War against Drugs: Pledge ceremonies, rallies held in different Panchayats, educational institutions of Kupwara

Kupwara : On the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray, Pledge ceremonies and sensitization sessions were held in different Panchayat Halqas of Kupwara district during Gram Sabhas as part of War against drugs-‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ (NMBA) here on Tuesday.
On the occasion participants including Men, Women, Youth, and PRIs vowed to stay away from drugs and discourage use of drugs and substance abuse and ensure that Kupwara district becomes drug free.
Participants pledged that they all stand together in war against drugs and substance abuse. The aim of the pledge ceremonies was to sensitize the people about the harmful effects of drug abuse and rehabilitation strategies of district administration Kupwara.
The pledge was administered during Gram Sabhas held in different Panchayat Halqas of block including Wavoora, Drugmulla, Handwara, Magam, Haihama, Kalaroos, Kern, Kralpora, Kupwara, Langate, Magam, Mawar (Qalamabad), Meelyal, Nutnoosa, Qadirabad, Qaziabad, Rajwar, Ramhal, Redi Chowkibal, Sogam, Teetwal, and Trehgam.
Speakers on the occasion said that drug addiction is a grave concern for all especially among the younger generation and has detrimental impact not only on the individual concerned but on the society as a whole.
During the programme, people were also sensitized about environmental issues, role of the general public in its protection and preservation, cleanliness and hygienic sanitation practices in rural areas.
RDD field functionaries and PRIs, were mobilized after the directions of Deputy Commissioner to conduct special gram Sabhas in all Panchayats of the district in first week of June to single out the gravity of matter through awareness programs, sensitizing common people and youth about harmful effects of substance abuse and rehabilitation options available in the district.
The DC has stressed the need for coordinated efforts between government agencies, health care providers, civil society organisations, community and religious leaders to effectively address the drug menace in the district.
He asked the concerned stakeholders for more intensive awareness campaigns to educate the people about the dangers of drug abuse, improved access to the addiction treatment, support services and stronger regulations of pharmaceutical shops to prevent the illegal distribution of banned drugs.
Meanwhile, drug de-addiction awareness programs, seminars, debates and rallies to sensitize students and common masses were held in different educational institutions across the district.