Kupwara : To review the steps taken to curb drug abuse in the district, a District Level Narco Coordination Committee (NCORD) meeting was held on Wednesday under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Dr.Doifode Sagar Dattatray at DC Office Complex, here.
At the outset, the DC reviewed measures undertaken to break the chain of drug peddling and its consumption in the district to save youth from the ill-effects of the drug menace.
The DC gave a 15 days timeline to Health department Kupwara to identify the drug addicts so that a database at district level is prepared for rehabilitation and treatment of drug addicts. He further directed to fully utilise the services of all ASHA workers of the district.
He also gave a deadline of 7 days to Program Manager Mental Health Kupwara for proper classification, grading of drug addict persons on the basis of usage, and symptoms so that drug addicts are rehabilitated as per their classification and usage of types of drugs they consume.
The DC directed the concerned to intensify their efforts to reach-out to the drug affected persons for their smooth recovery. He asked the concerned to upscale the counseling, awareness and IEC activities in the district.
Drug Controller Handwara and Kupwara were directed to get the CCTV camera installed at all medical shops and drug stores on priority basis and initiate action against the owners who fail to install CCTV cameras.
On the occasion, it was informed that 145 patients are registered for drug de-addiction at SDH Kupwara and DH Handwara who are undergoing rehabilitation.
It was informed in the review meeting that in the last one week 32 Drug sale establishments were inspected in the district and in 6 drug sale establishments violations were detected against which action is being initiated. 3000 stickers for IEC are being distributed among the drivers for fixing them on their vehicles.
The DC instructed Chief Education Officer Kupwara to conduct a meeting of all heads of institutions to scrutinize and sensitize students who are using drugs so that proper counseling and rehabilitation against drugs is disseminated among students.
He asked the Officers of all line departments including Enforcement agencies to ensure better coordination in enforcing greater deterrence to combat dangerous trade of drug-trafficking. He said that efforts with cooperation, coordination and collaboration are vital to contain the drug peddling and break the supply chain.
The DC said in order to combat this rising societal problem, multi-pronged rehabilitation, counseling and guidance policy is indispensable to be implemented on ground to monitor drug abuse.
SSP Kupwara Yougal Manhas and SP Handwara Sheema Nabi, ADC Kupwara Gh. Nabi Bhat, CMO Kupwara, DSWO, Tehsildar Kupwara, Drug controller Kupwara, Handwara, ARTO Kupwara and other concerned officers attended the meeting.
