Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Public Works (R&B) Department, Anil Kumar Singh, who is the designated District Mentor for Kathua under the ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan’, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to oversee and strengthen the implementation of anti-drug campaign in the district.
The District Mentor reviewed the progress achieved under the ongoing 100-day intensive campaign. He emphasized the need for a coordinated, result-oriented and sustained approach to make Kathua a drug-free district. He said the objective of the Abhiyan is not only enforcement against drug trafficking but also creating widespread awareness, rehabilitation support and strong community participation to eradicate the menace from the society.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, at the outset, presented the district profile and gave a detailed PowerPoint Presentation on the headway achieved under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan. It was informed that a multi-department action plan has been launched in the district focusing on public outreach, advocacy campaigns, enforcement measures and community engagement to curb the drug abuse.
The meeting was informed that as many as 1325 anti-drug activities have been conducted so far across the district, registering participation of 6,95,565 people from all walks of life. The Deputy Commissioner further apprised that five hotspots have been identified in the district where CCTV surveillance has been put in place to strengthen the monitoring and check illegal activities related to narcotics.
While reviewing the enforcement measures, the ACS laid special focus on maintaining strict vigilance in high-risk border areas, particularly Lakhanpur and Hiranagar. He stressed the importance of intensified surveillance and stronger inter-departmental coordination in these sensitive zones to prevent drug trafficking and related unlawful activities.
He also directed the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Kathua, to enforce strict checks during night hours. He asked for tightening the noose around the defaulting drivers and vehicle owners involved in unscrupulous activities or found driving under the influence of alcohol and other narcotic substances.
Reviewing the healthcare and rehabilitation facilities for drug addicts, the meeting was informed by the Principal, Government Medical College Kathua that a 22-bedded Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) with IPD and OPD services is fully functional in the district.
It was informed that a dedicated team of four psychiatrists, along with other doctors and paramedical staff, is providing treatment and counselling to addicted patients. Anil Kumar called for taking local NGOs on board to further strengthen the healthcare support and rehabilitation services for affected patients.
He also stressed for exploring the scope for establishing a state-of-the-art health facility dedicated to treatment and recovery of drug addicts in the district. The meeting also held detailed discussions on awareness generation in schools and colleges, sports-based engagement activities, mass pledge campaigns and onboarding of NCC and NSS volunteers in anti-drug campaigns to build stronger youth participation against substance abuse.
The ACS further called for adoption of certification for drug-free government offices and institutions, saying that such initiatives would help build a culture of accountability and social responsibility. He urged all the departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination and play their assigned role with dedication to eradicate the drug menace from Kathua.
He emphasized that only united and sustained efforts with active public participation can ensure the success of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and help build a healthier and safer society. SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma, ADDC Surinder Mohan, CEO BDDA Atul Gupta, ADC Vishavjeet Singh, IAS Probationer Nidhi and other district officers were also present.