J&K Launches Comprehensive 3-Year Rehab Plan to Combat Drug Menace
SRINAGAR: In a significant push to address the rising substance abuse crisis in the Union Territory, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has unveiled an ambitious three-year rehabilitation framework. Spearheaded by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, the initiative aims to provide a structured recovery path for individuals undergoing treatment at government-run or aided de-addiction facilities, ensuring they transition smoothly back into mainstream society.
The government’s primary goal is to minimize relapse rates and provide long-term socio-economic stability to those struggling with addiction. Initially, the pilot phase of this scheme will be rolled out across four high-burden districts: Jammu, Srinagar, Kathua, and Budgam, with plans for a phased expansion to the remaining regions in the near future.
A Three-Phase Recovery Roadmap
The rehabilitation program is meticulously designed to support recovery over a 36-month timeline. According to officials, the scheme operates through three distinct phases:
- Phase I (Months 0–6): This stage focuses on the immediate clinical needs of the patient, encompassing intake, detailed medical assessment, detoxification, stabilization, and the creation of a personalized rehabilitation roadmap.
- Phase II (Months 6–24): The strategy shifts toward social reintegration and economic empowerment. During this period, the administration will focus on livelihood activation to help individuals regain financial independence.
- Phase III (Months 24–36): The final stage emphasizes long-term sustainability, featuring consistent monitoring, psychological support, and deep-rooted social inclusion efforts to ensure the individual remains on the path to recovery.
A Multi-Departmental Collaborative Effort
To ensure the policy’s success, the J&K government has integrated multiple departments to provide a holistic support system. The Social Welfare Department has been designated as the nodal agency to lead implementation. Supporting this, the Health and Medical Education Department will continue to provide psychiatric care, counseling, and relapse-prevention services.
Recognizing that economic and social factors play a critical role in addiction recovery, the Labour and Employment Department will lead vocational training and job placement initiatives. Meanwhile, the Education Department will step in to support academic continuity for students, and the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department will work to engage families and community networks to foster an environment conducive to reintegration.
Addressing the Growing Crisis
The launch of this scheme comes on the heels of the administration’s intensified efforts under the “Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan” (Drug-Free Campaign). Since April 2026, the local administration and police have stepped up crackdowns on drug networks, conducted random testing, and engaged in large-scale community awareness drives.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by concerning data. Government records indicate that over 32,500 drug abuse cases have been registered across J&K since 2022. Furthermore, a landmark 2022 study by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Kashmir estimated that roughly 67,468 individuals across 10 districts in the valley are struggling with substance dependency.
By moving beyond mere detoxification and focusing on long-term socio-economic support, the J&K government hopes to shift the narrative from punitive measures to one of healing and community-led restoration.
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