GANDERBAL, OCTOBER 22: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shreya Singhal, today chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination (NCORD) Mechanism at the DC Office, Ganderbal, to review ongoing measures to combat drug abuse, strengthen enforcement against drug trafficking and ensure coordinated efforts towards making the district drug free.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the role and functioning of various departments in addressing the drug menace and emphasised the need for a comprehensive, coordinated and sustained approach encompassing enforcement, prevention, awareness, treatment, counselling and rehabilitation.
The DC stressed the importance of strengthening intelligence sharing and coordination among Police, the Excise Department, Drug Control authorities and other enforcement agencies to identify drug trafficking networks and take stringent action against those involved in the illegal supply and distribution of narcotic substances. She called for effective monitoring of vulnerable areas and strict action against drug peddling in accordance with the law.
Emphasising the need to protect young people from substance abuse, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Education Department, Youth Services and Sports Department and other concerned agencies to intensify awareness programmes in educational institutions and community spaces. She stressed the importance of engaging students, youth groups, parents and community representatives in prevention efforts and encouraging the timely reporting of suspected drug related activities to the concerned authorities.
The DC called upon the Health Department to strengthen screening, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals affected by substance abuse. She emphasised the need for appropriate medical support, professional counselling and follow up mechanisms to help individuals recover and prevent relapse. She also stressed the importance of reducing stigma associated with seeking treatment so that affected individuals and their families can access support without hesitation.
The Deputy Commissioner further stressed the need for close monitoring of drug related cases and effective coordination between enforcement agencies and the prosecution to ensure timely investigation and follow up in accordance with the law. She called for regular sharing of information among departments and timely action on inputs received from the field.
Highlighting the role of community participation, the DC urged local representatives, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to actively contribute to awareness and prevention initiatives. She stressed that families, educational institutions and community organisations have an important role in identifying early signs of substance abuse and guiding vulnerable individuals towards appropriate support.
The meeting also underscored the importance of coordinated efforts by the Agriculture and Forest Departments, along with other concerned agencies, in identifying and taking lawful action against illicit cultivation of narcotic plants wherever detected. The concerned departments were asked to remain vigilant and strengthen field level monitoring within their respective jurisdictions.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to maintain regular coordination, monitor the implementation of anti drug measures and ensure timely follow-up on issues requiring interdepartmental intervention. She emphasised that sustained enforcement, preventive awareness and accessible treatment and rehabilitation services must work together to address the drug menace effectively.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the health and future of the district’s youth, the DC called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards building a drug free Ganderbal.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Assistant Commissioner Development, Sub Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau Srinagar, Assistant Director Employment and Counselling Ganderbal, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Ganderbal, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Deputy Director Prosecution, District Drug Inspector, Senior Prosecuting Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, District Forest Officer, ARTO Ganderbal, all Tehsildars and Block Development Officers of the district, Excise Department officials, representative of the Intelligence Bureau, Executive Officer Municipal Committee Ganderbal, Sales Tax Officer, District Manager NRLM and other concerned officers.
