POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Vikas Kundal chaired a district-level NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) meeting today in the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex. The meeting brought together stakeholders to review and enhance strategies aimed at combating drug-related challenges in the district. Representatives from various departments provided updates on ongoing initiatives focused on control of drug trafficking and abuse. The initiatives encompass community outreach programs, awareness drives, and public engagement that target both the supply and demand aspects of the drug problem.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the essential role of educational institutions in raising awareness about the dangers of drug use. He directed the Principals of Degree Colleges and Chief Education Officer (CEO) to organize a series of seminars and special lectures aimed at educating students and the public about the harmful effects of substance abuse. He stressed the importance of scaling up counseling, awareness, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities across the district.
Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner sought a detailed report from the Police Department regarding the types of drugs seized and their locations to develop effective strategies for tracking drug peddlers. He instructed the CID and Police to maintain a comprehensive list of all drug peddlers in the district, emphasizing the need for strict action against them. Law enforcement agencies were also advised to intensify efforts through random inspections in public places.
Calling for a robust enforcement drive, the DC urged the seizure of drugs and prevention of youth, particularly students, from falling victim to drug abuse. He highlighted the importance of a zero-tolerance approach in deterring drug peddlers. Additionally, the Drug Control Organisation was tasked with ensuring the installation of CCTV cameras by all chemist shops and at locations considered to be hotspots to monitor drug-related activities, alongside regular checks on computerized billing in medical shops.
The Deputy Commissioner also called for the declaration of more Panchayats as Nasha Mukt (Drug-Free) and urged them to conduct regular meetings of Panchayat Level Committees. The meeting was attended by ADC Poonch, ACR, SDMs of Mendhar and Surankote, CEO, CMO, PO ICDS, DSWO, Tehsildars and officers from the Police, CID, IB, MS DH Poonch, along with other concerned officials.
