The District Administration Reasi today organized a mega awareness event under Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra, reaffirming its commitment to build a drug-free society through awareness, prevention, rehabilitation and collective action.
Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sheetal Nanda, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from senior district administration officers, police officials, representatives of various departments, educational institutions, civil society organizations, youth groups and citizens, including students.
A major highlight of the programme was the active participation of students from schools across the Reasi district, who engaged in a range of awareness activities aimed at sensitizing the public about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
Through symposiums, students eloquently expressed their views on the devastating impact of drug addiction on individuals, families and society. They also presented thought-provoking nukkad nataks, while local artists performed songs carrying strong anti-drug messages, reinforcing the campaign’s objective of promoting a drug-free lifestyle.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek reiterated the district administration’s unwavering commitment to make Reasi drug-free under the ongoing Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan. Highlighting the campaign’s three core pillars, awareness generation, stringent action against drug peddlers and rehabilitation of victims, he stressed the importance of collective public participation in combating the drug menace.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that strict action has been taken against the drug offenders, including registration of cases and attachment of properties linked to drug peddlers. Emphasizing the administration’s focus on rehabilitation, he stated that de-addiction centres are operational in the district and that treatment facilities at District Hospital Reasi would be further strengthened.
He urged the citizens to break the social stigma associated with addiction, report drug-related cases confidentially and support the affected individuals in seeking timely treatment. He also highlighted the significant role being played by trained school counsellors, Mahila Nigrani Samitis and ASHA workers in spreading awareness and preventing drug abuse at the grassroots level.
In her address, Commissioner Secretary Sheetal Nanda emphasized that effectively tackling the drug menace requires a balanced and comprehensive strategy addressing both the demand and supply sides of the problem. She observed that while awareness campaigns, counselling and rehabilitation are essential to reducing drug dependency, strict legal action against peddlers, including property attachment, is equally necessary to curb the supply network.
Appreciating the efforts of the District Administration in successfully implementing the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, she underscored the importance of active community participation and stated that collective efforts are crucial for building a drug-free society.
Highlighting the growing threat of substance abuse, she called upon the parents, particularly mothers, to remain vigilant regarding changes in their children’s behaviour and peer groups. She also advocated for ending the stigma surrounding addiction, describing it as a treatable illness that requires timely intervention, counselling and rehabilitation.
Stressing the need to empower the young people, she emphasized the importance of instilling strong values, confidence and resilience among youth so that they can make informed choices and reject drugs.A pledge was administered on the occasion, reaffirming the collective commitment of all stakeholders towards creating a drug-free society.
Among those present were SSP Reasi Mukund Tibrewal, ADC Rakesh Kumar, PO ICDS, ACD and other senior officers of the district administration and line departments.