Calls for stronger enforcement and rehabilitation efforts
GANDERBAL, MAY 21: A meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee meeting was today held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore to review anti-drug enforcement, awareness activities, rehabilitation measures and inter-departmental coordination across the district.
A detailed review of actions taken by concerned departments was conducted, with focus on inspections of drug stores, IEC activities, rehabilitation services, tobacco control, monitoring of illicit cultivation of poppy and prosecution of offenders involved in narcotics-related cases.
The DC directed the Drug Control Officer to significantly enhance field inspections and sample collection across the district.
On preventive enforcement, officials informed the meeting that naka checking as well as random inspections of warehouses had been undertaken in order to prevent transportation of drugs through couriers. The Excise Department was instructed to continue surprise checks and improve monitoring mechanisms.
Emphasising a victim-centred approach, the DC directed the Health Department to strengthen counselling, and ensure sustained rehabilitation support for affected individuals. The functioning of the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) in District Hospital, Ganderbal, availability of trained staff as well as availability of medicines was also reviewed, with directions issued to address operational gaps and improve service delivery.
The meeting also discussed enforcement under tobacco control regulations. Concerned departments were asked to intensify action against tobacco sale and consumption near educational institutions and public spaces.
Inter-departmental coordination on verification and monitoring of offenders was also reviewed. The progress on cancellation of driving licenses, vehicle registration, passport, Aadhaar and contractor card of individuals involved in narcotics-related cases was also reviewed. Officials were directed to strengthen data sharing and clear pending cases in a time-bound manner as per the laid down SoP.
The committee further reviewed destruction of illicit cultivation and field surveillance. It was informed that illicit poppy crop had recently been destroyed on various parcels of land in the district. Concerned departments were directed to continue surveys, strengthen ground monitoring for identification of vulnerable locations.
Progress under community-based anti-drug initiatives, IEC activities and progress on drug-free panchayat programmes was also assessed.
Calling for a coordinated approach, the DC directed departments to intensify awareness campaigns, and try to provide victims of the drug menace with livelihood opportunities through government schemes like Mission Yuva as well as counselling support.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Sudhanshu Dhama; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Deputy Director Prosecution, officers from Agriculture, Health, Education, Excise, Drug Control, Social Welfare and other concerned departments.
