KISHTWAR, APRIL 24: As part of the ongoing 100-day “Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan,” the District Administration Kishtwar today organized a Mega Awareness Program here at the Government Degree College Auditorium.
The program witnessed the participation of more than 300 individuals including district officers, teachers, students and staff from different departments, reflecting strong community commitment towards eliminating drug abuse from the district.
Managing Director JKPDCL Rahul Yadav, who is the District Mentor for Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan, for Kishtwar, attended the program as the Chief Guest.
The program commenced with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, the District Mentor Rahul Yadav appreciated the District Administration for effectively implementing the Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan. He emphasized the crucial role of education in prevention efforts and stressed the importance of capacity building of teachers to strengthen long-term awareness and behavioural change among the youth.
He also highlighted the need to address drug abuse with seriousness and sensitivity. He said suspected drug-related deaths should not be ignored due to social stigma, as it prevents proper understanding of the issue.
“Post-mortem is important to determine the actual cause of death and detect possible drug overdose, which also helps in tracing the source and taking preventive action,” he noted. He urged society to stay united, act responsibly and support efforts to build a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma informed the District Mentor and other participants about the awareness activities being conducted as part of the ongoing campaign. “District Kishtwar remains relatively less affected by the menace due to strong family bonds and a vigilant community system” he noted and added that schools and colleges are actively monitoring students, with prompt reporting of any suspicious signs to the administration and police.
However, he said extensive awareness drives have been conducted in the last 13 days, covering more than 760 schools, 136 panchayats and 11 municipal wards. “Activities are being carried out daily across the district with active participation of all stakeholders,” he added, expressing confidence that coordinated efforts would lead to the elimination of the drug menace.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted rehabilitation initiatives, stating that Kishtwar has taken lead in this area. “Under Mission YUVA, two de-addicted individuals have been successfully rehabilitated and provided financial assistance to support their reintegration into mainstream society,” he informed
District Social Welfare Officer Tariq Parvez Qazi gave a PowerPoint presentation, highlighting the initiatives undertaken under the Abhiyan. It was also informed that National Panchayati Raj Day is being observed today across the district as per the notified schedule.
The programme featured yoga demonstration, Nukkad Natak by school students and thematic dance performance by artist Tavishi Anand, all aimed at promoting a drug-free society.
At the end, the District Mentor administered the “Nasha Mukt JK Pledge” to the participants, who collectively reaffirmed their commitment towards building a drug-free Kishtwar.
The program was attended by the ADC Pawan Kotwal; PO ICDS Rishi Kumar Sharma; ACR Mohammad Idrees Lone; ACD Manoj Kumar; ALC Mamta Sudershan; Tehsildar HQA to the DC; Rafiq Naik; AD Handicrafts & Handloom Pardeep Shan; DYSSO Jaffer Haider Sheikh; ExEn PWD R&B; Dy. CEO, other officers and officials from various departments.
