The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray Tuesday chaired a meeting of District Level Committee under Narco-Coordination Center (NCORD) at DC office Complex, here.The meeting discussed the ways, means and strategies to tackle the menace of drug addiction and the role of various stakeholders.
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 menace.
Dr. Sagar stressed on more intensive awareness campaigns to educate the public regarding 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.
It was apprised in the review meeting that 1000 new Drug-addict patients have been identified from different areas of the district which will be rehabilitated and properly treated.Dr Sagar asked the concerned departments to make a comprehensive action plan so that drug addict patients are brought out of this menace.
Stressing for strengthening the mechanism of drug de-addiction, DC asked the concerned departments to institutionalize the process of rehabilitation and mobilise the drug addicts in a friendly and cordial environment and strengthen the Drug De-addiction and rehabilitation centres so that patients are easily brought out of this menace.
The meeting was informed that services of 12 councilors are being utilised.The DC asked CMO Kupwara to review the councilors’ performance continuously and organise a two days training workshop for them where experts and specialists will further train and equip them.
ACP Kupwara was asked to mobilise field functionaries of RDD and Panchayt Raj and PRIs and conduct Special Gram sabhas in all Panchayats of the district in first week of June 2023 to impart awareness about harmful effects of drug abuse and rehabilitation strategies of District Administration.
Meeting was informed that a sufficient quantity of medicine was available in the drug de addiction centre for treatment of affected persons.Dr Sagar asked the concerned officers to conduct more meetings with religious heads, Ulemas, Numberdars and Chowkidars so that their services are utilised in war against drugs.
He said that the District Administration will continue its relentless fight against the drug peddling and shall ensure that Kupwara becomes free from the menace of drugs.Meeting was apprised that 205 counseling sessions of drug De- addiction were conducted in the district and 45 drug de-addiction awareness programmes were organised across the district.
SSP Kupwara Yougal Manhas said that police administration, with the help of district administration, has adopted a 'zero tolerance' approach towards drug abuse.At the conclusion, the Excise and Taxation officer, North Kashmir presented a cheque of Rs 1.50 lac to DC Kupwara and CMO Kupwara for procurement of testing kits for drug addicts.
ASP Handwara, CMO Kupwara, DSWO Kupwara, Tehsildars and other concerned officers attended the meeting.