SRINAGAR: To mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the District Administration Srinagar on Monday organized an Awareness Programme here at Government Degree College(GDC), Bemina under the Theme “People First: Stop Stigmatizing and Discrimination, Strengthening Prevention”.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner said that the observance of this day is aimed to raise awareness about the threat that illicit drugs pose to society at large.
He said that the main focus of organizing today’s event is to spread awareness among the masses, particularly in youth, and to draw the attention of the participants to the ill effects of drug abuse and measures required to achieve the goal of Drugs Free J&K.
The DC said that District Administration Srinagar has already launched an initiative “MISSION WAAPSI” in order to bring back and support the victims of drug abuse so that they can live a normal life again. He also underscored the stringent action being taken against the illicit trafficking of drugs and its peddlers. He said the District Administration has adopted zero tolerance against drug peddling. He said as many as 35 drug Peddlers have been booked under PSA in the District.
The DC also highlighted the measures taken by the District Administration in imposing greater deterrence to combat the dangerous trade of drug trafficking in Srinagar.
While highlighting the need of conducting mass awareness programs and the contribution of society at large in curbing the menace of substance/drug abuse, the DC urged the young participants to work actively and extend their support to Administration in containing drug peddling and breaking the supply chain so that timely action against the culprits involved in the hazardous trade of drugs is taken to make Srinagar a Drugs Free District. the DC also urged the youth of the District to join hands in the fight against drug abuse to safeguard our present and future generations
During his speech, the DC also mentioned Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) Centres established in the District to fight against the drug menace and mitigate the sufferings of the persons struggling with addiction through proper counseling and rehabilitation measures. He also said that the victims are also being provided treatment facilities at IMHANS, SMHS, and Kathi Darwaza Badamwari besides being taken care of through Tele Counselling facilities from the Administration.
Later, the DC distributed Mementos and Certificates of Appreciation among the students who have actively participated in anti-drug IEC activities.
