ANANTNAG, SEPTEMBER 26: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Saturday chaired the 35th meeting of the Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD) at the DC Office Complex, Anantnag, to review the measures being undertaken to combat drug abuse, strengthen enforcement, intensify awareness and ensure effective rehabilitation support across the district.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for sustained, coordinated and field-oriented action by all concerned departments and enforcement agencies to effectively tackle the drug menace. He called for stronger inter-departmental coordination, particularly in identified drug hotspots, and directed the concerned departments to ensure that vulnerable individuals are promptly identified and connected with counselling, treatment and rehabilitation services.
The DC emphasized that enforcement against drug peddling and illicit cultivation must go hand in hand with preventive measures, awareness generation, counselling and rehabilitation. He directed all stakeholders to maintain close coordination and ensure regular monitoring of vulnerable areas.
The DC also directed the Executive Officers of Municipal Committees to conduct regular drives against the growth of cannabis plants in public places, including riverbanks, parks, roadsides and other urban areas. The concerned officers were asked to undertake regular field visits and ensure that public spaces do not become vulnerable spots for drug-related activities.
The Tehsildars were directed to ensure immediate identification and destruction of illicit cannabis cultivation in their respective jurisdictions and to coordinate closely with the Police Department for identification and legal action against persons involved in illegal cultivation.
Dr. Bilal stressed the importance of strengthening database management and field-level intelligence, besides ensuring effective handholding of Lambardars, Chowkidars and other field functionaries so that information regarding illicit cultivation, drug abuse and related activities reaches the concerned authorities promptly.
The meeting also reviewed the progress achieved under the 100 Days Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign and the action taken on the directions issued during previous NCORD meetings. Representatives of various departments and institutions briefed the chair about the measures undertaken since the last meeting to curb drug abuse and generate awareness about its harmful effects.
The Principals of Government Degree Colleges informed the meeting that CCTV cameras have been installed in college campuses, while frisking, regular monitoring and visits to college premises are being undertaken to ensure a safe and drug-free environment for students. Awareness programmes and other preventive measures are also being conducted in the institutions.
The Excise Department informed the meeting that 18 marlas of poppy cultivation had been destroyed, while 124 FIRs involving 139 NDPS cases had been registered against persons involved in drug-related offences. Regular field-monitoring teams have also been deployed to identify illicit cultivation and initiate action as per law.
The Assistant Drug Controller apprised the meeting that eight medical licences had been cancelled for violations of prescribed regulations, reflecting strict regulatory action against violations under the drug-control framework.
Representatives of the Education Department informed the meeting that awareness programmes and counselling activities are being conducted in schools, particularly among targeted classes. Schools are also actively participating in the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir initiative and undertaking activities aimed at sensitizing students about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
Doctors from Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag informed the meeting that more than 21 patients had been treated in the IPD during the last 15 days. The GMC currently has 10 rehabilitation beds available for persons affected by drug addiction. It was further informed that more than 150 counsellors have been trained to undertake awareness and counselling activities at the grassroots level.
The Chief Agriculture Officer informed the meeting that poppy and cannabis cultivation had been destroyed at several locations by constituted teams. He stated that the process of identifying and destroying illicit cultivation is continuing, while agricultural seeds and seedlings are also being distributed among people as part of efforts to promote alternative agricultural activities.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to maintain continuous surveillance, strengthen enforcement, intensify awareness campaigns and ensure timely rehabilitation and counselling support. He called for collective and sustained efforts to protect the younger generation from substance abuse and reiterated that the fight against drugs requires coordinated action at the administrative, enforcement, educational, healthcare and community levels.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Anantnag, Principal GMC Anantnag, CMO Anantnag, CEO, ACD, Principals of Government Degree Colleges, Excise Officer, Tehsildars, DySP Headquarters, Medical Superintendent GMC Anantnag, CEO Municipal Council Anantnag, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees and other concerned officers.
