DC Kupwara chairs NCORD Committee meeting

KUPWARA, July 24: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan today convened a meeting of the District Level Committee of NARCO Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review the measures for controlling drug abuse in the district. 

Addressing the meeting, the DC impressed upon all the officers to make serious efforts towards curbing the drug menace in the district. She directed them to ensure that IEC activities regarding Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan are conducted in every public function including Block Diwas and Back to Village programmes. 

Regarding Nasha Mukt Panchayats, the DC directed the concerned officers for re-verification of Nasha Mukt Certified Panchayats and share list of left out Panchayats with the concerned Tehsildars. 

Meanwhile, the Drug Controller Officer informed that 95-100% Drug Stores/Pharmacy Shops have been covered with CCTV cameras in main markets of the district. However, CCTV coverage in peripheral areas is in progress, he added. 

The DC directed the Drug Controller Officer to chalk out a strategy and submit a calendar of inspections to be carried out in peripheral areas in this regard. He was also directed to close down all those shops which show non-compliance of the instructions. 

The Dy. CEO present in the meeting was directed to submit the status of shops selling Tobacco products within 100 meter radius of the Educational Institutions. 

SSP Kupwara also suggested that Committees comprising of officials from Health, Revenue, Police, Education, RDD and PRIs/Religious Heads be constituted for Block wise/Thana wise counseling session of drug addicts. 

The DC directed the Tehsildars for prioritizing the matters relating to curbing of drug abuse in their respective jurisdiction and extend complete support to other agencies working for the cause. They were also directed to destroy Cannabis in their respective jurisdictions. 

Ayushi asked the officers to identify a popular Sports person/Artist who can be designated as a Brand Ambassador for the district to spread a message among masses about the ill effects of drug abuse. 

Earlier, ADC Kupwara, Ghulam Nabi Bhat  briefed the meeting about the current status of drug addicts in the district and measures being taken by the administration. 

CMO Dr. Mohammed Ramzan,  informed the chair that 924 drug addicts have already been identified in the district, out of which 340 are under treatment at Rehabilitation Centres. He also informed that 289 awareness camps have been conducted in the district to sensitize the people about ill effects of drugs. 

SSP Kupwara, Yougal Manhas; ADC Kupwara, Ghulam Nabi Bhat; CMO Kupwara, DIO Kupwara, Dy. CEO, Dy. SP Headquarter Handwara, Tehsildars, Drug Controller Officer and other concerned attended the meeting.