PULWAMA: Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, today chaired the 30th District-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting to review the ongoing efforts and progress achieved in curbing drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the district.
During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. S. M. Ashraf, gave a detailed presentation highlighting the initiatives undertaken under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, including IEC activities, treatment and rehabilitation measures, enforcement actions, and best practices adopted by various departments.
Taking stock of enforcement measures, the Deputy Commissioner was informed about the action taken against illicit crop cultivation, with over 194 kanals and 15 marlas of land cleared of illegal cultivation during the previous season.
The DC directed that, with the approaching cultivation season, a comprehensive joint action plan be devised by all concerned departments to effectively eliminate the cultivation of poppy and wild cannabis across the district through coordinated enforcement and preventive measures.
Reviewing the progress made in treatment and rehabilitation, the meeting was informed that the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) Pulwama and the Drug De-Addiction Centre at Tral have been actively providing treatment and counselling services. It was further apprised that the rehabilitated individuals have been successfully reintegrated into society, including those who have taken up self-employment, resumed education, or secured gainful occupations.
The Deputy Commissioner directed that rehabilitated individuals be actively utilised as resource persons and motivators under Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan 2.0 to inspire and guide affected youth through their lived experiences.
The meeting also reviewed best practices adopted for drug control, including the implementation of Computerised Billing Systems (CBS) and installation of CCTV cameras in retail and wholesale outlets dealing with pharmaceutical products to ensure transparency and prevent misuse. The Deputy Commissioner was informed that 100% CCTV coverage has been achieved in both retail and wholesale medical establishments across the district, while computerised billing systems have been implemented in all wholesale units and in nearly all retail shops.
The DC directed the Education and Police Departments to maintain strict vigil over schools and colleges. He further stressed that, with the resumption of academic sessions, educational institutions must intensify IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities and ensure enhanced surveillance, including CCTV coverage, particularly in vulnerable and shadow areas within campuses, to prevent the spread of drug abuse among students.
Emphasising community participation, the DC called for enhanced involvement of educational institutions, local bodies, and civil society in spreading awareness and preventing drug abuse at the grassroots level.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the status of NDPS cases in the district, including cases under investigation, prosecution, and trial before the Special NDPS Court, Pulwama.
The DC directed the concerned agencies to strengthen coordination between investigation and prosecution to bridge procedural gaps and ensure effective legal follow-up in NDPS cases, with a view to improving conviction rates and enhancing deterrence.
The meeting was attended by SSP Pulwama, Tanushree; SSP Awantipora, Sajad Ahmad Bhat; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Pulwama; and officers from Police, Health, Education, and other sectoral departments.
