KULGAM, APRIL 21: Mentor to District Kulgam for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) and Chairman JKSSRB, Vikas Kundal, Tuesday visited Kulgam where he reviewed the implementation of the ongoing 100-day campaign and presided over a mega awareness programme organised under the initiative.
During the programme, Vikas Kundal led a pledge ceremony in which participants collectively pledged to work towards building a drug-free society and actively support the fight against substance abuse. He also participated in a plantation drive.
A signature campaign, as per an official statement, was also conducted on the occasion, with participants expressing their commitment to spreading awareness and encouraging people to stay away from drugs.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Kundal emphasized that eliminating drug abuse requires collective and sustained efforts from all sections of society, including government agencies, community leaders and youth.
He urged the participants to actively contribute towards making Kulgam a drug-free district and to continue spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
He added that youth are the future of the country and that drug abuse poses a serious challenge that can destroy their potential.
He stressed the need for a collective fight against drugs and urged people to inform the police and administration about individuals involved in drug peddling. He further emphasized that the ongoing campaign must yield tangible results in the fight against substance abuse.
Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted that the focus is on demand reduction, supply reduction and rehabilitation as key pillars to tackle drug abuse.
He said that a comprehensive activity calendar has been prepared under the 100-day campaign to intensify awareness programmes across the district.
The DC further stated that a significant number of drug seizures and arrests have been made in Kulgam, adding that strict action against drug peddlers will continue.
He also noted that the District De-Addiction Centre is functioning effectively and that the administration is focusing on continuous counselling, skill training and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for victims of substance abuse.
Showkat Ahmad Rather, Member JKSSRB, and other officers also spoke on the occasion.
While presenting a brief on the activities, actions and achievements in the district, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Viaqar Ahmad Giri informed that several measures have been undertaken to curb drug abuse. He stated that no cultivation of poppy has been recorded in the district, while 100 percent CCTV surveillance has been ensured in pharmacies to monitor the sale of medicines.
It was also informed that 752 victims of substance abuse have been treated and rehabilitated at the District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC) so far.
Officials further apprised that under the 100-day campaign, extensive awareness drives, counselling sessions and preventive initiatives are being carried out across the district to discourage drug abuse, particularly among youth.
A felicitation ceremony was also held on the occasion to honour participants who excelled in various competitions organised under the campaign, including essay writing, painting, speech and slogan writing competitions. Students also highlighted the harmful effects of drug abuse through their paintings, speeches and slogans, spreading a strong message against substance abuse and promoting a drug-free society.
SSP Kulgam, Anayat Ali Choudhary; JKSSRB members Showkat Ahmad Rather and Riyaz Ahmad Malik; District Program Officer, Zaheer Ahmad Kaifi; ACR, Riyaz Ahmad Shah; ACD, Bilal Ahmad Kamgar; SDM, Noorabad, Bashir-ul-Hassan, DPO, DSWO and other officers, students and locals participated in the programme.
