Pulwama, September 03: Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, today chaired the District-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting at the Meeting Hall of the Administrative Complex, Pulwama, to review the measures being undertaken to curb drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the district.
At the outset, the District Social Welfare Officer, Pulwama, gave a detailed presentation on the initiatives undertaken to combat the drug menace under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, including awareness and IEC activities, treatment and rehabilitation measures, enforcement action and other interventions being carried out by various departments.
The Deputy Commissioner sought a detailed appraisal from the concerned departments regarding the progress made in the implementation of anti-drug measures and stressed the need for a unified and coordinated approach involving all stakeholders to effectively address the menace.
Emphasising the need to protect the younger generation from substance abuse, the DC stressed upon the concerned officers to ensure drug-free campuses in all educational institutes. He directed them to formulate a detailed action plan for strengthening preventive measures, awareness activities and monitoring mechanisms in and around educational institutions.
The functioning of the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), Pulwama, and Drug De-Addiction Centre, Tral, was also reviewed in detail. Dr. Qayoom sought feedback regarding treatment facilities, patient admissions, counselling services and rehabilitation measures. He directed the concerned officers to ensure effective counselling, timely treatment, regular follow-up of recovered individuals and their gradual integration into society through skill development, livelihood opportunities and other suitable support mechanisms. He called for optimal utilisation of the available treatment and rehabilitation facilities and stressed the need for proper profiling and follow-up of drug-affected persons to facilitate their sustained recovery and social reintegration.
On the occasion, SSP Pulwama, Sahil Sarangal, and SSP Awantipora, Sajad Ahmad Shah, apprised the meeting of the enforcement measures being undertaken by the Police against drug peddling and trafficking. They also briefed the chair on the ongoing efforts to strengthen surveillance and action against those involved in narcotics-related activities.
Later, the meeting also reviewed the status of NDPS cases registered across the district. The Deputy Director Prosecution presented a detailed overview of cases under investigation, prosecution and trial. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the need for close coordination among the Police, Prosecution and other concerned agencies to ensure expeditious investigation and effective prosecution, with a view to improving conviction rates and strengthening deterrence.
Concluding the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination, intensify preventive and enforcement measures and maintain sustained focus on the campaign to safeguard the youth and contribute towards the objective of a drug-free Pulwama.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama, Awantipora and Tral, and other members of the committee.
