While Punjab as a state may be in pole position when it comes to drug-related offences, city-wise data of the National Crime Records Bureau puts Mumbai on top. In 2014, there were 19,874 cases under Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act reported in the country. Of this, Mumbai reported 14,274 cases followed by Amritsar with 1,382 cases. It translates into 77.5 cases per one lakh Mumbaikars, the highest under NDPS. (Times of India)

Maharashtra also ranks high in the number of people committing suicide from drug abuse. In 2014, suicide from drug abuse formed 8.4% of all suicides in the state. The numbers for 2012 and 2013 crossed 10%, NCRB numbers show. (Mumbai Mirror)

Caritas India is implementing the HAPPY (Health Action Programme for Progress of Youth) in Mumbai city from last two years. The goal of the project is to establish a Health movement among youth to prevent substance use/abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs and objectives of the project is to promote health and to reduce the vulnerability to substance use and abuse among students in classes 6 to 12 of 720 schools spread in the city of umbai.

Caritas India celebrated Anti- Drugs day in Mumbai city with Dyan Sagar school at Jogeshwari on 26 June 2018. The programme began with the drawing competition and slogan competition for the school children. Sixty students from 6 to 10 standards have participated in the programme.

In her speech the headmistress Ms. Kadam of the school told that the addiction among the youth is increasing day by day among the youth. The addiction is being fueled by easy access to cheap drugs on the streets. The problem has worsened to such an extent in areas such as Andheri-Lokhandwala and Oshiwara that last week over 100 residents marched to a police station and demanded that their neighbourhoods be cleared of drug pushers.

Ms Kaskar, retired head Mistress told that the Mumbai is often ranked among Indian cities with high drug trafficking cases, what has alarmed police officials and experts is the increasing number of children trying substances and getting hooked. They also voiced concerns about the devastating effect on families and communities, which get ensnared in a cycle of fear, an uncertainty, and regret.

Ms Varsha Sonawane, Project coordinator have given the brief about the HAPPY project and appeal that Caritas India is reaching 120 schools in Mumbai to create awareness about the HAPPY project. She also mentioned that the project is mainly developing to prevent the young people by using substance drugs.

Mr Melvin Pangya, State Officer- Maharashtra spoke that role of teachers is very much important in the HAPPY project. The new drugs coming in the market every day which attracts the youngsters and there are chances that the youth may get attract to these vices. There is no single, city-wide database of the number of youths battling addiction.

The programme lead taken by Ms. Vishakha Amre one of our special teachers. The prizes and refreshment were given to the children and vote of thanks given by Ramesh Gajare, Trainer, HAPPY project.