DM Kishtwar asks stakeholders to launch mass awareness campaign against drug menace

KISHTWAR, May 25: District Magistrate Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav today chaired a meeting of the Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee here in his Office to review the progress towards eradication of drug trafficking and rehabilitation of drug addicts.

He sought Action Taken Report on the implementation of the directives issued in previous meetings and formulation of future course of action to contain the menace.

In-depth discussions were held regarding the incidence of drug addiction, areas of concern, age groups affected by addiction, and the identification of hotspots for drug use and illicit cultivation of substances such as poppy and cannabis within the district, identification of Nasha Mukt Panchayats in the district and strategies to intensify the awareness activities.

During the meeting, the Committee members presented the latest report on the control of drug addiction and trafficking in the district.

SSP Kishtwar, Khalil Ahmed Poswal, provided an update on the stringent actions taken against drug peddlers, resulting in the apprehension of 20 individuals under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The Law enforcement authorities were directed to intensify their efforts to contain drug-related activities.

Emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of drug control regulations, District magistrate Kishtwar  instructed the Drug Inspector to ensure the mandatory maintenance of records for the sale of psychotropic drugs by medical stores, along with the installation of CCTV cameras in all medical shops.

Furthermore, Dr. Devansh Yadav-IAS called for a comprehensive campaign to combat poppy cultivation in the district.

 Recognizing the importance of awareness, he urged stakeholders to intensify a mass awareness campaign across the entire district, involving individuals from all segments of society, including school children, youth, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and the general public.

The Nodal Officer of the Addiction Treatment Facility at District Hospital Kishtwar reported that 107 individuals have been registered for de-addiction treatment. DM Kishtwar stressed the need for appropriate care and treatment of the patients.

Additionally, He also emphasized the importance of training for Magistrates besides the authorities were directed to conduct a two-day training session in the first week of June 2023 for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Nodal Officers of educational institutions, including Government Degree Colleges (GDCs).

The DM also proposed a series of measures and urged all concerned departments and institutions to work in close coordination at different levels to combat drug trafficking effectively.

DM announced that the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Kishtwar will produce a special short film on de-addiction, engaging local artists.

Recognizing the significance of artistic expression and its impact on society, Dr. Devansh Yadav encouraged the involvement of local artists in this initiative. The short film aims to connect with the community on a deeper level, conveying the message of hope, resilience, and the importance of seeking help for those struggling with addiction.

Dr. Devansh Yadav reaffirmed the commitment of the district administration to address the drug menace comprehensively and pledged continuous efforts to ensure a drug-free environment in Kishtwar.

The meeting was attended by SSP Kishtwar, ADC Kishtwar, PO ICDS, ACD Kishtwar, Tehsildar HQ,DSWO, Nodal Officer ATF, besides other members of Committee.