The semal tree is in all its glory with its crown of scarlet flowers. Its gum, immature fruits, young roots and buds have several medical properties. This tree is associated with folklore and is significant in the socio-ethnic lives of people across the India-Nepal border.

Drug abuse is assuming frightening proportions in Hanumangarh district in Rajasthan and the worst hit are the rural youth, whose addiction is tearing apart families and sending crime in the villages and small towns skyrocketing. There are no significant drug-rehabilitation centres in the district to help the victims, complain activists. A ground report.