Chikitsak Nagar-1, Bhuri Tekri and Chikitsak Nagar-2 are among most affected areas in the city in alcohol and drug abuse cases, according to a survey. The survey, conducted by Eva Welfare Organisation on the suggestion of DIG Harinarayanachari Mishra, revealed that liquor and drug abuse cases in many backward localities are above 60 percent. “In some localities – Chikitsak Nagar-1, Bhuri Tekri and Chikitsak Nagar-2 the percentage is above 80,” said Bharti Mandole of Eva Welfare Organisation.
The survey found over 80 percent families affected due to alcohol and other drugs in Chikitsak Nagar-2, 81 percent families in Bhuri Tekri and 83 per cent Chikitsak Nagar-1. The surveying agency had taken a sample size of 100 from 25 backward areas including age group of 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 and found that even teenaged children are addicted to alcohol and other drugs. “In our survey, we found that 32 percent of children above 16 years of age consume liquor. We also found that 62 percent cannabis users are above 11 years of age and 64 percent opiate users are above the age of 12,” said Vrishali Tikalkar of Eva Welfare Organisation.
NDPS cases on rise
Cases registered under NDPS Act are on rise in the city. As per information provided by local office of narcotics department, the total number of cases reported between January 1 and August 31,2016, was 22. The figure was 68 and 404 in same time period in 2017 and 2018 respectively.