GNS ONLINE RAJOURI
SHYAM SOOD
RAJOURI, MAY 26:–District Magistrate Rajouri, Vikas Kundal on Friday presided the 11th meeting of the District-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee focused on addressing the critical issue of drug abuse and trafficking in the district.
Key stakeholders and departmental representatives were present to discuss and devise strategies to combat the menace.
The District Social Welfare Officer, Wakeel Ahmed Bhat, provided a comprehensive update on the progress made regarding the action on the previous decisions, including installations of CCTV cameras at 535 medical stores to keep a check on the counter sale of banned drugs.
The District Magistrate stressed the enforcement of CCTVs at all medical stores and directed the concerned authorities to ensure compliance.
District Magistrate, Vikas Kundal also urged the Assistant DMs to take immediate steps to declare four Panchayats per sub-division as drug-free.
“This initiative aims to create drug-free zones at the grassroots level, thereby safeguarding the community from the ill effects of drug abuse,” said the DM.
“Initiate mass awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and public spaces by involving Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), students, & locals to spread awareness about the threats of drug abuse”” said Vikas Kundal.
He urged the Education Department to prioritise anti-drug abuse awareness in all educational institutions & also emphasised the need for seamless coordination among the health, police, and social welfare departments to keep a check on the perpetrators.
“The collaboration will facilitate the sharing of crucial information regarding drug addicts, enabling their timely rehabilitation and support,’ he said.
SSP, Amrit Pal Singh, highlighted the importance of reporting any instance of drug trafficking or related activities & urged the officers and individuals involved to promptly share the information they may come across, contributing to the collective efforts against drug proliferation.
Maintaining strict vigilance against drug-related offences was also emphasised, along with intensified awareness campaigns to deter individuals from falling victim to addictive substances.
The District Magistrate, SSP, and other officials reiterated their commitment to combating the drug menace and safeguarding the well-being of the community.
The meeting was attended by Additional DC (ADC) Rajouri, Rajiv Khajuria; ADC Kalakote, Krishan Lal; ADC Sunderbani, Vinod Kumar Behnal: Additional SP, Vivek Shekhar; CEO, Sultana Kouser; & DSWO, Wakeel Ahmed Bhat.
