Poonch: Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal on Monday chaired a meeting of District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review and enhance strategies to combat the menace of substance abuse in the district.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the status of each department regarding their activities and efforts aimed at achieving a drug-free Poonch. He directed the police department to intensify crackdown on drug peddlers and continue aggressive enforcement drives. All Executive Magistrates and line departments were instructed to extend full cooperation in the district-wide campaign against drugs.
The DC also emphasized the need for holding of regular divisional and tehsil-level NCORD meetings by all SDMs and Tehsildars. He directed them to invite heads of Panchayat-level Committees to these meetings and focus on assessing local drug-related challenges. Officials were also asked to regularly review the performance of Panchayat-level committees and promptly report any suspicious activities to the concerned authorities.
It was noted that the district has achieved 100% installation of CCTV cameras and computerized billing systems at all chemist shops. The DC called for strict monitoring of these systems to prevent sale of psychotropic drugs.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of proactive measures, directing the Education Department to install CCTV cameras in all educational institutions to monitor any illicit activity related to drug abuse. Additionally, he instructed the department to display ‘Nasha Mukat’ banners prominently at the entry gates of schools and colleges.
The Deputy Commissioner mandated the appointment of Anti Drug Captains (ADC) in all educational institutions. These students will work closely with school administration to identify and support drug addicts within their institutions.
The DC called for joint initiatives involving all concerned departments, including Social Welfare, Health, JKSRLM, Rural Development, Revenue, Police, Excise, Education and others to advocate for active awareness programs about the adverse effects of drug abuse. He reiterated the critical role of awareness campaigns in fostering a drug-free environment.
Moreover, he directed the Health & Transport Department to implement thorough testing measures and maintain comprehensive records.
The Deputy Commissioner further ordered the destruction of any illegal poppy straw cultivation in forest areas, reinforcing the commitment to combat drug proliferation.
The meeting also reviewed the functioning of Drug De-addiction Centres and the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) in the district. The DC emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality while ensuring effective treatment of patients.
The meeting concluded with a call to action for all concerned departments to ensure widespread dissemination of helpline numbers, including Tele-MANAS, Mental Health Helplines, and Nasha Mukt Helplines, through hoardings and IEC activities across the district.
The meeting marked a decisive push towards enhancing the district-level mechanism to combat drug abuse and secure a healthier, drug-free future for Poonch.
This meeting was attended by SSP, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chief Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent DH, Divisional Forest Officer, SDM Mendhar, DSWO, ARTO, Tehsildars, Drug Inspector, Chief Education Officer and the Principals of Government Degree Colleges.
