Urges Community-Driven Fight, Stronger Enforcement and Rehabilitation Measures
BUDGAM: The 41st District-Level NCORD (Narco Coordination) Committee Meeting was today convened at the DC Office Budgam under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, along with SSP Budgam Nikhil Borkar, to review ongoing measures against drug abuse and to formulate fresh strategies for a drug-free Budgam.
The meeting was attended by ADC Budgam, all SDMs, ACD, CMO, DSWO, Medical Superintendent DH Budgam, Principals of all Government Degree Colleges, EOs of Municipal Committees, and other concerned officers.
At the outset, action taken on previous NCORD decisions was reviewed. It was informed that wild cannabis spread over 77 kanals and 18 marlas of land has been destroyed across the district during the past month, while 55 cases have been registered and 38 challenged for illicit cultivation.
The DC said that drug abuse is not only a law enforcement challenge but a serious social problem affecting families and communities. He emphasised that the fight against drugs must remain strict and uncompromising toward peddlers, traffickers, and cultivators, while being supportive and compassionate toward victims who require treatment and rehabilitation.
He said that a multi-pronged approach involving deterrence, enforcement, treatment, and mass awareness is essential. It was stressed that all line departments need to intensify efforts to curb narcotics cultivation and peddling. It was further stated that roads, embankments, and Panchayat areas must be kept free from cannabis and poppy cultivation through coordinated efforts.
The DC appreciated the progress made so far but said that continuous, proactive and visible action is required so that the public retains confidence in the administration’s resolve.
Regarding drug regulation, the DC underlined the importance of 100% CCTV coverage and Computerized Billing Systems (CBS) in all chemist shops. It was informed that Budgam has 630 retail and 225 wholesale chemist outlets, all under strict monitoring. He said that frequent inspections must continue and strict action be taken for any violations.
He also said that the Drug Inspector shall ensure wide publicity about actions taken, including cancellation of licenses and other violations, to increase transparency.
It was given out that 117 calls have been received on the Tele-MANAS mental health helpline, indicating its increasing role in providing psychological support. The DC said that such services must be further publicised so that people can seek help confidentially.
He said that the Excise Department shall work in close coordination with Revenue and Police authorities for destruction of illicit crops and registration of FIRs.
SDMs were asked to hold meetings with religious scholars and community stakeholders to encourage sermons against substance abuse and promote “Nasha-Mukt Panchayats.”
It was also stated that the Rural Development Department shall organise special Gram Sabhas on drug abuse awareness, while the DSWO shall conduct mega IEC campaigns across villages, towns, and educational institutions.
The DC said that the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at District Hospital Budgam must remain functional round-the-clock. It was further informed that the Drug De-Addiction Centre is now fully ready for intake of patients requiring treatment.
The DC also said that all Degree Colleges in Budgam shall ensure installation of CCTV cameras within their campuses to strengthen preventive monitoring.
Reiterating the zero-tolerance stance, the DC said that the administration shall continue to act firmly against drug peddlers, cultivators, and traffickers, while extending full support to victims of addiction. He said that this campaign requires collective participation of government departments, civil society, community elders, teachers, parents, and religious scholars.
He added that Budgam must set an example for the rest of the UT by breaking the drug supply chain and protecting the youth through united community action.