KUPWARA, OCTOBER 28: District Magistrate Kupwara, Abhishek Sharma, along with SSP Kupwara, Sudhanshu Dhama, and SSP Handwara, Sajad Khaliq, today chaired a comprehensive meeting of the District-Level Committee of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review the anti-narcotics scenario and strengthen enforcement measures across the district.
The District Magistrate reviewed the prevailing ground situation, ongoing enforcement measures, and the status of rehabilitation facilities. Emphasizing a multi-pronged strategy, the DM directed all stakeholder departments to work in close coordination, focusing equally on strict enforcement, rehabilitation, and proactive community engagement to eradicate the drug menace.
To strengthen deterrence, the DM directed the Police Department to take stringent legal action against offenders involved in drug peddling. He also directed the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) to initiate action for cancellation of driving licences of persons involved in drug-related cases, in accordance with the applicable rules. He further directed the R&B Department and the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) to examine allegations against government contractors allegedly linked to narcotics-related activities and initiate appropriate penal proceedings in accordance with the rules.
The Health Department, in coordination with the Police Department, was directed to inspect all de-addiction centres and take action against unauthorized facilities. The Assistant Drug Controller was instructed to monitor the supply and distribution of medicines to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs.
Reviewing health and preventive measures, the DM directed the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to procure testing kits for screening commercial drivers across the district to enhance screening measures across vulnerable cohorts of society . He also instructed the Controlling Officers to identify government employees struggling with substance addiction and facilitate their structured rehabilitation at certified de-addiction facilities.
To channel the energy of youth towards constructive activities, the Sub-Divisional Magistrates were directed to expedite the development of playfields, including volleyball courts, in every panchayat. Educational institutions were also directed to install CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations and conduct mass awareness programmes. The Chief Education Officer (CEO) was instructed to identify eligible schools for declaration as ‘Drug-Free Schools’.
The DM reiterated that sustained administrative vigilance, coordinated departmental action, and active public participation are vital to safeguarding the youth and making Kupwara drug-free.
The meeting was attended by the ADC Handwara, ACR, SDMs, ACD, CMO, CEO, Assistant Drug Controller, ARTO, college principals, Tehsildars, and other senior civil and police officers.
