The Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Shakeel ul Rehman on saturday chaired a meeting to discuss the various strategies for declaration of Bandipora district, its panchayats, and urban local bodies (ULBs) as drug-free zones. The meeting, held at Mini Secretariat, was attended by ADC Umar Shafi Pandit, SDM Sumbal Aamir Choudhary, CMO, CEO, Tehsildar Bandipora, Tehsildar Ajas, Designated Officer FSSA, and other concerned stakeholders.
ACR, Shabir Ahmad Wani, SDM Gurez and Tehsildar Gurez attended the meeting through virtual mode. The meeting discussed threadbare various strategies and action plans to tackle the issue effectively.
Addressing the officers, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative approach to eradicate drug abuse from the district. Deputy Commissioner asked the concerned stakeholders to submit the latest survey reports as per revised criteria of various panchayats and ULB wards to be declared as drug free zones.
He also emphasised strengthening law enforcement to curb drug trafficking and abuse besides stressed on enhancing awareness programs in schools, colleges, and localities to educate the youth and public about the dangers of drug abuse. The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the importance of a united front and active participation from all sectors of society, including law enforcement, health services, education institutions, and local representatives.