Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom today chaired the District Level NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) meeting to review the overall efforts being undertaken to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the district.
During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. S. M. Ashraf gave a detailed presentation highlighting the initiatives taken under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, including IEC activities, treatment and rehabilitation measures, enforcement actions, and best practices adopted by various departments.
Taking stock of the situation, the Deputy Commissioner directed all stakeholder departments to devise a comprehensive year-long action plan as the district heads into the new year, with special emphasis on identified hotspots. He stressed that efforts should be proactive, coordinated and outcome-oriented.
Dr. Qayoom appreciated the efforts of department in achieving saturation in CCTV coverage and implementation of Computerised Billing Systems (CBS) in chemist shops to ensure transparency, accountability and effective monitoring of the sale of scheduled medicines and directed to complete the CBS in remaining establishments.
While acknowledging and appreciating the concerted efforts put in by various departments during the current calendar year, the DC highlighted the importance of adopting a three-pronged strategy focusing on Information, Education and Communication (IEC), treatment and rehabilitation, and strict enforcement to effectively address the menace of drug abuse.
He further called for enhanced inter-departmental coordination and sustained community engagement to achieve the objectives of a drug-free Pulwama. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the status of NDPS cases in the district, including cases under investigation, prosecution and trial before the Special NDPS Court, Pulwama.
The DC directed the concerned agencies to strengthen coordination between investigation and prosecution to bridge procedural gaps and ensure effective legal follow-up in NDPS cases, with a view to improving conviction rates and deterrence.
Among others, the meeting was attended by SSP Pulwama, Tanushree; SSP Awantipora, Sajad Ahmad Bhat; Chief Medical Officer, Pulwama; Chief Education Officer, Pulwama and officers from other sectoral departments.