To deter Haryana’s youth from drugs, the Haryana Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is turning to a traditional mountain practice. NCB is set to launch the ‘Heart Change Campaign’ this month. As part of the initiative, drug smugglers and addicts will publicly pledge to abstain from drugs by performing a ceremony involving pouring ‘lota-salt’ in front of village communities and pundits.
Inspired by a unique tradition in remote areas of Himachal and Uttarakhand during elections, where candidates swear on ‘Lota-Nun’ (salt) to secure votes, this campaign aims to induce behavioral change in drug addicts. This tradition holds significant weight, especially in rural areas, acting as a solemn oath.
Under the campaign, identified drug smugglers and users in villages will be presented before the community, elders, and pundits. Their detrimental impact on themselves, their families, and the community due to drug addiction will be highlighted. Additionally, individuals relying on drug trade for their livelihood will be informed about government schemes available for those below the poverty line.NCB officials emphasize the importance of raising awareness about the harm caused by drug addiction, coupled with strict actions taken by the police against drug smugglers in the state. Haryana police teams are collaborating with rural communities to implement the program. This initiative goes beyond combating drug trafficking, as evidenced by the collaboration between NCB and law enforcement agencies, resulting in over 3,500 drug smuggler arrests in the first 11 months of the year. Surprisingly, 90 percent of these arrests involve small-scale drug peddlers, often driven by poverty or addiction.