Light islands challenged: Munich is fighting drugs and uncertainty!

Light islands challenged: Munich is fighting drugs and uncertainty!

The situation around Munich Central Station and the old botanical garden is currently causing increasing concern among residents and business owners. More and more complaints about the situation there are rounding. Residents report an increasing presence of homeless and drug addicts who not only seek refuge in house entrances and underground garages, but also occur aggressively. The garbage and dirt in the area also increase, which increases the concerns of the citizens that this area could become a social focus that unsettles both locals and tourists. The local SPD has now applied to the Maxvorstadt district committee to increase security in the region and take measures against garbage and vandalism. In particular, politicians are calling for improved nighttime lighting at the Tram stop Central Station North to strengthen people's feeling of security. This initiative is part of a larger series of application, which deals with the improvement of security and cleanliness around the main train station and the old botanical garden, such as the tz reported.

The situation is not only anchored locally, but also reflects a nationwide phenomenon. Drug use in public space is a big topic in many cities in Germany, including Munich. Railway stations, parks and other public places in particular are often affected by this problem. Experts emphasize that the connection between drug use and homelessness is alarming, since every fourth homeless person suffers from a addiction. Minister Klara Geywitz recently convened a specialist meeting on the subject of "public space and drug use" in order to develop concepts for the design of a safe public space. It is important not to stigmatize the consumers, but to offer them help. Cities like Cologne and Hamburg share their experiences and challenges in dealing with this problem, whereby specific measures have already been launched to improve public space, as from a report of the bmwsb

public security and drug use

Especially in urban areas, public drug use is one of the central challenges that need to be mastered. An investigation by the Institute for Addiction Research shows that specific risks often arise from groups of alcoholic men and less from drug addicts. The study also illustrates that the social handling of open drug scenes goes through a change. In recent decades, repressive to pragmatic solutions have passed. Drug uses are such a measure that should contribute to relieving public space in many cities and should enable safe consumption. However, these approaches are not without controversy, since they also open up space for discussions about security and hygiene. The need for low-threshold consumer places and the access to the opioid substitution is repeatedly pointed out to help those affected, such as IDW reported.

The challenges are diverse and a comprehensive solution requires cooperation between different institutions, including drug help, police and urban institutions. However, it is clear that the concerns of the citizens have to be reacted to. Only through targeted measures such as better lighting, more cleanliness and increased focus on social support can we improve the quality of life in Munich and at the same time create a safe environment for everyone.