DC Kupwara chairs NCORD Meeting

KUPWARA  : The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray on Tuesday chaired a meeting of District Level Committee under Narco-Coordination Center (NCORD) at Mini-Meeting Hall of DC office Complex here.
The meeting discussed in detail ways and means and strategies to tackle the menace of drug addiction and the role of various stakeholders.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commisioner highlighted the need for coordinated efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, and community leaders to effectively address the drug menace.
Dr. Sagar stressed on more intensive awareness campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse, improved access to addiction treatment and support services, and stronger regulation of the pharmaceutical shops to prevent the illegal distribution of banned drugs.

The DC also highlighted the role of various stakeholders in addressing the drug crisis, including law enforcement agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and religious heads.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration and a unified approach in order to combat the drug menace effectively.

It was apprised in the review meeting that 1000 new Drug-addict Patients have been identified from different areas of Kupwara district which will be rehabilitated and properly treated.
Deputy Commisioner asked the concerned departments to make a comprehensive action plan so that drug addict patients are brought out of this menace.
Stressing for strengthening the mechanism of drug de-addiction DC has asked the concerned departments to institutionalise the process of rehabilitation and mobilise the drug addicts in a friendly and cordial environment and strengthen the Drug De-addiction and rehabilitation centres so that patients are easily brought out of this menace.
It was told in the meeting services of 12 councillors are being utilised.
Deputy Commisioner asked to CMO Kupwara to review the counsilore performance continuously and organise a two days training workshop for councillors where experts and specialists will further train and equip them.
ACP Kupwara was asked to mobilise field functionaries of RDD and Panchayt Raj and PRIs and conduct Special Gram sabhas in all Panchayats of the district in first week of June 2023 to impart awareness about harmful effects of drug abuse and rehabilitation strategies of district adminstration.
Meeting was informed that Sufficient quantity of medicine was available in drug de addiction centre for treatment of effected persons.
Deputy Commisioner Kupwara has asked the concerned officers to conduct more meetings with religious heads, Ulemas, Numberdars and Chowkidars so that their services are utilised in war against drugs.
“We must work in coordination to address this issue and ensure that all stake holders are well equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to prevent drug abuse and properly rehabilitate the affected persons” DC said adding that district Administration will continue its relentless fight against the drug peddling and shall ensure that Kupwara District becomes free from the menace of drugs.

Meeting was apprised that 205 councelling sessions of drug De- addiction were conducted in the district and 45 drug de-addiction awareness programmes were organised across the district.

SSP Kupwara Yougal Manhas on the occasion highlighted the role of parents and religious heads in preventing drug abuse among children and youth. He added that police administration, with the help of district administration, has adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ approach towards drug abuse.
At the conclusion of meeting Excise and Taxation officer, North Kashmir presented a cheque of Rs 1.50 lac to DC Kupwara and CMO Kupwara for procurement of testing kits for drug addicts.

ASP Handwara, CMO Kupwara, DSWO Kupwara, Tehsildars, and other concerned officers attended the meeting.