhanda detailed the efforts made by the police to dismantle drug networks. From 2020 to 2024, 16,781 cases were registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 25,446 accused, including 3,714 in commercial quantity cases. Additionally, properties worth ₹52.79 crore belonging to 117 major smugglers were seized, and 111 illegal constructions of 100 traffickers were demolished.
In January and February 2025 alone, 567 new cases were registered, and 888 smugglers were arrested. The government is also cracking down on synthetic drugs such as LSD, methamphetamine, and MDMA, closely monitoring supply chains with the help of central agencies. Police officers are receiving specialized training in drug-related investigations.
To curb interstate smuggling, Haryana has strengthened coordination with neighboring states through the Inter-State Drug Secretariat (ISDS), established in Panchkula in 2018. Surveillance at border posts has been intensified using trained narco dogs, and stringent searches of vehicles and individuals are being conducted.
The minister also highlighted the increase in conviction rates for drug-related crimes, with commercial quantity cases rising from 53.81% in 2023 to 71.22% in 2024, and intermediate quantity cases improving from 49.48% to 59.43%. He stated that narcotics-related offenses are classified as ‘identified crimes’ to ensure swift judicial action.
The state government has been running extensive awareness campaigns, including 2,572 programs in 2024, which engaged over 16.7 lakh people. Initiatives like ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Pakhwada’ reached 12.3 lakh people directly and 5.6 lakh through social media. The ‘Drug-Free Haryana’ campaign has already declared 3,406 villages and 809 urban wards free from drug sales.
Under the ‘Sports for Youth Campaign,’ awareness drives are being conducted in schools and colleges, while the ‘Namak Lota Abhiyan’ aims to persuade small drug sellers to abandon illegal activities through social pressure. The ‘Chakravyuh’ educational program in Ambala is teaching schoolchildren about the dangers of drugs and gangs through interactive sessions.
The ‘Nasha Mukt Jeevan’ social media challenge has received over 35 lakh views, with popular artists and influencers participating. The government plans to launch a “Drug-Free Haryana Fortnightly Campaign” in 2025.
The number of de-addiction centers has increased from 98 in 2021-22 to 130 in 2024-25. In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini in January, officials were instructed to develop a system for rewarding individuals who provide information about drug smuggling through helplines while ensuring their anonymity. Additionally, panchayats actively working towards de-addiction will be recognized and rewarded.
Assuring the members of the Assembly, Sh. Dhanda reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drug addiction and ensuring a safer future for the people of Haryana.