DC Anantnag chairs NCORD meeting, reviews Anti-Drug Abuse measures

• Emphasizes Departmental Coordination to tackle Drug Menace

ANANTNAG: Deputy Commissioner (District Magistrate) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiu Din Bhat, today chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review the measures undertaken by concerned departments to curb drug abuse and trafficking in the district.

The meeting was attended by SP, ACR, SDMs, CEO, CMO, CAO, ARTO, DSWO, Tehsildars, ETO, Assistant Drug Controller, specialists from the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), CEO MCA, representatives of GMC Anantnag and GDCs, and EOs of MCs, besides other members of the district-level NCORD committee and concerned officials.

During the meeting, the DC sought a detailed Action Taken Report from all departments regarding the directions issued during previous meetings and reviewed the progress achieved.

A comprehensive review was held regarding enforcement measures against drug supply networks, seizures and legal action under relevant laws, surveillance mechanisms including the installation of CCTV cameras at vulnerable hotspots, awareness and IEC activities under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan in educational institutions and communities, the rehabilitation of victims, monitoring of medical establishments, the suspension or cancellation of licenses for violations, and the functioning of the ATF.

During the meeting, it was informed that 95% reduction in poppy cultivation has been reported with destruction on 1 Kanal 11 Marlas in 2025 from 58 Kanals 2 Marlas in 2024. Similarly, a large-scale destruction of wild cannabis (bung) was undertaken by enforcement agencies, with approximately 523 Kanals cleared during 2025.

The meeting was apprised of the functioning of the Drug De-Addiction Centre at Ashajipora, where 121 Outpatient Department (OPD) and 36 Inpatient Department (IPD) substance abuse victims were provided treatment, counseling, and rehabilitation services during January and February 2026. The ATF at GMC Anantnag has witnessed 33 fresh registrations since the last NCORD meeting held in February, of whom were given IPD treatment.

On the occasion, the SP Anantnag informed the chair that 35 NDPS cases have been registered and 43 accused persons have been arrested since January 2026. Supervisory notes have been issued in respect of all 35 cases; five cases have been challaned, while the remaining 30 cases are under investigation. Also 25 hotspots have been identified, where a total of 17 cases were lodged along with 20 arrests during this period.

The Assistant Drug Controller informed the meeting that medical establishments are under CCTV and CBS surveillance, adding that nine medical licenses have been suspended and one cancelled since the last NCORD meeting. The meeting was further informed that 14 driving licenses and 13 vehicles have been suspended since 2025.

Departments such as Social Welfare, Education, Higher Education, Excise Taxation, RDD, ULBs, and Revenue highlighted the awareness programs and IEC activities conducted during the last year. These involved youth, students, community leaders, and other stakeholders to sensitize vulnerable groups. Awareness campaigns in schools, educational institutions, and other community platforms will be intensified following their reopening, with the active participation of all stakeholders.

Addressing the meeting, the DC stressed the need for the prompt identification of drug peddlers and strict legal action including property attachments against those involved in drug trafficking. He also emphasized strengthening surveillance in vulnerable areas through the installation of CCTV cameras and improving monitoring mechanisms in educational institutions and medical establishments.

The DC further directed departments to intensify awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, Panchayats, and urban areas, particularly targeting vulnerable sections of society. He emphasized interdepartmental coordination and sustained collective efforts are essential to effectively combat the menace of drug abuse in the district.

Emphasizing the importance of timely treatment and rehabilitation for victims of substance abuse, the DC said such individuals shall be supported through various skill development and self-employment/livelihood initiatives, like Mission Yuva, to facilitate their reintegration into society.

Dr. Bilal issued directions to Tehsildars, Drug Control, and Police authorities to collectively analyze drug abuse patterns, especially in hotspots, and share vital information with each other so that target-oriented measures can be put in place. He further instructed the concerned departments to update the list of courier agencies and monitor their services regularly to prevent any misuse. The meeting concluded with the district administration's resolve to carry out coordinated, sustained, and result-oriented action against drug abuse in the district.