ANANTNAG, APRIL 18: To evaluate the progress and impact of the ongoing 100 day intensive campaign under Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyaan, Commissioner Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Saurabh Bhagat, who is also the District Mentor for Anantnag, today virtually held a comprehensive meeting with the concerned officers of the district.
The meeting mainly focused on outcome-driven initiatives and was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Bilal Mohiud Din Bhat, SP, Sunny Gupta , SDMs, ACD, CMO, College Principals, DSWO and other officials.
Expressing satisfaction on progress of the district, the Commissioner Secretary emphasized that the campaign must focus on the tangible outcomes through a multi pronged and holistic approach. He called for proper identification, treatment and rehabilitation of the victims on scientific lines while strictly maintaining their privacy.
He directed the CMO to analyze drug use pattern, specifically class and intake route of drugs, to ensure targeted interventions are made by the authorities. He further stressed the need for a robust follow-up system to prevent relapse in recovered victims.
The Commissioner Secretary issued directions that teachers and other officials be trained as professional counselors to mentor the vulnerable students and specifically reach out to school dropouts. He further called for tough action on cannabis cultivation belts and intensified surveillance in tourist areas and hotels to break the supply chain. To create a strong deterrent, law enforcement agencies must impart wide publicity to the legal actions such as seizures, arrests and property attachments through print and social media, he remarked.
During the session, the Commissioner Secretary noted that the success stories of recovered victims and testimonials of their parents, on voluntary basis, be shared through social media and other platforms, to inspire hope and change within the community.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner provided a comprehensive briefing on the district’s multi-pronged approach, which included district, department and Panchayat-level action plans. He highlighted the success of awareness rallies, sports activities and the active involvement of influencers and religious leaders who are using their platforms to denounce drug abuse.
The district has also prioritized the sensitization of tuition centers and the monitoring of courier services to prevent the illicit transport of substances while maintaining a close vigil on hotspots via CCTV surveillance and regular raids. Besides, identification, treatment and rehabilitation of victims through DDAC and ATF also featured in DCs briefing.
SP updated on enforcement efforts including seizures, convictions and the attachment of properties belonging to drug suppliers and peddlers.
Concluding the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary asked the DC to explore the establishment of a larger and augmented Drug De-addiction Centre (DDAC) to cater to the treatment and rehabilitation of possibly higher number of identified victims in future.
