RAMBAN, OCTOBER 30: Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, today chaired a meeting of the District-Level Narco Coordination Committee (NCORD) to review the implementation of anti-narcotics measures and strengthen coordination to eliminate the drug menace from the district.
The meeting was attended by SSP Anna Lata Sinha; Additional Deputy Commissioner Varunjeet Singh Charak; ACR Shokat Hayat Mattoo; SDM Sayed Mazahir Hussain Shah; ACD Mohammad Imran Naik; Principal GDC; CMO; CEO; Tehsildars; Drug Control Officer and officers from various enforcement and line departments. Other SDMs and concerned officers also participated virtually.
Reviewing the action taken on directions issued in the previous meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed the enforcement agencies to step up measures against the illegal sale and misuse of psychotropic medicines.
Emphasising the need for a proactive and preventive approach, the DC called for focused analysis to identify the factors driving youth towards substance abuse and directed strict surveillance in vulnerable areas. He also reviewed the functioning of the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at District Hospital and the status of newly appointed staff. He directed the Chief Medical Officer to further streamline OPD, IPD facility and ensure counselling and follow-up support for effective rehabilitation and prevention of relapse.
The DSWO, CEO and other concerned officers were asked to intensify awareness activities through IEC campaigns in educational institutions. The Excise Department was asked to intensify action against the sale of illicit liquor in identified areas.
The heads of GDCs and CEO were directed to keep close watch on students and take appropriate measures to prevent their involvement in drug-related activities besides ensuring strict enforcement of the prohibition on the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions.
The SDMs and concerned Tehsildars were directed to expedite the process of declaring drug-free Panchayats in accordance with the prescribed norms and government directions.
Speaking on the occasion, the SSP Anna Lata Sinha suggested several measures to make society drug-free and stressed the importance of close coordination among government departments, educational institutions, community organisations and civil society to effectively tackle the drug menace.
