Amend NDPS Act to Bring Chitta Mafias to Justice, HP Tells Centre - HimbuMail

SHIMLA: In a move to combat the escalating drug menace, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Central Government to amend the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The proposed amendments aim to classify all offenses related to 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) as non-bailable and to treat deaths resulting from its consumption as equivalent to murder.

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri emphasized the government's unwavering commitment to eradicating drug abuse in the state. He highlighted alarming statistics, noting that Himachal Pradesh's drug abuse rate stands at 3.5%, significantly higher than the national average of 1.2%.

To strengthen enforcement, the government plans to deploy 500 personnel across three units dedicated to combating the drug trade.

Additionally, inspections of de-addiction centers are slated to ensure they do not become hubs for drug distribution.

The state has also sought the intervention of the Enforcement Directorate to seize assets worth ₹30 crore from individuals involved in drug trafficking.

This resolution reflects a broader trend in Himachal Pradesh's legislative efforts to impose stricter penalties for substance-related offenses.

Earlier, the Assembly passed the Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which introduced harsher punishments for the illicit manufacture and sale of liquor, including fines up to ₹3 lakh and imprisonment ranging from six months to three years.

The Assembly's recent actions underscore a comprehensive approach to tackling substance abuse, focusing on stringent legal measures and robust enforcement to safeguard the state's youth and communities

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Tragedy at Manikaran Gurudwara Site: Six Killed in Tree-Landslide

Tragedy in Manikaran: Six Dead after huge deodar tree caved in a Landslide, But Who is Accountable?

Kullu: The pilgrim town of Manikaran, known for its spiritual significance, turned into a scene of devastation as a tree- landslide near Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib claimed six lives.

The news has come at a time when the summer tourist season is picking up. The negative publicity can hit tourist footfalls in the Manikaran Valley of Kullu.

DC Kullu Ashwini Kumar and rescue team rushed to the spot but the damage was dine. Three tourists, and three locals were killed in the tree felling and landslide incident while many were injured.

The people didn't find time to escape the tree which caved in along with the landslide burying them alive.

While the Chief Minister mourns the loss and directs administrative assistance, the real question remains—why did disaster management and the Gurdwara committee fail to track the looming danger?

Now Warning Signs

The Himalayan terrain is no stranger to landslides, and Manikaran has witnessed nature’s fury time and again.

Yet, despite erratic monsoons and vulnerable slopes, there seems to have been no preventive measures in place mainly in fragile spots. There is only talk talk and talk here.

Disaster Mapping, drills or survey of blackspots on the highways remained buried in file of Disaster Management Authority.

Locals claim there were visible signs of soil erosion, weakened trees, and minor rockfalls in the preceding days. "We had noticed cracks and shifting rocks, but no one took it seriously. The authorities should have cordoned off the area," said a shopkeeper near the Gurdwara.

Gurdwara Committee’s Responsibility

The Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib attracts thousands of pilgrims daily. Ensuring their safety is a shared responsibility of both religious bodies and administrative authorities. There is no coordination.

However, questions are being raised about why no evacuation plan or early warnings were issued.

An eyewitness shared, "When the tree fell and the landslide began, there was absolute chaos.

There were no sirens, no alerts—nothing to indicate that disaster management had a plan in place."

Disaster Management: A Mere Formality?

Every monsoon, the administration issues vague warnings about landslides, but what about concrete action?

Was the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) consulted beforehand? Was there a structural audit of the vulnerable slopes?

Survivors recount a grim scene where victims were buried under debris, and rescue teams arrived only after locals began digging with bare hands.

"Had there been a proper monitoring system, these deaths could have been avoided," lamented a resident.

Time for Accountability, Not Just Condolences

While the Chief Minister's condolences may provide momentary solace, grieving families deserve more than words.

The state government needs to ensure that proper surveillance, early warning systems, and safety protocols are implemented, especially in high-risk zones like Manikaran.

Six lives have been lost. The question remains—will this be just another disaster brushed under the carpet, or will authorities finally wake up before the fragile and overcrowded places in mountains claim more innocent lives?

Hydro Power

Lahaul-Spiti Tribals Open Front against Seli and Miyar Power Projects in the Fragile Valley

Tribals of Lahaul-Spiti Rise in Revolt Against Telangana MoU for Hydropower Projects

Shimla/Keylong March 30 – The people of Lahaul-Spiti have sounded the bugle of resistance against the Himachal Pradesh government's signing of an MoU with Telangana for the construction of two mega hydroelectric projects—Miyar (120 MW) and Seli (400 MW).

The Seli is located on the Chandra Bhaga River while the Miyar is located on the Miyar tributary of Chandra Bhaga River located in the fragile Miyar Valley in Udaipur Sub division of the tribal district.

Save Lahaul-Spiti Society, a prominent voice for tribal rights and environmental protection, has condemned the agreement, calling it a blatant disregard for the fragile ecosystem of the region.

"The entire Lahaul valley is in seismic zones 4 and 5, making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes and landslides.

This region has already witnessed devastating floods, and yet the government seems adamant about pushing projects that will only worsen the crisis," said B.S. Rana, president of Save Lahaul-Spiti Society.

The opposition to these projects is not new. The Seli power project was previously awarded to Moserbaer, a company that faced stiff resistance from locals and environmental groups.

The government’s latest move to hand over these projects to Telangana has only reignited anger among the people.

"These projects are nothing but a death knell for our fragile mountains and glaciers. We cannot allow outsiders to exploit our resources while ignoring the voices of the native tribals," Rana asserted.

The local communities have long advocated for sustainable development through eco-tourism and traditional practices rather than large-scale projects that threaten their way of life.

"We have seen how unchecked hydropower development has led to disasters in other parts of the Himalayas. Lahaul-Spiti will not be the next victim of reckless policymaking," said a local activist.

The government, however, has remained tight-lipped on the mounting opposition.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who facilitated the MoU signing in Shimla on March 29, has yet to respond to the outcry from Lahaul-Spiti.

With the tribal communities and environmental groups gearing up for protests, the coming days are likely to witness a fierce battle between the people and the government over the fate of Lahaul-Spiti’s pristine environment.

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