The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmed on Thursday chaired a meeting of District Level Committee under Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) Mechanism & Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Prohibition Act (COTPA), at Mini Secretariat, here.
The meeting discussed in detail ways and means to curb the drug menace and the role of various stakeholders. It also discussed the alarming issue of drug addiction and abuse and strategies to tackle this issue.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC highlighted the need for coordinated efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organizations and community leaders to effectively address the drug problem.
Dr. Owais stressed on more intensive awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse, improved access to addiction treatment and support services, and stronger regulation of the pharmaceutical shops to prevent the illegal distribution of banned drugs.
The DC also highlighted the role of various stakeholders in addressing the drug crisis, including law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, parents and religious heads.He emphasized the importance of collaboration and a unified approach in order to effectively combat the drug menace.
Dr. Owais said that we must work in coordination to address this issue and ensure that our communities are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent drug abuse and support those struggling with addiction.
Chairman DDC, Ab Gani Bhat also threw light on various ill effects of drug menace. He urged the participants to spread the message of "Say No to Drugs" in order to save our youth from this menace.SSP Bandipora Lakshay Sharma also highlighted the role of parents and religious heads in preventing drug abuse among children and youth.
Later, an interactive session was also held in which various stakeholder and students put forward their suggestions for curbing the drug menace.Chairperson District Development Council Ab Gani was present on the occasion.
The meeting was attended by Sr. Superintendent of Police Bandipora Lakshay Sharma, ADDC Bandipora Ali Afsar Khan, Nodal Officer Coordination Mohd Ashraf Hakak, Padmashree Faisal Ali Dar, ASP Bandipora Sandeep Bhat, Addl.
Deputy Commissioner, Umar Shafi Pandit, DDC Members, BDCs, students of various institutions and other concerned.Principals of Govt Degree Colleges, Sub Divisional Magistrates of Sumbal and Gurez also attended the meeting via virtual mode.