BUDGAM: The 37th district-level NCORD (Narco Coordination) meeting was held today in the district under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat to review the ongoing efforts against drug abuse and to formulate the future strategy for a drug-free Budgam.
The meeting reviewed the action taken by various departments on previous NCORD decisions and chalked out a roadmap to intensify efforts against narcotic cultivation, trafficking, and consumption.
At the outset, DC took a comprehensive review from all departments regarding steps taken to combat the illicit trafficking and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. He emphasized that drug abuse is not only an individual problem but a serious societal issue affecting families and communities at large.
He stressed the need to address the issue through a multi-dimensional approach, involving deterrence, treatment, enforcement, and awareness.
The chair was informed that 41 kanals of wild cannabis have been destroyed in areas of Chadoora and Magam.
DC reiterated the commitment of the district administration to create a drug-free environment and said that all necessary steps will be taken to achieve this goal.
He underscored that cooperation, coordination, and collaboration are vital to contain drug peddling and break the supply chain, alongside taking strict punitive action against the culprits.
On the occasion, DC directed Assistant Drug Controller to get CBS and CCTV cameras installed in all drug stores and ensure 100% saturation. Stronger coordination between Revenue and Police departments at the sub-division level was instructed for better deterrence, especially for destruction of poppy and cannabis cultivation. Regular lodging of FIRs was also directed whenever poppy or cannabis cultivation is destroyed in the district.
Besides, he instructed that proactive awareness campaigns must be launched across schools, colleges, markets, and busy public places, promoting healthy activities and hobbies to discourage drug abuse.
DC directed all SDMs to convene meetings with religious scholars and other stakeholders at tehsil and sub-division levels, encouraging them to speak against drug abuse during Friday sermons. SDMs were further directed to constitute a committee for declaring Nasha-Mukt panchayats at sub-divisional level.
Rural Development Department was tasked to organise Gram Sabhas dedicated to raising awareness on drug abuse at the village level.
CMO Budgam was instructed to ensure round-the-clock availability of medical facilities at the ATF Centre in District Hospital Budgam.
DC directed District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) to conduct mega awareness drives at designated hotspots across the district and to upload photographs and reports of IEC activities on the designated portal.
During the meeting, ASP Budgam briefed the chair about current enforcement actions, stating that 35 NDPS cases and 11 PIT-NDPS detentions have been made so far.
DC said the district administration is committed towards a zero-tolerance policy and called for collective resolve to make Budgam a healthier and drug-free district.
The meeting was attended by ADC Budgam, ASP Budgam, CMO, CEO, SDM Khansahib, SDM Chadoora, Assistant Drug Control Officer, Principals of all Government Degree Colleges, Executive Officers of all Municipal Committees, and other concerned stakeholders.
