Shimla, February 25: Even the remote villages of Rohru’s Dodra Kwar, tucked away beyond the Chanshal Pass, are no longer immune to the growing menace of drug trafficking.
As drug peddlers tighten their grip on the region’s youth, the women of Dhandravadi village have stepped up to confront the crisis head-on.
More than 100 women from Gram Panchayat Dhandravadi staged a protest march against drug abuse, determined to expose the dangers of addiction and deliver a stern warning to both users and suppliers.
The rally began at Kawar Helipad and passed through Dhandravadi and Chaidar villages before culminating at the Sub-Divisional Headquarters in Dodra Kwar. Officials from the police and civil administration also joined the demonstration.
Upon reaching the headquarters, the women submitted a memorandum highlighting their concerns to Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Dharmesh Kumar Ramotra.
Addressing the gathering, SDM Ramotra assured the public that the administration is adopting a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. He emphasized that sustained community-driven campaigns are essential to rid the region of this scourge.
“Residents must actively participate in upcoming Gram Sabha meetings to pass resolutions against drug users and traffickers.
Those involved in the drug trade should be denied government and social benefits,” Ramotra urged.
He also encouraged locals to report any information about drug smuggling directly to the Sub-Divisional Headquarters or the police outpost for swift legal action.
Despite such assurances, the question remains: can the police and administration truly crack down on drug smugglers who have penetrated even the remotest corners of Shimla district?
While the women of Dhandravadi have sent a loud and clear message, the real challenge lies in sustaining the momentum and ensuring that law enforcement acts decisively before more young lives are ruined.
