Budgam : The 45th District-Level NCORD (Narco Coordination) Committee meeting was Friday convened at the DC Office Budgam under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, along with SSP Budgam Nikhil Borkar, to review the progress of ongoing anti-drug initiatives and to strategize further measures for achieving a drug-free Budgam.
The meeting was attended by ADC Budgam, all SDMs, ACP, CMO, Principals of Government Degree Colleges, DIO, DSWO, Medical Superintendent DH Budgam, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees, and other concerned officers.
At the outset, a comprehensive review of the action taken on decisions from the previous NCORD meeting was carried out.
Addressing the meeting, the DC reiterated that drug abuse is not merely a law enforcement issue but a serious social challenge impacting families and communities. He stressed that strict and decisive action must continue against drug peddlers, traffickers, and illegal cultivators, while ensuring a compassionate and supportive approach towards individuals battling addiction.
He emphasized the need for a multi-pronged strategy encompassing enforcement, deterrence, treatment, and mass awareness. All departments were directed to intensify efforts to eliminate narcotics cultivation and dismantle supply networks.
The DC underscored that roadsides, embankments, and Panchayat areas must remain free from cannabis and poppy cultivation through coordinated and sustained drives.
Reviewing enforcement measures, the DC directed that all chemist shops must ensure 100% CCTV coverage and adopt Computerized Billing Systems (CBS) to enhance transparency. He instructed the Drug Inspector to conduct regular inspections and ensure compliance, including availability of CCTV footage and billing records.
The Excise Department was directed to work in close coordination with Agriculture, Revenue, and Police departments for identification and destruction of illicit crops, along with registration of FIRs against violators.
To strengthen grassroots monitoring and awareness, the DC directed that monthly meetings be held in every Gram Panchayat to review the situation, spread awareness, and ensure community participation in the anti-drug campaign.
SDMs were asked to engage religious scholars and local stakeholders to promote awareness against substance abuse and encourage the concept of “Nasha-Mukt Panchayats.”
The Rural Development Department was tasked with organizing special Gram Sabhas focused on drug abuse awareness, while the DSWO was directed to launch extensive IEC campaigns across rural and urban areas, including educational institutions.
The DC further directed that the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at District Hospital Budgam must remain fully operational round-the-clock, and the Drug De-Addiction Centre be made fully functional for admitting and treating patients.
The DC directed the Employment Department to facilitate recovered victims of drug addiction in accessing self-employment opportunities under schemes such as Mission YUVA, PMEGP, and other livelihood programmes, enabling their reintegration into society with dignity.
He also instructed that all Government Degree Colleges in the district ensure installation of CCTV cameras within their campuses to strengthen monitoring and preventive measures.
The DC stated that strict action will continue against all those involved in drug-related activities, while full support will be extended to victims seeking rehabilitation. He emphasised that the success of this campaign depends on collective efforts of government agencies, civil society, community leaders, educators, parents, and religious institutions.
On the occasion, SSP Budgam highlighted the need for installation of CCTV cameras at identified hotspots across the district and stressed the importance of coordinated action among departments. He also emphasized focused counselling and rehabilitation of drug addiction victims through the Drug De-Addiction Centre Budgam.
