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Ans: (i). It’s early morning, and the mustard fields are swaying in the wind. You can hear the
faint sound of a flute from somewhere nearby. But not far away, inside a dimly lit room, a
young man sits in silence — his eyes tired, his future uncertain. His name could be
anything… Aman, Gurpreet, Jatinder. What matters is that his story is not just his own — it’s
a story shared by thousands across Punjab, trapped in the shadow of something that has
quietly grown into one of the state’s most pressing challenges: the drug menace.
Understanding the Drug Menace in Punjab
The phrase “drug menace” refers to the widespread misuse and addiction to harmful, often
illegal, substances that damage health, productivity, and community life.
Punjab, known for its fertile land, hardworking spirit, and vibrant culture, has also been
facing a deep and complex crisis over the past decades: a high rate of substance abuse
among its youth and working-age population. From small towns to big cities, the problem
has seeped into many layers of society.
How the Menace Grew — A Brief Backstory
Decades ago, Punjab’s image was all about green fields, prosperity from the Green
Revolution, and lively traditions. But as farming incomes became unstable, unemployment
rose, and social pressures grew, a dangerous market for narcotics began to find fertile
ground.
Some contributing factors include:
• Geographical location: Punjab shares a long border with Pakistan, a known route in
the international drug trade.
• Economic pressures: Decline in agricultural profitability, lack of diversified jobs.
• Social influences: Peer pressure, glamorization of drug use in some music or media.
• Accessibility: Easy availability of substances like heroin, synthetic drugs, and
pharmaceutical misuse.
The Human Cost
The statistics are alarming, but the real impact is seen in daily life:
• Young people dropping out of school or college.
• Families spending their savings on expensive treatments.
• Crimes like thefts and smuggling increasing to support addiction habits.
• Loss of productivity in workplaces and farms.
• A silent mental health crisis — depression, anxiety, and isolation.
And beyond the numbers, there’s an invisible loss: the dreams, ambitions, and cultural
vibrancy that get clouded by dependency.
Challenges in Fighting the Problem