A meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) mechanism was held today at the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex, Doda, under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Doda Krishan Lal. The meeting reviewed the prevailing situation regarding drug abuse and illicit narcotics activities and assessed progress of preventive, enforcement, rehabilitation and awareness measures undertaken by concerned departments.
The meeting discussed the status of identified drug addicts and rehabilitation efforts, reviewed data on rehabilitated individuals and laid emphasis on strengthening rehabilitation mechanisms. The District Magistrate directed the Employment Department to facilitate employment opportunities for rehabilitated individuals through Government schemes and to provide skill development, vocational training and self-employment opportunities for sustainable rehabilitation.
The meeting reviewed the status of portal updation of cases and disposal of calls received through helpline mechanisms and directed all concerned departments to ensure timely updation and maintenance of accurate records. The Chair reviewed the status of Youth Clubs and directed that their involvement in awareness generation and community mobilisation be strengthened, along with Nasha Mukt IEC campaigns and participation of schools, colleges and youth organisations in anti-drug initiatives, through sustained awareness programmes, outreach activities, sports events, cultural activities and preventive interventions to promote a drug-free culture among youth.
The meeting discussed strengthening coordination among enforcement agencies, educational institutions, health departments, Panchayati Raj Institutions and civil society organisations for effective implementation of anti-drug measures. The District Magistrate directed regular awareness programmes in educational institutions, early identification of vulnerable youth and counselling interventions at the community level.
The progress on destruction of illicit poppy and opium cultivation and the status of FIRs registered against cultivators was reviewed. The District Magistrate directed departments concerned to maintain close coordination and submit verified figures on destruction of illegal crops to avoid duplication of data, with submission of geo-tagged photographs and coordinates of destroyed cultivation sites for documentation and verification.
Revenue, Police and Forest Departments were directed to conduct joint surveys in vulnerable areas and intensify surveillance to prevent illegal cultivation. The meeting reviewed the number of FIRs registered in drug-related cases and the status of suspension of drug licences in cases involving serious violations and illegal drug marketing.
The Chair directed Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars to expedite monitoring and enforcement against illegal drug marketing within their jurisdictions and instructed field officers to conduct regular inspections and maintain close liaison with law enforcement agencies for prompt action against offenders.
The meeting reviewed Panchayat-wise identification of drug-affected individuals and strategies to make Panchayats drug-free. Directions were issued to strengthen the role of Nodal Officers at Panchayat level for better coordination, monitoring and awareness generation.
The Chair directed strengthening of the helpline mechanism for timely response, effective grievance redressal and improved outreach to affected individuals and their families. Departments concerned were directed to publicise helpline numbers extensively and ensure prompt follow-up on all reported cases.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda Kartik Shrotriya called for identification of and appropriate action against, individuals involved directly or indirectly in drug-related activities, including government employees associated with such illegal practices, if any and stressed collective vigilance and coordinated efforts among stakeholders to eliminate the menace.
He highlighted intelligence-based operations, enhanced surveillance of drug trafficking networks, strict action against repeat offenders and increased community participation in reporting drug-related activities and urged stakeholders to work in close coordination to dismantle supply chains and curb the spread of narcotics.
He further reiterated the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving enforcement agencies, educational institutions, health authorities and community stakeholders to combat drug abuse and build a drug-free society.
Among those present were SE PWD (R&B) Doda, ACR Doda, ACD Doda, ACP Doda, DSWO Doda, officers from the Health Department, members of the legal fraternity, councillors and other stakeholder departments. ADC Bhaderwah, SDMs, Tehsildars, SHOs and other stakeholders participated virtually.