Drug problem is just as bad as terrorism – Yogish Bhat

Drug problem is just as bad as terrorism – Yogish Bhat

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 28, 2012: Addressing reporters in the DC’s office today, Yogish Bhat, deputy speaker of the state legislative assembly, said that increasing use of drugs and narcotics in Karnataka is as threatening as terrorism. 

Mr. Bhat was at a meeting with officers from the police, health, narcotics, environment, and other departments, held to discuss ways to deal with the growing drug menace in the city, along with other issues.

He said that a report will be prepared based on the discussion and submitted so that the issue can be taken up in assembly and the state government can take steps against this problem. A wide range of issues such as checking the supply of drugs from places such as Kerala and Goa, improving dog squad services for drug detection, along with proposals made by the health and narcotics departments will be taken into consideration. 

Speaking on the drug issue, Madikeri MLA Appachchu Ranjan said that Mangalore is not only famous as an education hub, but also as a drug hub as its stands second in the state where drug abuse is concerned. Listing ways to deal with the problem, he said that cameras can be installed in educational institutions and students can be subjected to alcohol tests so that they will be discouraged from experimenting with drugs. 

Mr. Bhat also spoke about the rehabilitation of Malekudiyas on this occasion. He said that the state government is mulling over compensating and rehabilitating not just the Malekudiyas of Belthangady, but a total of 1,400 families in the Western Ghats. Stating that the government will not force any family to accept the compensation and rehabilitation package, he admitted that force has been used in the past, but won’t be used anymore. He also said that the revenue, forest, and police departments will submit a joint report regarding parameters to be considered for compensation. 

Besides, he said that officers will visit Lakya Dam to see if the silt deposited in it can be used as an alternative for sand.