PULWAMA, MAY 07: As part of the ongoing 100-day campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, a series of enforcement, awareness, outreach and sports activities were conducted across District Pulwama Thursday by multiple departments to spread awareness against drug abuse and promote a healthy and drug-free society.
The Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) Pulwama, as per an official statement, organised a wide range of activities and competitions across various educational institutions of the district, witnessing enthusiastic participation from students and youth. The programmes included pledge-taking ceremonies, rallies and sports competitions aimed at raising awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
In Zone Pulwama, zonal-level badminton tournament was organised at CHS Pulwama, while awareness programmes were conducted at BHS Payer and UPS Chewakalan. In Zone Tahab, chess and badminton competitions were held at HSS Arihal while awareness programme was organised at HSS Panzgam and volleyball competition was conducted at UPS Ladermar.
In Zone Kakapora, zonal-level badminton tournament was conducted at GMS Kakapora. In Zone Tral, zonal-level U-17 girls volleyball competition was organised at Sports Stadium Bajwani, while badminton competition was held at Indoor Stadium Bajwani.
Similarly, chess and carrom competitions for girls were organised at HSS Rajpora in Zone Shadimarg, while zonal-level Kho-Kho competition for girls was conducted at GMS Lurgam in Zone Lurgam.
At the culmination of each sports event, the participants also took pledge to work collectively towards building a healthy, prosperous and drug-free society. The best performers in various zonal-level tournaments were awarded mementos and certificates for encouragement.
Meanwhile, under the ongoing campaign, the Drug Control Department, in coordination with Police Awantipora, intensified enforcement activities to curb drug abuse and prevent misuse of controlled substances.
Continuing its inspection and surveillance drives, the department Thursday ordered the closure of two retail medical shops for violation of prescribed laws and regulations. Officials stated that strict compliance with record-keeping provisions under drug laws is essential to ensure transparency and prevent illegal sale and misuse of medicines. They warned that any deviation from prescribed norms would invite strict legal action.
Besides, the Ayush Department organised awareness programmes at Ayush Health and Wellness Centre Reshipora Kakapora, Government Middle School Bagendar Sangarwani and Higher Secondary School Drubgam Pulwama. During the programmes, participants were sensitized about the harmful effects of drug abuse, preventive measures and the importance of collective responsibility in creating a drug-free society. The programmes concluded with pledge-taking ceremonies, while NCD screening and free medicines were also provided among the participants.
Meanwhile, as part of the campaign, an awareness programme was also organised at Aripal, Tral bringing together officers from multiple departments and witnessing enthusiastic public participation.
During the session, officers and resource persons highlighted the adverse impact of substance abuse and stressed the importance of coordinated community efforts in tackling the menace. A signature campaign was also organised on the occasion to mark the collective resolve against drug abuse. The event culminated with a padyatra aimed at spreading the message of a drug-free lifestyle in the society.
Similarly, awareness sessions were organised at Danak Mohalla, Khrew and Pinglena Kakapora, where officers from various departments interacted with participants and highlighted the ill effects of substance abuse. The programmes witnessed participation from local residents, youth and students, and included pledge-taking ceremonies and awareness activities to promote collective responsibility in curbing drug menace.
The activities form part of the district administration’s efforts to involve all sections of society in combating drug abuse and strengthening public awareness across Pulwama district.
