As part of the ongoing 100-day campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, District Administration Pulwama in collaboration with Rahmoo Public Interest today organised a mega awareness event at Rahmoo. The programme aimed at creating awareness about the menace of drug abuse and building a healthy, drug-free society.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, and witnessed enthusiastic participation of students, youth and members of civil society. The programme featured a variety of cultural activities centred around the themes of drug de-addiction and awareness.
Students presented speeches highlighting the ill effects of drug abuse, while resource persons and officers sensitised the participants about its adverse impact on individuals, families and society at large. On the occasion, a medical camp and blood donation drive were also organised by the Health Department.
The medical camp provided on-the-spot consultations and counselling services to the participants. Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner outlined the comprehensive framework of the ongoing campaign, stating that the administration is focusing on creating widespread awareness through a well-structured action plan covering all Panchayats, Municipal Wards and educational institutions across the district.
He said that today’s programme forms an important part of these awareness-focused initiatives. Highlighting rehabilitation as a key pillar of the campaign, the DC urged participants to spread awareness in the society regarding drug de-addiction centre and addiction treatment facility available in the district.
He added that the administration is working towards reintegration of rehabilitated individuals into society by linking them with various government-sponsored schemes and providing skill development training to enable them to become self-reliant and future entrepreneurs.
Emphasising enforcement, the DC said that strict action against drug peddlers has been intensified to eradicate the menace from society. Appreciating the students for their impactful speeches, he said that they have effectively highlighted the harmful effects of drug abuse and added that youth are the future leaders who can play a vital role in shaping a drug-free society.
On the occasion, the DC also highlighted the crucial role of the community in the successful implementation of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan. He urged the people of Rahmoo to actively participate in community-led destruction of illicit poppy cultivation with the support of Police and the administration.
He also called upon the participants to take part in the door-to-door citizen-led certification survey declaring Rahmoo as a “poppy-free” village, adding that the initiative will be replicated in other revenue villages across the district. During the event, the Deputy Commissioner also led a plantation drive and a signature campaign as a mark of collective resolve towards the success of the Abhiyan.
Furthermore, as a gesture of appreciation, certificates were awarded to youth activists, prominent social and religious leaders, students and other individuals in recognition of their contribution towards spreading awareness and supporting the cause of a drug-free society.
Among others, the event was attended by Chief Medical Officer, Puwlama; Tehsildar Rajpora; Block Development Officer, Shadimarg; and officers from Police, Health, Education and other line departments.