Drug Abuse in Punjab and Haryana has reached epidemic levels. A Hindustan Times report states that parathas available outside schools and colleges are laced with drugs in Chandigarh.
Matter came to light when the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bench said, “Rehriwallahs operating outside schools, colleges and at some other spots in the city are selling drugs. I have been told about this recently by a lawyer.”
“Even paranthas laced with drugs are available in the city,” said Justice Surya Kant. The observation was made by the bench of Justices Surya Kant and PB Bajanthri during the resumed hearing of public interest litigation (PIL) on the drug menace in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.
HERE’S HOW DRUGS ARE SERVED IN PARATHAS AND SANDWICHES According to this newspaper report, drugs like Ganja, Opium, pain-killers are mixed during kneading of dough. Mostly drug-addicts demand these drug-laded paranthas. These drugs are also spread on bread slices to make sandwiches, they added.
HIGHCOURT INSTRUCTS AUTHORITIES TO TAKE STERN ACTION
During the hearing, the HC asked the authorities to rope in NGOs to gather ground reports and do intelligence gathering.
High Court also told the authorities to consider setting up a call centre so that general public could share information on such illegal activities being carried out in any part of the city.
The court has also directed the UT to constitute an expert panel to prepare a curriculum for school and college students on harmful effects of drugs, which it said should be in place before the onset of next academic session.
The Chandigarh administration in its affidavit given to the high court stated that guidelines for the prevention of drug abuse among the school children’s had been framed, which could be included in the school diary/prospectus for parents.
