A district-level coordination committee meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was convened today at the Administrative Complex, Pulwama, under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom.
The meeting commenced with a comprehensive review of the progress achieved viz-a-viz strong enforcement measures, awareness, treatment and rehabilitation. Concerned departments including Police, Health, Education, Revenue, Agriculture and Horticulture on the occasion presented their progress and action plans for coming months.
Nodal Officer, NCORD Pulwama, apprised the meeting of the various initiatives under Nasha Mukt awareness campaign to combat the scourge of drug abuse. Dr. Qayoom directed close coordination between the revenue and agriculture departments to assess and address illicit cultivation.
He also emphasized the need to inform the police as a priority. DC directed for stringent measures against persons indulging in illicit crop cultivation including attachments of both movable and immovable properties under the relevant provisions of laws.
Furthermore, he instructed officers to provide cash crop alternatives to cultivators as a means of rehabilitation. Also, the DC called for a reevaluation of Panchayat Halqas previously declared drug-free, along with a comprehensive review to ensure sustained compliance.
He directed to intensify efforts with greater focus and diligence to incorporate more panchayats into the drug-free list. Dr. Qayoom also reviewed the progress of ongoing cases under NDPS act, and directed that a fortnightly status report be submitted to the Nodal Officer, NCORD, along with a thorough case-wise analysis to ensure stringent monitoring and effective legal action.
Highlighting the importance of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, Dr. Qayoom called for batch-wise training of retail and wholesale medical shop salespersons involved in the sale of psychotropic drugs.
He also emphasised the crucial role of educational institutions in raising awareness among students about the ill effects of substance abuse and shaping public opinion against drug consumption.
DC also directed the officers to make thorough and well-coordinated preparations in advance for the upcoming UT level Anti-Drug awareness campaign. Emphasizing the significance of the initiative, he stressed on meticulous planning, interdepartmental coordination and impactful awareness activities .
The meeting was attended by SSPs of Pulwama and Awantipora, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Pulwama and officers from the Health, Police, and Education Departments, along with various other district and sectoral officials.