Social Welfare Department Baramulla organizes mega Awareness Camp on Drug Abuse

BARAMULLA, February 15: In an endeavour to empower the community against drug abuse menace, a mega awareness camp/workshop was today organized by District Social Welfare Department under National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDR) at Dak Bunglow Baramulla.

The workshop was presided by District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Sajad Ahmad and was attended by Deputy Chief Education Officer, Senior Professor GDC Baramulla, Prof. Tariq Ahamd Chalko, Project Coordinator Child Protection Helpline, Nazir Ahmad, other officers, senior citizens, members from civil society, students from Govt. Polytechnic Baramulla and children from orphanage homes.

Speaking on the occasion, the DSWO underscored that the purpose of organizing these events is to generate awareness among the masses, especially youth about the ill effects of drug abuse so that they can live drug free lives and contribute meaningfully for the betterment of the society.

He further emphasized the critical need for seamless collaboration among various departments, including health, social welfare, police, legal, and others, to effectively combat the drug menace in society.

Project Coordinator, in his speech highlighted that drug abuse is like any other addiction and it is important to not stigmatize taking help for substance abuse and make rehabilitation easy, accessible and comforting towards the patients.

The speakers further stressed the need for extensive grassroots level awareness campaigns to address drug abuse menace at its core, ensuring proactive measures are being taken to effectively limit its spread and impact within local communities.

Meanwhile, the District Social Welfare Department organised a health camp for senior citizens during the event, offering comprehensive health check-ups while distributing free medication for the health issues detected.