Srinagar, Dec 20: In a bid to combat substance abuse and create drug-free zones, the General Administration Department (GAD) of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan.
As per the order, the SoP establishes stringent criteria for declaring an area Nasha Mukt, including the absence of illicit crop cultivation, no activity related to banned substance processing, and a clean record of drug-related incidents in the past six months.
The SoP further emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between government departments, local committees, and law enforcement agencies.
The strategy for implementation involves regular community meetings and awareness programs organized by various committees, aiming to involve the community actively in combating drug addiction.
Government departments will collaborate to highlight the hazards associated with illicit crop cultivation and consumption through mass awareness campaigns in media and social media platforms.
The circular underlines the significance of proactive involvement from local committees, youth clubs, and religious organizations in the fight against drug addiction. It advocates for regular awareness programs in educational institutions, emphasizing law enforcement measures such as police patrolling, sting operations, and disruption of drug supply chains.
The SoP also emphasizes fortnightly destruction drives of illicit crops, the promotion of alternative cash crops in vulnerable areas, and a ban on the sale of certain substances within 100 meters of educational institutions.
Displaying the National De-addiction Helpline at prominent locations, identification of hot spots and vulnerable populations, and reporting and monitoring of individuals booked or detained under relevant acts are crucial components.
Access to treatment facilities with a special emphasis on follow-up care, monthly review meetings at Tehsil, Sub-Division, and District levels, and a periodic review mechanism ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation.
The District Level Committee oversees certification based on recommendations from Tehsil and Sub-Divisional Level Committees, with half-yearly reviews of Nasha Mukt status, determining the continuation or withdrawal of certifications based on performance.