DODA: Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh chaired a meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee here today in his office chamber to address the issue of drug abuse in the district. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including law enforcement officers, health department officials, education department representatives, and members of non-governmental organizations.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh emphasized the urgent need to tackle drug abuse through a multi-faceted approach. He directed law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to curb drug trafficking by increasing patrolling in infested areas and enhancing surveillance at entry points. Additionally, he instructed the health department to ensure the availability and proper use of drug testing kits in medical facilities to aid in early detection and intervention.
Strategic steps discussed included launching awareness campaigns in schools and communities to educate people, especially the youth, about the dangers of drug abuse. The Deputy Commissioner urged the education department to incorporate anti-drug education into the school curriculum and organize workshops and seminars with the help of NGOs.
Precautionary measures were also highlighted, such as establishing rehabilitation centers and providing counseling services for addicts. The Deputy Commissioner called for a coordinated effort among all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing drug abuse, preventing trafficking, and supporting affected individuals through treatment and rehabilitation programs.
During the meeting, DC Doda directed the health department to ensure the yellow line campaign to check any kind of drug abuse near the educational zone. This campaign ensures that no tobacco products are allowed entry beyond the yellow line. The college put up a signboard outside the gate stating that no tobacco-related products would be sold within 100 yards of the perimeter of colleges and schools.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all participants to work collaboratively towards creating a drug-free district, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Sudershan Kumar; ASP Shakeel Ul Rehman; ACR Sunil Bhutyal; ACD Manoj Kumar; District Program Project Officer S. Parmjeet Singh; ACP Mushraf Ali Haf, Chief Education Officer P L. Thapa, CMO Om Prakash, CAO Anil Kumar Gupta, District Immunization Officer Dr Varsha Kotwal, and representatives of concerned departments.