Long-Pending De-Addiction Centre Project Moves Ahead After Governor’s Rap
Shimla, October 21
After months of inaction, the proposed modern de-addiction and rehabilitation centre at Kotla-Barog in Sirmaur district has finally seen some movement — days after Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla pulled up the state government for the poor state of rehab facilities in Himachal.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday chaired a review meeting with officials of the Social Justice & Empowerment Department and other line departments to push forward the long-delayed project.
The centre, once ready, will house 100 beds and feature a library, gymnasium, and sports facilities, along with provisions for skill and vocational training to help patients rebuild their lives.
Sukhu said the government has sanctioned ₹5.34 crore for the project and assured that additional funds would be released if needed.
He directed officials to ensure that the land under the Animal Husbandry Department is transferred to the Social Justice & Empowerment Department without delay to expedite construction.
The Deputy Commissioners of Solan and Sirmaur joined the meeting virtually.
Social Justice & Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Additional Chief Secretary Shyam Bhagat Negi, Principal Secretary (Law) Rajiv Bali, and Director Sumit Kimta were also present.
The development comes after Governor Shukla recently expressed concern over the state’s sluggish response to rising drug abuse and questioned the lack of proper infrastructure and rehabilitation mechanisms in government-run centres.
His remarks appear to have nudged the administration into action, breathing new life into a project that had been gathering dust for months.
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