DC Poonch reviews anti-drug measures at district-level NCORD meeting

POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting of the district-level committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review the action taken for the prevention of the drug menace in the district.

The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Shafket Hussain Bhat, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik, Chief Medical Officer Dr Mohammad Parvaiz, Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Medical Superintendent, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Assistant Commissioner Development, Chief Agriculture Officer, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO-T), college heads, Tehsildars, Block Development Officers (BDOs), CID officials, Inspector MVD, Drug Inspector, DBOs, Forest Department representatives and other concerned officers.

The Deputy Commissioner conducted an in-depth review of anti-narcotic operations across all tehsils. SDMs and Tehsildars presented area-specific reports detailing the status of drug addiction cases and measures undertaken for strict monitoring of chemist shops.

The Assistant Commissioner Panchayat briefed the chair about panchayats declared as “Nasha Mukt”. The Deputy Commissioner directed the officers to intensify efforts to increase the number of drug-free panchayats and organise sustained anti-drug campaigns at the grassroots level.

Taking serious note of compliance issues, the Deputy Commissioner strictly directed the Drug Inspector to ensure 100 percent computerised billing in all medical shops to curb the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs.

College principals shared details of awareness and prevention programmes being conducted in educational institutions. The Deputy Commissioner asked the college and school education authorities to closely monitor institutional canteens and ensure a drug-free campus environment.

SSP Shafket Hussain Bhat presented recent enforcement data and emphasised the need for continued inter-departmental coordination. He directed law enforcement units to submit monthly reports on drug-related cases and emerging trends to adopt a more structured and data-driven approach in tackling the issue.

The Chief Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent highlighted ongoing counselling services, medical interventions and sensitisation drives being carried out through health centres across the district.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed the District Information Officer to organise widespread awareness programmes against drugs. The District Social Welfare Officer briefed the chair about ongoing “Nasha Mukt” initiatives and was instructed to further intensify awareness campaigns. The Divisional Forest Officer was directed to take timely action to eliminate any cannabis plantations and strengthen surveillance to prevent illicit cultivation.