GANDERBAL, SEPTEMBER 24: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, today chaired the monthly meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee to review the progress of measures being undertaken to combat drug abuse and drug trafficking in the district.
During the meeting, a detailed review was held on enforcement, treatment, counselling, rehabilitation, awareness and inter-departmental coordination.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for a coordinated and sustained approach involving all concerned departments and agencies to effectively address the issue of drug abuse.
Reviewing the healthcare and rehabilitation component, the DC directed the concerned authorities to further strengthen the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) and ensure adequate medical support for persons undergoing de-addiction treatment. He directed the Health Department to ensure proper deployment of doctors and concerned staff and undertake necessary training and capacity building of personnel associated with de addiction services.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed that proper counselling and follow-up support be provided to persons undergoing treatment and that suitable rehabilitation measures be put in place to support their recovery and prevent relapse. He also called for effective coordination between the Health Department and Employment Department to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration of recovering youth.
The DC directed the concerned departments to intensify awareness and preventive activities, particularly among youth, students and vulnerable sections, and called for greater community participation in efforts against drug abuse. He stressed the need for sustained awareness activities through educational institutions, local communities and other platforms.
Reviewing enforcement measures, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Police, Excise and Drug Control Departments to intensify enforcement drives against drug peddling, illegal distribution of narcotic substances and misuse of controlled medicines. He called for close coordination between enforcement and prosecution agencies for effective legal follow up of NDPS cases.
The DC specifically directed the Excise Department to intensify field drives for identification and destruction of illicit narcotic crops, including wild cannabis and poppy plants, in coordination with the Police, Revenue and other concerned departments. He stressed that regular field-level monitoring be undertaken at block and panchayat levels to ensure that such plants are destroyed promptly.
He further directed the concerned agencies to identify properties and assets linked with drug peddlers, wherever applicable, and take action under the relevant provisions of law.
Reviewing the status of NDPS cases, the DC directed the Police and Prosecution agencies to ensure proper monitoring, timely investigation, filing of charge sheets and effective follow-up of cases at different stages.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned agencies to strengthen surveillance of courier and other vulnerable transportation channels to prevent the movement of narcotic substances. He also called for enhanced surveillance and installation of CCTV cameras at identified vulnerable locations of each block.
The DC emphasised that tackling drug abuse requires a multi-pronged approach combining enforcement, treatment, counselling, rehabilitation, prevention and awareness. He directed all stakeholders to work in close coordination and ensure effective and sustained implementation of the directions of the NCORD Committee.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Assistant Commissioner Development, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Zonal Director NCB Srinagar, Deputy Director Prosecution Ganderbal, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Hqrs), Ganderbal, Assistant Director Employment & Counselling Ganderbal, Chief Education Officer Ganderbal, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Ganderbal, District Youth Services & Sports Officer Ganderbal, all Tehsildars, all Block Development Officers, Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council Ganderbal, Sales Tax Officer Ganderbal, District Manager NRLM Ganderbal, representative of IB besides other concerned officers.
