GANDERBAL, JUNE 27: In continuation of its sustained efforts to promote legal literacy and public awareness, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ganderbal, under the Chairmanship of Abdul Nasir, Chairman, DLSA Ganderbal, and under the guidance and supervision of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, Saturday organised legal awareness programmes under the NALSA (DAWN) Scheme – Drug Awareness and Wellness Navigation for a Drug-Free India, 2025, as part of its ongoing campaign against drug abuse.
A Legal Awareness Programme was organised at Valley Lakes Educational Institute, Kohistan Colony, Safapora, Ganderbal, with the objective of sensitising students about the harmful effects of drug abuse, the legal consequences of involvement in narcotic offences, the importance of preventive measures, and the need for collective efforts in building a drug-free society. The participants were also informed about the free legal aid services available through the Legal Services Institutions and the rehabilitation support mechanisms available for persons affected by substance abuse.
Adv. Younis Saleem Wani, Member, DAWN Unit, DLSA Ganderbal, and Burjeena Hameed, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, sensitised the participants on the physical, psychological, social, and legal consequences of substance abuse, highlighted preventive measures and rehabilitation facilities, and encouraged the youth to adopt healthy lifestyles and seek timely assistance whenever required.
In another awareness programme organised by the Department of Social Welfare, Ganderbal, at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Ganderbal, Shaheena Ali, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, DLSA Ganderbal, sensitised the participants about the legal, social, and psychological consequences of drug abuse, explained the legal provisions relating to narcotic offences, and emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts by educational institutions, families, government agencies, and the community in protecting the younger generation from the menace of substance abuse.
These programmes were organised in continuation of the district-wide awareness campaign launched by the District Legal Services Authority, Ganderbal. The Authority had also conducted extensive legal awareness and outreach programmes through its Para Legal Volunteers across various locations of the district to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, spreading awareness on the ill effects of drug abuse, preventive measures, rehabilitation facilities, and the availability of free legal aid.
The programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members, who appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the District Legal Services Authority, Ganderbal, to spread awareness against drug abuse and promote a healthy, responsible, and drug-free society.
