Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, today chaired a meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee to review the district’s efforts towards curbing drug abuse and strengthening enforcement, treatment, rehabilitation and awareness measures under the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan.
During the meeting, a comprehensive review of the actions taken by various departments in tackling substance abuse was held, with focus on enforcement, rehabilitation, awareness generation, treatment facilities and inter-departmental coordination.
Reviewing the enforcement measures, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Police, Excise and Drug Control Departments to intensify enforcement against drug peddlers and persons involved in narcotics-related offences. He instructed the Police Department to increase crackdowns on drug trafficking networks and strengthen surveillance to dismantle the supply chain of narcotic substances across the district.
The DC also directed the Drug Control Department to undertake extensive inspections of medical shops and ensure strict monitoring of the sale of psychotropic medicines. He instructed the department to take stringent action against any violation of the prescribed norms and continue regular sampling and inspection drives to prevent misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.
Reviewing the healthcare response, the DC directed the Health Department to strengthen the In-Patient Department (IPD) facility at the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), District Hospital Ganderbal to ensure uninterrupted treatment and care for individuals undergoing de-addiction.
He further instructed the department to strengthen follow-up mechanisms through regular counselling and monitoring of recovering patients to facilitate their complete rehabilitation and minimise relapse.Emphasising the importance of rehabilitation, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Assistant Director Employment to identify rehabilitated and recovering youth and facilitate their rehabilitation through Mission YUVA by connecting them with suitable skill development, employment and self-employment opportunities, enabling them to lead productive and self-reliant lives.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities being undertaken across the district.Stressing that awareness remains a key pillar in combating drug abuse, the Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to further intensify awareness campaigns in educational institutions and local communities with the active involvement of teachers, parents, youth clubs and civil society organisations.
Calling for sustained coordination among all stakeholders, the Deputy Commissioner reiterated that combating drug abuse requires collective efforts from government agencies, educational institutions, families and communities. He directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure effective implementation of the initiatives envisaged under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan to make Ganderbal a drug-free district.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner also felicitated officers, officials and civil society members for their outstanding contribution towards the implementation of the anti-drug campaign in the district during the intensive 100 day Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan.
The meeting was attended by , Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Deputy Director Prosecution, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarter), Medical Superintendent District Hospital Ganderbal, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Education Officer, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Tehsildars, Assistant Director Employment and officers from Health, Excise, Police, Drug Control, Social Welfare and other concerned departments