SOLAN, Nov 28 — Several rundown and abandoned structures across Solan have become addiction hideouts, with locals warning that the lack of surveillance is turning them into hubs of illegal activity.
The worst-affected spot is the derelict Tourism Department building near the Old Bus Stand. Declared unsafe and unused for decades, it continues to stand without barricades or monitoring, making it easy for drug users to slip inside.
Locals say they have repeatedly noticed unknown individuals entering the site. On inspection, authorities recovered syringes, bottles and narcotic residue, signalling rampant drug consumption.
Recently, councillor Amardeep Panja alerted the municipal corporation after detecting a foul odour, initially suspecting an animal carcass. Instead, staff found makeshift sleeping arrangements and narcotics material scattered inside.
Residents say the problem is not confined to one building. Secluded spots near the railway tracks have also become popular hideouts for addicts, with locals demanding increased patrolling and immediate sealing or demolition of unsafe buildings.
Community members say the administration must act decisively before these addiction havens lead to further crime or accidents.
