Day: October 23, 2024

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RAJOURI, OCT 23:- Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, today chaired a meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee in the Conference Hall of the DC Office convened to review and evaluate the ongoing measures to combat drug trafficking, substance use, and ensuring coordinated efforts across the district to tackle the menace of drug abuse.

At the outset, the Drug Inspector briefed the meeting about the progress made in regulating pharmaceutical operations, reporting that 65% of shops in the district have now adopted computerized billing systems to ensure transparency in drug sales.

In a key directive, the DC emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring of pharmaceutical activities. He directed the establishment of a dedicated Control Room for monitoring CCTV cameras installed at various pharmaceutical shops to track any suspicious activities and strengthen surveillance across the district.

ADC, ACR, and SDMs briefed the meeting regarding the drug control measures in their respective jurisdictions.

The Deputy Commissioner issued strict instructions for making ‘red entries’ in the revenue records of properties seized under anti-narcotic operations, signaling a strong stance against offenders.

Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned officials to submit written Action Taken Reports (ATRs) detailing their respective actions in the ongoing drive against narcotics.

Additional SP, Bikram Kumar informed the chair about the identification of 29 hotspots of drug activity across the district, with 27 FIRs lodged till date in connection with narcotic-related cases. He also provided a briefing on the usage of the NIDAAN portal, a central database used for tracking drug-related offences and offenders, which is proving instrumental in the district’s anti-drug efforts.

The Chief Education Officer (CEO) briefed the Deputy Commissioner on the ongoing efforts to sensitize school staff about drug abuse, mentioning that complaint boxes have been installed in educational institutions to report drug-related issues. The Programme Officer ICDS also updated the chair on the training programs imparted to supervisors and other staff members, equipping them to handle and report drug-related cases effectively.

Following the review meeting, Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma visited the Drug De-addiction Centre, where he inspected the facility and interacted with the patients/drug addicts. Thereafter, he issued several key directives aimed at improving the operational standards of the centre. The DC instructed immediate measures to ensure cleanliness throughout the centre, Officials deployed at the centre were directed to wear proper uniforms and carry ID cards at all times and also issued directions to strengthen control over entrance and exit points to enhance security.

Furthermore, he ordered the immediate shifting of medicines belonging to the medical department that were found stocked within the de-addiction centre.

After scrutinizing the records, the DC directed that repetition of patients or drug addicts at the centre should not be done without proper medical evaluation and treatment.

The meeting and visit were attended by ADC Rajouri, Rajiv Khajuria, Additional SP Bikram Kumar, Programme Officer ICDS, ACD, ACR, SDM, CEO, DSWO, DIO, ARTO, ETO, as well as representatives from the Anti-Terrorism Force (ATF), Drug De-addiction Centre, and other district officers.

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SHYAM SOLD

RAJOURI OCT 23:-In a significant development the inhabitants of Budhal in Koteranka subdivision of Rajouri district have demanded District status for Budhal having a population of more than 70000 spread across 28 panchayats.
“By adding 10-15 panchayats from the Gulabgarh area of Reasi district, the new district will represent a larger, more cohesive administrative unit, facilitating development in both regions,” said Waqar Lone (representing the public of Budhal).
Before proceeding further representing the demands of the people of Budhal , according to historians Budhal name has been derived from its ruler Budhpal (ruled in 11th century AD).
Another theory said that the Budhal name was derived as in the ancient times the area was inhabited by the followers of Buddhism.
Comprising 51 villages having population of 1.45 lakh (as per 2011 census) Budhal town was tehsil headquarter, but later it was shifted to Kotranka town on administrative grounds.
Budhal is an ancient town as its name is available in Rajtarangni as Budhiwasa.
According to Waqar Lone, representative of people of Budhal, Budhal is a large and strategically significant area in the Pir Panjal region, yet it has been overlooked when it comes to district status.
“If Kalakote, which is only 30 km away from the district headquarters in Rajouri, can qualify for district status, then why not Budhal, which lies 60 km away, facing greater challenges of connectivity, accessibility, and infrastructure,” said Waqar Lone.
Budhal residents said that Budhal is acting as a gateway between Rajouri and Reasi districts. It is not just geographically isolated but also difficult to access due to underdeveloped road infrastructure, making administrative reach a challenge. Granting Budhal district status will help bring essential services closer to the population.
Despite its size and population, Budhal was neglected by the successive governments. Lack of basic amenities like healthcare, education, and transport infrastructure has hindered the region’s growth.
“District status would ensure focused attention, quicker implementation of government schemes, and better governance in these backward areas” , people said.
Budhal has historical and cultural significance, with a diverse population that includes various ethnic groups contributing to the rich heritage of the region. Its distinct identity calls for district status, like other areas with comparable population and historical relevance.
Waqar Lone said that Budhal’s far-flung areas are difficult to manage from Rajouri’s district headquarters. Creating a new district will ease the administrative burden on Rajouri and improve the efficiency of public services in the region.
Located in between the main Pir Panjal Range of mountains and the natural scenic beauty of Koteranka, Kandi and Budhal is not less than that of the terrain of Kashmir but unfortunately not developed for tourism purposes by the previous governments.

People of Budhal feel that the region has the potential for eco-tourism, horticulture, and agriculture, all of which can be better developed with the focused attention of district administration.
Main Investment in infrastructure, such as roads and communication, will also increase economic opportunities for the people of Budhal.
Keeping in view the welfare and economic growth of the people and the area, the people of Budhal have appealed to Prime Minister, Home Minister, BJP National General Secretary, Tarun Chug, to direct the concerned to initiate the process to grant district status for Budhal.
“By doing this the government will not only bring governance closer to the people but also set a new course for development in the region. This is not just a demand; it is a step toward equitable growth, empowerment, and long-overdue justice for the people of Budhal” said Waqar Lone on behalf of people of Budhal region.