Eastern Rajasthan is generally considered peaceful and prosperous, but for the last several years, on the lines of Udta Punjab, the drug industry in Karauli district is being filled with drugs. And unfortunately, despite the cognizance of the police-administration and public representatives, the new generation of the district is in the grip of drugs.
In the small towns and villages of Karauli, Rajasthan, a devastating problem is unfolding—smack addiction. This dangerous drug is ensnaring countless families and communities, bringing suffering to men, women, and children alike. The emotional and financial toll on the people is immense, and the situation has grown dire.
One such woman, Kalavati (name changed), who lives in a town 25 to 30 kilometers from the district, struggles to keep her family together. Each day, she is forced to buy packets of smack worth three to four hundred rupees to satisfy her husband’s addiction. If she doesn’t, he becomes agitated and starts behaving erratically, often even contemplating suicide due to withdrawal symptoms. Sadly, this is not an isolated case; across Karauli, women like Kalavati are living a constant nightmare, struggling to keep their loved ones alive by feeding their addiction.
The drug problem has affected not just individual families, but the very fabric of the community. Every day, countless women fight the battle of providing for their addicted husbands, sons, or daughters. But their cries for help often go unheard. And the burden does not only fall on the families. The district’s elderly parents, too, face heartache and frustration, as their young sons drown in the addiction of smack. Many times, these parents have no idea where their children are going or when they will return. They live in fear, wondering when their child might fall deeper into addiction, possibly even taking their life because of it.
Unfortunately, the authorities seem to have turned a blind eye to this growing crisis. While the police and administration take on small, manageable cases to appear as if they are working, the larger issue of smack addiction continues to spread like wildfire. The situation is so grave that if left unchecked, Karauli could very well become the smack capital of Rajasthan—a fate that no one wants to witness.
The rise of smack addiction is linked to the smuggling networks that operate freely in the district. These smugglers thrive in an environment where the authorities are either unaware or unwilling to take action. How can smugglers operate so boldly, with no fear of the law? One can only surmise that they have inside help—people who are willing to look the other way for a small price. This ‘cooperation’ between smugglers and insiders has led to the drug trade’s deep-rooted presence in Karauli.
The local police and administration’s apathy only serves to fuel this crisis. While it is clear that smuggling networks exist, the response from authorities has been inadequate. There is no coordinated effort to curb the supply of smack or to provide rehabilitation for addicts. Local authorities seem content with tackling smaller, visible issues, but the larger problem of drug addiction, which affects an entire generation, continues unchecked.
The involvement of public representatives is also critical. While politicians are busy with their own agendas, they fail to see the gravity of the situation affecting the most vulnerable in the district. The families affected by addiction do not have the means or the political clout to reach out to these representatives. All they wish for is for their loved ones to break free from the grip of addiction. Unfortunately, their voices remain unheard in the political corridors.
However, the solution to this problem is not impossible. It requires a shift in mindset and the collective will to act. There are ways to combat the growing menace of smack addiction, and it all begins with strong leadership and a determined effort to tackle the issue head-on.
One key step towards solving this crisis is appointing dedicated officers who understand the sensitivity of the issue. The state government must deploy combative officers who are determined to root out drug addiction from the district. This requires a no-nonsense approach—cracking down on smuggling networks, holding those who enable the trade accountable, and ensuring that proper rehabilitation facilities are in place for the addicted.
In addition to the government’s role, civil society must take an active stand. Social organizations play a crucial part in bringing about change. These organizations need to work on the ground, raising awareness about the dangers of addiction and working with local communities to provide support to affected families. Women, in particular, have a vital role to play. As the most affected group, women must be at the forefront of efforts to combat the addiction epidemic in Karauli. They are the ones who bear the brunt of the social and emotional toll addiction brings to families, and they have the power to drive change.
The power of community support cannot be overstated. With the right interventions, addicts can be rehabilitated, and their families can be supported. Social organizations and women’s groups can offer emotional and financial help to those who need it the most, and they can also advocate for better policies to prevent drug addiction in the first place.
It’s not just about stopping the smuggling and drug trade; it’s about creating a healthier future for Karauli. The community needs to come together, putting aside their differences, and focus on saving the younger generation from the destruction of addiction. Without this collective effort, the district faces the risk of losing an entire generation to drugs.
The youth of Karauli are at a crossroads. If the current trend of drug abuse continues, the social fabric of the district will collapse. However, if the community comes together, with the help of dedicated officers and social organizations, the situation can be reversed. But this requires immediate action from all stakeholders—the government, the police, social organizations, and the citizens of Karauli.
If the authorities continue to ignore the problem, the guilt of not being able to prevent the destruction of an entire generation will forever haunt them. The people of Karauli deserve better. They deserve a future where they are free from the shackles of drug addiction. And it’s time for everyone, from public representatives to ordinary citizens, to take responsibility for making this a reality. Only through collective action can Karauli overcome the scourge of smack addiction and build a brighter future for its people.
