POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Vikas Kundal on Thursday chaired the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD). The meeting focused on reviewing and enhancing the strategies to prevent drug-related issues in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among committee members to make Poonch a drug-free district. He empowered Tehsildars and heads of educational institutions to impose fines on shopkeepers selling tobacco products within prohibited limits, while instructing the DEPO to formulate a plan to conduct anti-drug awareness campaigns across the district.
Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner directed Tehsildars to compile a list of users for counseling at the drug addiction center. He urged police authorities to furnish a detailed report on anti-drug trafficking measures including listing of suspected peddlers and smugglers and take action against them. He further asked police to identify properties linked to detained drug peddlers.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of creating master trainers from the departments of police, health, social welfare, and education—to deliver lectures on anti-drug awareness in rural Panchayats. The Deputy Commissioner mandated the installation of CCTV cameras and computerized billing in all chemist shops and called for stringent actions against the offenders.
As part of ongoing efforts, 15 panchayats in the district have been declared Nasha Mukat Panchayat, signifying a commitment to a drug-free environment. The Deputy Commissioner also urged the social welfare and health departments to engage in awareness campaigns, stressing the collective responsibility to eradicate the drug menace that has deeply impacted society.
The meeting was attended by ADC, Addl.SP, PO ICDS, ACR, CMO, SDM Skt/Mendhar, CAO, ARTO, Principal GDC Mendhar, Medical Superintendent, Professors from Degree College Poonch & Surankote, Drugs Inspector, Tehsildars, besides other concerned officers were present.
