To raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking and provide support to affected individuals, a series of events were today conducted by District Administration across the district Kishtwar to mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Drug Trafficking.The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2023 unfolded with the central theme, "People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention".
The main function held in the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex, under the supervision of District Social Welfare Officer Zubair Ahmed, witnessing active participation of over 200 students, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and staff members of the DC Office, besides several individual activists and organizations.
Notable attendees included Additional District Development Commissioner Kishtwar (ADDC), Sham Lal; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Khalil Ahmed Poswal; District Social Welfare Officer Kishtwar (DSWO), Zubair Ahmed Lone; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. M. Y. Mir; Chief Education Officer, Prehlad Bhagat and others.
The program primarily focused on launching the Nasha Mukt Panchayat Abhiyaan in District Kishtwar, which aims to combat substance abuse and create drug-free communities.To emphasize the commitment towards this cause, a Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) Pledge was administered, accompanied by a Signature Campaign.
Furthermore, in a symbolic gesture, the ADDC Kishtwar and SSP Kishtwar in the presence of other dignitaries, flagged off the Nasha Mukt Express from the DC Office Complex.This express campaign will traverse through the various blocks of Kishtwar, spreading awareness and fostering support for the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan.
A captivating debate was held, with speakers and students shedding light on the drug menace in society and highlighting the crucial role of different stakeholders such as the administration, civil society, parents, schools, and religious organizations in raising awareness and combating drug trafficking.
The ADDC and SSP also threw light on the menace and the hard and soft intervention measures taken by civil and police administration in combating the menace in the district.A special facilitation session was conducted to honor and acknowledge the active participation of all the attendees.
Similar Events were also conducted at various block and Pancahayts as well.Besides, Special Gram Sabhas were organized at Panchayat Dadpeth, Block Mugal Maidan; Panchayat Filler B, Block Thakrie; and Panchayat Chicha, Block Nagseni whereinResolutions were passed in all the three Panchayats to declare the Panchayats as Nasha Mukt Panchayats signifying the commitment of the local communities for releasing a drug-free society.
In conjunction with these activities, a rally and pledge ceremony were held at the Tehsil Headquarters, Padder, demonstrating the unity and determination of the local populace to eradicate substance abuse from their community.To engage the younger generation, a Painting Competition was organized at GHSS Chatroo and Palaash Boys Hostel Kishtwar, which are both supervised by the Social Welfare Department.