Budgam : The 44th District-Level NCORD (Narco Coordination) Committee Meeting was Saturday convened at the DC Office Budgam under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Athar Aamir khan, along with SSP Budgam Nikhil Borkar, to review ongoing measures against drug abuse and to formulate fresh strategies for a drug-free Budgam.
The meeting was attended by ADC Budgam, all SDMs, ACP, CMO, DIO, DSWO, Medical Superintendent DH Budgam, Principals of all Government Degree Colleges, EOs of Municipal Committees, and other concerned officers.
At the outset, action taken on previous NCORD decisions was reviewed.
The chair was also apprised that 13 cases have been registered under NDPS, 01 under PIT-NDPS , 19 peddlers were arrested so far in this month in the District.
The DC said that drug abuse is not only a law enforcement challenge but a serious social problem affecting families and communities. He emphasised that the fight against drugs must remain strict and uncompromising toward peddlers, traffickers, and cultivators, while being supportive and compassionate toward victims who require treatment and rehabilitation.
He said that a multi-pronged approach involving deterrence, enforcement, treatment, and mass awareness is essential. It was stressed that all line departments need to intensify efforts to curb narcotics cultivation and peddling.
It was further stated that roads, embankments, and panchayat areas must be kept free from cannabis and poppy cultivation through coordinated efforts.
The DC appreciated the progress made so far but said that continuous, proactive, and visible action is required so that the public retains confidence in the administration’s resolve.
Regarding drug regulation, the DC underlined the importance of 100% CCTV coverage and Computerized Billing Systems (CBS) in all chemist shops. He said that frequent inspections must continue and strict action be taken for any violations.
He also said that the Drug Inspector shall ensure footage , CBS to be provided by pharmacies to increase transparency.
The DC said that the Excise Department shall work in close coordination with Agriculture, Revenue and Police authorities for destruction of illicit crops and registration of FIRs.
SDMs were asked to hold meetings with religious scholars and community stakeholders to encourage sermons against substance abuse and promote “Nasha-Mukt Panchayats.”
It was also stated that the Rural Development Department shall organise special Gram Sabhas on drug abuse awareness, while the DSWO shall conduct mega IEC campaigns across villages, towns, and educational institutions.
The DC said that the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at District Hospital Budgam must remain functional round-the-clock. He directed that the Drug De-Addiction Centre to be made fully functional for intake of patients requiring treatment.
The DC also said that all Degree Colleges in Budgam shall ensure installation of CCTV cameras within their campuses to strengthen preventive monitoring.
Reiterating the zero-tolerance stance, the DC said that the administration shall continue to act firmly against drug peddlers, cultivators, and traffickers, while extending full support to victims of addiction. He said that this campaign requires collective participation of government departments, civil society, community elders, teachers, parents, and religious scholars.
On the occasion, the SSP Budgam urged installation of CCTV cameras at identified hotspots in the district, including Nasrallapora, Chadoora, and Magam. He also emphasised close inter-departmental coordination and focused rehabilitation and counselling of drug addiction victims at the Drug De-Addiction Centre Budgam.
