Rajouri: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma Saturday chaired a meeting to review and strengthen drug control measures in the district.
The review meeting focused on intensifying public awareness campaigns, improving de-addiction facilities and ensuring effective rehabilitation and counseling support for victims of substance abuse.
During the deliberations, the Deputy Commissioner directed the officer from National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to mobilize Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for conducting awareness drives at the grassroots level to educate communities about the harmful effects of drug abuse. He emphasized that community-based interventions can play a crucial role in preventing youth from falling into the trap of addiction.
A key decision taken during the meeting was the establishment of a dedicated helpline to assist individuals affected by drug addiction. The helpline, to be managed by the Health Department, will serve as a vital support system for providing information, counseling and treatment guidance to those in need.
The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the functioning of the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) and directed concerned officers to ensure availability of proper rehabilitation, aftercare services, and empathetic counseling to the victi He stressed on adopting a holistic approach involving health, education, police and social welfare departments to tackle the issue comprehensively.
Calling for greater coordination among enforcement agencies, health institutions, and civil society, the DC reaffirmed the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse. He urged all stakeholders to work in synergy to eliminate the growing threat and support affected individuals in their recovery and reintegration into society.
Among others present in the meeting included SSP Gaurav Sikarwar, ADC Rajouri, Chander Prakash; PO ICDS, Harpal Singh; DFO Rajouri; CMO, Dr. Manohar Lal Rana; DSWO, Abdul Raheem; and DO NRLM. The meeting was also attended through virtual mode by ADC Kalakote, Mohd Tanvir; ADC Nowshera, Pritam Lal Thapa; ADC Sunderbani, Ramkesh Sharma and SDM Thanamandi, Abid Hussain Shah.
