Squad formed to check drug menace along Ganga ghats
HARIDWAR: A special squad that was formed following a Uttarakhand high court order started monitoring Ganga ghats on Saturday to curb drug abuse. The squad has a sub-inspector and 12 constables.
Cooperation from Ganga Sabha, Sewa Samiti and voluntary organisations will also be sought in this regard.
To fully implement the court directive is not an easy task, considering influx of pilgrims, tourists and local people at Ganga ghats on daily basis.
Add to this, a large number of slum dwellers, sadhus, beggars and vagabond residing on Ganga ghats make an arduous task for the district administration to check the prevalent drug menace.
“A special dedicated team has been formed with a sub-inspector in-charge, aided by twelve constables. Special briefing has been done of the squad regarding its duties, with focus on Ganga ghats,” superintendent of city police Mamta Vohra told HT.
“On day to day basis, this team will work and also apprise higher officials of their working and action. Respective police station area in which the Ganga ghat falls has also been directed to provide vital input and coordinate with this squad.”
Further, CCTV footages, particularly in evening time and night, will also be monitored to spot the drug addicts.
Squad in-charge Rajendra Shah said they were compiling data and information regarding sensitive Ganga ghats and nearby areas, where drug addiction and supply has come into light in recent past.
Terming the high court ruling as a welcome step, Ganga Sabha general secretary Ram Kumar Mishra said Ganga Sabha members and working personnel will also assist the squad in reining in the drug menace in Ganga ghats.
“It’s quite shocking that despite Haridwar and Ganga ghats being place of spiritual-religious importance, liquor, tobacco and drug consumption is prevalent,” said Mishra.
Saint community also welcomed the move.
Mahmandaleshwar Swami Harichetanand Maharaj of Udasin Akhada said human beings need fresh air, water and food for good health but drug addiction not only destroys one’s physical health but also social environment.