NCORD: DC Bandipora chairs District Level Committee meeting

Stresses on role of religious scholars in community-led initiatives addressing the problems of substance abuse

BANDIPORA, FEBRUARY 17: To review ongoing efforts and to address the challenges posed by substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, a meeting of the District Level Committee under Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was today held at Mini secretariat Bandipora.

The meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Shakeel Ul Rehman discussed in detail emerging trends, trafficking, patterns of drug abuse, access to treatment and rehabilitation services, and enforcement measures besides other key issues.

The meeting also discussed threadbare preventive strategies, including public awareness campaigns, community-based initiatives, and school programs aimed at deterring drug use and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The DC, on the occasion, asked the concerned to frame an advance calendar of activities to educate more people regarding the ill effects of drug abuse and to reach out to the vulnerable sections of the society.

He emphasized upon coordination of different departments and NGOs and asked the concerned agencies to conduct more effective awareness programs regarding ill effects of substance abuse and preventive measures in close coordination and involvement of PRIs.

Rather said that District Development Council Members and other public representatives have an active role to play to spread awareness at the grassroots level.

The DC impressed upon the Tehsildars and other concerned agencies to ensure that no Tobacco product is sold near schools. He asked all the concerned stakeholders, including social welfare, health, education, and others, to implement joint efforts to make a drug free society.

He also warned of more strict action against drug dealers and peddlers.

The DC stressed awareness through audio visual channels among a large number of people with focus on targeted population.

He asked the Department of Health, Addiction Treatment Facility, District Drug De-addiction, and Counseling Center and other concerned departments to make available a pool of counselors and experts to organize programmes and generate awareness at panchayat level.

The DC also stressed the role of religious scholars in Community-led initiatives addressing the problems of substance abuse. He said religious scholars can play a unique role in the battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trade and urged them to generate awareness at the local level in safeguarding our communities and protecting our youth from the harms of drugs.

He directed the officers to publicize toll-free helpline numbers so that victims of drug abuse will receive proper counseling without disclosing identity.

The meeting was attended by Vice Chairperson District Development Council Kousar Shafeeq, DDC Members Mewa Jan, Tasleema Akhtar, Dr. Mustafa Khan, Raja Aijaz, Superintendent of Police Shafat Mohammad, ACD Mumtaz Ahmad, Tehsildar, CMO, CEO, CAO, BMO and officers from Excise Department, Drugs Control, ATF, DDAC and other concerned.

Principals of Degree Colleges and SDM Sumbal also attended the meeting in virtual mode­­.