Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta, today chaired the monthly District Level NCORD meeting to review the progress of anti-drug abuse initiatives and strengthen measures for curbing drug trafficking and substance abuse in the district.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the performance of enforcement departments and the implementation of decisions taken in previous NCORD meetings. He stressed the need for intensified efforts to identify drug peddlers, dismantle supply networks and strengthen inter-departmental coordination to effectively combat the drug menace.
Reviewing enforcement measures, the meeting was informed that 31 FIRs have been registered against poppy cultivators, while 18 driving licences of persons involved in NDPS-related offences have been suspended. It was further informed that one medical shop has been sealed for violations under the relevant provisions.
The meeting was also informed that out of 27 kilometres of road identified for wild cannabis growth, four kilometres have been cleared through joint action by the Police, Excise Department and the Sub-Divisional Administration.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Police, Revenue, Excise, PMGSY, R&B, Education and Irrigation Departments to launch coordinated drives for the removal of wild cannabis, particularly in the vicinity of schools, water bodies, along roads and canals across the district.
He emphasises on counselling services be further strengthened at Addiction Treatment Facility at DH Shopian to ensure sustained de- addiction support for victims of substance abuse. The DC also directed concerned departments to intensity facilitation of registration of recovered victims under various self-employment and livelihood schemes so that they can be rehabilitated economically and reintegrated into society through sustainable means of livelihood.
Emphasising preventive measures, the DC directed the tehsildars to identify suitable land for development of playgrounds in pending panchayats to promote constructive youth engagement. He also instructed the concerned departments to activate Youth Clubs across all panchayats and involve religious leaders, community elders and civil society organisations in strengthening awareness and prevention efforts against drug abuse.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of activities being carried out under the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan and directed all departments to further intensify awareness campaigns to ensure wider impact of the campaign.
Among others, the meeting was attended by SSP Shopian, Mushtaq Ahmad Chaudhary; ADC Shopian, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz; ACR Shopian, Shakoor Ahmad; SDM Zainapora, Bilal Ahmad; SE, R&B, DIO and officers from Health, Education, Excise, MVD, Drug Control, Irrigation, Social Welfare, Tehsildars and other concerned departments.