DC Udhampur calls for stepping up drug control measures

UDHAMPUR, JANUARY 16: Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Saloni Rai today called for stepping up measures to control drug menace and narcotic trade in the District.

She was chairing the meeting of the District-Level Committee within the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) convened to evaluate the implementation of directives of the previous meeting to strategize action to curb drug abuse and narcotic trade in the district.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Joginder Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Joginder Singh Jasrotia, and senior officers from various departments actively participated in the meeting.

Threadbare discussions were held on a range of aspects which include addressing drug addiction incidents, identifying individuals engaged in illegal drug trafficking, combating illegal cannabis cultivation, rehabilitation efforts for drug addicts, identification of drug abuse hotspots, and ongoing district-wide initiatives. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the urgency of intensifying awareness campaigns among the general public to combat drug abuse.

The directive included a focus on declaring more Panchayats as “Nasha Mukht” (Drug-Free) and conducting regular meetings of Panchayat Level Committees. Principals of Degree Colleges were instructed to organize awareness programs on drug de-addiction in their respective colleges.

Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy, DC urged sustained and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. DC also stressed the importance of installing hoardings and banners outside GMC Udhampur, highlighting that the treatment of drug addicts is available at the facility. The Drug Controller Officer was tasked with ensuring 100% CCTV installation and computerization of pharmacy bills by the next meeting. Additionally, the concerned were directed to organize mental health camps as part of the comprehensive approach.