The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Shakeel ul Rehman on Monday chaired a meeting of District Level Committee under NCORD (Narco Coordination) and Cigarette and other Tobacco products Act (COTPA) at Mini Secretariat, here. The meeting discussed various advancing initiatives for drug de-addiction and rehabilitation steps taken in the district.
The DC took department-wise review of activities conducted by different departments, including Drugs Controller, Health Department, Social Welfare, and Education, besides reviewed activities carried out by District Drug De-addiction Centre and Addiction Treatment Facility. He also reviewed the measures taken against illicit crop cultivation and destruction in the district.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC underscored the importance of a multi-faceted approach encompassing prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and community support. He emphasized effective strategies to prevent substance abuse, provide treatment to those in need and support their journey towards recovery and rehabilitation.
Highlighting the role of mass awareness in preventing drug addiction, Shakeel ul Rehman stressed on outreach programmes in order to encourage individuals to seek assistance when needed besides stressing on prioritizing vulnerable sections and age groups as part of drug de-addiction initiatives. He also asked the concerned departments to involve Youth Icons, sports icons in awareness programmes to encourage youth participation.
He emphasized the need for seamless collaboration among different departments, including health, education, law enforcement, and also stressed coordination among different stakeholders, including parents. He stressed the drug control department to ensure 100 percent installation of CCTVs and computer billing by all medical shops and Jan Ashudi Kendras.
The meeting was attended by ASP Bandipora Sandeep Butt, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Umar Shafi Pandit; ACD Mumtaz Ahmad Pir, DIO Dr. Naseer Ahmad, ARTO, DSWO, CMO, Tehsildars, MS District Hospital, Representatives of Drug De addiction Centre, and other concerned.