Kishtwar : In a concerted effort to combat drug abuse and trafficking, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan on Monday chaired a monthly review meeting of the National Committee on Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (NCORD) in Kishtwar.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the need for a zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related activities and called for a collaborative approach involving all sectors of the community. He impressed to adopt multipronged strategies to effectively combat this issue.
SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom provided updates on various legal interventions undertaken in the district, while the Deputy Commissioner instructed the identification of minimum 10-15 volunteers, including women, from each panchayat to assist in monitoring and surveillance on drug trafficking at ground level.
To strengthen the district’s response, SDMs and Tehsildars were directed to conduct monthly reviews of the NCORD committees in their respective jurisdictions. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for adequate testing kits for drug detection, particularly in shadow zones, and called for their accessibility to health officials, police, and community workers.
Additional measures discussed included the installation of CCTV cameras in medical stores to enhance surveillance of psychotropic drug sales and the strict enforcement of regulations prohibiting the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of educational institutions. The excise officer was tasked with intensifying efforts against illegal distillation and cultivation of weed crops.
The meeting also reviewed the progress made since the 10th NCORD meeting, reinforcing the district’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse. The DC also reviewed the functioning of the Addiction Treatment Facility in the District Hospital Kishtwar and stressed for the need of Psychiatrist in the ATF.
Those who attended the meeting included SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom, ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal, ACR Kishtwar Idrees Ahmed Lone, SDM’s and Nodal Officers, NCORD Zubair Ahmed Lone, Nodal Officer ATF.
