• Calls for united fight against Drug Menace, Zero Tolerance for Peddlers

BUDGAM: The 45th District-Level NCORD (Narco Coordination) Committee meeting was today convened at the DC Office Budgam under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, along with SSP Budgam Nikhil Borkar, to review the progress of ongoing anti-drug initiatives and to strategize further measures for achieving a drug-free Budgam.

The meeting was attended by ADC Budgam, all SDMs, ACP, CMO, Principals of Government Degree Colleges, DIO, DSWO, Medical Superintendent DH Budgam, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees, and other concerned officers. At the outset, a comprehensive review of the action taken on decisions from the previous NCORD meeting was carried out.

Addressing the meeting, the DC reiterated that drug abuse is not merely a law enforcement issue but a serious social challenge impacting families and communities. He stressed that strict and decisive action must continue against drug peddlers, traffickers, and illegal cultivators, while ensuring a compassionate and supportive approach towards individuals battling addiction.

He emphasized the need for a multi-pronged strategy encompassing enforcement, deterrence, treatment, and mass awareness. All departments were directed to intensify efforts to eliminate narcotics cultivation and dismantle supply networks. The DC underscored that roadsides, embankments, and Panchayat areas must remain free from cannabis and poppy cultivation through coordinated and sustained drives.

Reviewing enforcement measures, the DC directed that all chemist shops must ensure 100% CCTV coverage and adopt Computerized Billing Systems (CBS) to enhance transparency. He instructed the Drug Inspector to conduct regular inspections and ensure compliance, including availability of CCTV footage and billing records.

The Excise Department was directed to work in close coordination with Agriculture, Revenue, and Police departments for identification and destruction of illicit crops, along with registration of FIRs against violators. To strengthen grassroots monitoring and awareness, the DC directed that monthly meetings be held in every Gram Panchayat to review the situation, spread awareness, and ensure community participation in the anti-drug campaign.

SDMs were asked to engage religious scholars and local stakeholders to promote awareness against substance abuse and encourage the concept of “Nasha-Mukt Panchayats.” The Rural Development Department was tasked with organizing special Gram Sabhas focused on drug abuse awareness, while the DSWO was directed to launch extensive IEC campaigns across rural and urban areas, including educational institutions.

The DC further directed that the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at District Hospital Budgam must remain fully operational round-the-clock, and the Drug De-Addiction Centre be made fully functional for admitting and treating patients.

The DC directed the Employment Department to facilitate recovered victims of drug addiction in accessing self-employment opportunities under schemes such as Mission YUVA, PMEGP, and other livelihood programmes, enabling their reintegration into society with dignity.

He also instructed that all Government Degree Colleges in the district ensure installation of CCTV cameras within their campuses to strengthen monitoring and preventive measures.

The  DC stated that strict action will continue against all those involved in drug-related activities, while full support will be extended to victims seeking rehabilitation. He emphasised that the success of this campaign depends on collective efforts of government agencies, civil society, community leaders, educators, parents, and religious institutions.

On the occasion, SSP Budgam highlighted the need for installation of CCTV cameras at identified hotspots across the district and stressed the importance of coordinated action among departments.  He also emphasized focused counselling and rehabilitation of drug addiction victims through the Drug De-Addiction Centre Budgam.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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