MARGAO: In an open letter to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and MLAs, former chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (GSCPCR) Peter F Borges has called for immediate action to address the escalating substance abuse crisis in the State.
Borges, President of Human Touch Foundation, referred to the ongoing assembly session and urged the lawmakers to implement a comprehensive action plan.
He stressed that the well-being of Goa’s youth and society depends on decisive action.
In the letter he cited the statistics from the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India. According to the survey, 11.8% of Goans are current alcohol users, with 3.1% suffering from alcohol use disorders. 1.7% of the population uses cannabis, with 0.66% requiring intervention. 0.6% use opioid, with many needing urgent help. Goa Police data reveals a 20% increase in narcotics-related arrests over the past year.
Borges said that the crisis has spread beyond coastal tourist areas to the hinterland. Recent reports indicate drug seizures worth Rs 3.8 crore in the past year, including significant quantities of amphetamines and cannabis.
The letter outlines key demands: formulation of a policy addressing prevention, education, intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation; increased investment in de-addiction centres, rehabilitation programmes, and law enforcement; strengthened measures to curb drug trafficking; promotion of awareness and education campaigns; expansion of rehabilitation and reintegration facilities.
Borges highlighted the need for an exclusive addiction treatment facility for children, noting the lack of specialised care for young individuals suffering from substance abuse.
He suggested a multi-agency approach led by the Directorate of Social Welfare, involving various government departments and civil society organisations.
He recommended leveraging existing resources such as the Prahari Clubs initiated by the GSCPCR and the Directorate of Education.
He said that this collaborative approach aims to ensure a comprehensive and effective response to the substance abuse crisis.
