Bandipora: District Magistrate (DM) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, on Monday chaired a virtual meeting of the district-level NCORD Committee to review steps taken to curb drug abuse and related illegal activities in the district.
During the meeting, the DM called for strict and consistent enforcement by all departments and stressed greater inter-agency coordination to tackle the drug menace effectively.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ajaz Ahmad Zargar presented a report on police initiatives, including detentions under the PIT-NDPS Act, action in identified hotspots and registration of fresh cases.
Officials from the Excise Department briefed the meeting on eradication drives against poppy cultivation and wild cannabis, besides regular naka operations and inspections. The DM directed the department to submit details of awareness sermons delivered at religious places and to strengthen community-based sensitisation programmes.
The Drug Control Department informed the meeting about inspections of medical establishments, installation of CCTV cameras and computerized billing systems, issuance of notices and suspension of licences, and monitoring of courier services. The DM asked the Assistant Drug Controller to coordinate closely with police, participate in Thana Diwas programmes and share inspection data for effective monitoring.
The Deputy Director Prosecution apprised the committee of the status of NDPS cases, including pending trials, acquittals and bail matters. The ARTO Bandipora reported suspension of driving licences and issuance of show-cause notices to offenders, with the DM directing timely action in such cases in coordination with the Health Department.
A representative of the Addiction Treatment Facility Bandipora also briefed the meeting about registrations and ongoing treatment services for patients.
The DM further directed principals of government degree colleges to ensure proper functioning of CCTV cameras within and around campuses to prevent drug-related activities. She urged all officers to work proactively and responsibly, emphasizing coordinated action and regular review to make Bandipora free from drugs.
The meeting was attended by the Senior Superintendent of Police, ADC Bandipora, Zonal Director Narcotics Control Bureau Srinagar, Secretary DLSA Bandipora, SDMs of Sumbal and Gurez, principals of various government degree colleges, health and excise officials, and other concerned officers through virtual mode.
