Write a Letter to the Editor of a Newspaper Describing the Problem of Drug Addiction in Punjab: Samples

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Write a Letter to the Editor of a Newspaper Describing the Problem of Drug Addiction in Punjab

Writing a letter to the editor is a powerful way to raise awareness about serious issues in society. One such growing problem is drug addiction in Punjab, which is affecting the lives of many young people and their families. Through your letter, you can express concern, share facts, and suggest helpful solutions. In this blog, we will guide you on how to write a letter to the editor of a newspaper, describing the problem of drug addiction in Punjab in a clear and effective manner.

Write a Letter to the Editor of a Newspaper Describing the Problem of Drug Addiction in Punjab: Sample 1

To
The Editor
The Times of India
Sector 8C
Madhya Marg, 
Chandigarh,
Punjab – 160009

Subject: Urgent Attention Needed to Address Drug Addiction in Punjab

Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express deep concern over a crisis that continues to quietly destroy lives, the growing problem of drug addiction in Punjab.

As a resident of the region, I have seen how this issue is not confined to media reports or statistics. It is present in our villages, towns, schools, and, heartbreakingly, in many homes. What was once whispered about has now become painfully visible. According to the Punjab State Narcotics Control Bureau, nearly 950,000 people in the state are currently struggling with substance dependence. Many of them are young and lack access to timely support.

Equally alarming, as of February 2025, nearly 10 lakh individuals were receiving treatment at 529 government-run Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres across Punjab. This number reflects both the scale of the crisis and the need for stronger, long-term rehabilitation infrastructure.

We must also recognise the growing number of young children and teenagers falling into this trap. Reports tabled in Parliament in 2023 reveal that over 6.95 lakh children aged 10 to 17 in Punjab are using drugs, including opioids and inhalants. These are not just statistics; instead, they represent lives full of promise slipping away.

The initiative of the Punjab government, ‘Yudh Nashian De Virudh’, launched in March 2025, has led to the registration of over 8,344 FIRs, more than 14,700 arrests, and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, including 586 kg of heroin. While this step of the Punjab government shows commitment, enforcement alone cannot break the cycle of addiction.

The real causes of drug addiction lie deeper, including hopelessness, peer pressure, unemployment, and untreated mental health issues. These challenges cannot be solved by arrests alone. We must look toward prevention, education, and community healing.

To bring real change, I request that the government and civil society consider the following steps:
i. Introduce structured drug education and counselling programs in all schools, so children are empowered with knowledge and emotional support before they reach a crisis point.
ii. Educate and involve parents and families to recognise early signs and support recovery without stigma.
iii. Open more de-addiction centres. Make them better. Treat people with respect. Use proper medical care to help them recover.
iv. Promote grassroots community campaigns that involve educators, health workers, spiritual leaders, and recovered individuals to rebuild awareness and support systems.

The Punjab government’s recent decision to launch an INR 150 crore drug census across the state is an important and timely step, aimed at creating a ‘Badalta Punjab’ (Changing Punjab) and not ‘Udta Punjab’ (Punjab on a high). If implemented sincerely, it can guide targeted, data-driven intervention. But alongside it, we also need empathy, consistency, and long-term commitment.

This letter is a small voice in a large, growing concern. But I hope it adds to the call for action. The youth of Punjab deserve safety, dignity, and a chance at a better future. The time to act is now.

Sincerely,
Meenakshi Sharma
Ludhiana

Write a Letter to the Editor of a Newspaper Describing the Problem of Drug Addiction in Punjab: Sample 2


To
The Editor
The Times of India
SCO 8, Sector 17-E
Chandigarh,
Punjab – 160017
India

Subject: Rising Drug Addiction in Rural Punjab Demands Action from the Community.

Dear Editor,
Yesterday, I attended another funeral in my village. Nineteen-year-old Simran did not die from a drug overdose, but by suicide. The shame and silence that followed her addiction became too much for her to bear. Her story is not uncommon. It reflects the growing tragedy across rural Punjab, where families continue to suffer in silence.

This crisis is no longer just about statistics. It is about mothers who hide their tears, fathers who sell their land to pay for treatment, and siblings who live in fear that they may be next. Traditional joint families, once pillars of support, are now collapsing under the burden of addiction.

What is most painful is seeing young, brilliant minds wasting away. These individuals are not weak. They are victims of a broken system. Unemployment breeds desperation. The easy availability of drugs turns experimentation into dependency. Social stigma prevents people from seeking help when they need it most.

Religious institutions once served as places of guidance and hope. Today, many gurdwaras conduct more funeral prayers than joyful celebrations. Community elders, who once commanded respect and gave direction, now feel helpless as they watch a generation lose its way.

Healing cannot happen through individual treatment alone. We need community-based solutions. Village-level intervention programs, peer support groups, and opportunities for meaningful employment must be part of our response. These steps can help restore dignity and give our youth a reason to hope again.

Punjab’s soul is at stake. The time has come for us to share the responsibility and act together.

Sincerely,
Harpreet Kaur
Social Worker
Moga

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FAQs

Question 1.  Why should I write a letter to the editor about drug addiction in Punjab?

Ans. Writing a letter to the editor helps raise public awareness and urges authorities to take necessary actions. It gives voice to your concern and can influence readers and policymakers.

Question 2.  What should I include in my letter to the editor?

Ans. The letter to the editor should include a clear introduction of the issue, factual information or observations, its impact on society, possible solutions, and a respectful call to action.

Question 3. How long should a letter to the editor be?

Ans. Ideally, the letter to the editor length should be between 150 to 200 words, short, focused, and impactful.

Question 4. Can students write letters to the editor?

Ans. Yes, students can and should be encouraged to write letters to the editors. It shows social responsibility and helps develop communication and writing skills of the peers.

Question 5. Where can I find reliable data to include in my letter?

Ans. To find reliable data, you can refer to official government reports, newspaper articles, health department data, and research studies on drug addiction in Punjab for accurate and updated information.

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