Bandipora Mini Secretariat declared Plastic-Free Zone

Bandipora, Aug 22: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, on Saturday ordered a complete ban on the use of Single Use Plastic (SUP) within the premises of Mini Secretariat Bandipora and declared it a Plastic-Free Zone.The DC directed that all prohibited items, including polythene carry bags, disposable cutlery, cups, plates, and straws, be completely banned. She urged officers, officials, visitors, and canteen operators to immediately switch to eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags, steel, metal, or glass utensils.Chib directed the Estates Officer, Sanitation Wing of Municipal Council Bandipora, and the Incharge Security of Mini Secretariat to ensure strict implementation and monitoring of the order. She warned that any individual or establishment found violating the order will face punitive action, including seizure of banned material and imposition of penalties.To facilitate the change in behaviour, the DC ordered the establishment of a kiosk at the entry point of the Mini Secretariat for one month to guide officials and visitors and provide alternatives to SUP items.DCChib also presided over a meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee here to assess the district’s efforts in enforcement, awareness, and rehabilitation under the anti-drug campaign.Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl, presented the action taken reports from line departments. The meeting reviewed in detail the measures implemented to curb drug abuse, including enforcement drives, community sensitisation programmes, rehabilitation of affected individuals, and steps taken to address vulnerable hotspots.During the deliberations, DC underlined the need for strict action against drug peddlers and directed departments to strengthen inter-agency coordination for better law enforcement. She urged all stakeholders to scale up awareness campaigns, particularly focusing on the youth, while also involving community forums and educational institutions to spread the message of a drug-free society.SSP Bandipora, Harmeet Singh Mehta, during the discussion, briefed about the impressive action taken by District Police in this matter, which has made an impact on the circulation of the menace-related articles in the district.The DC further impressed upon officers to adopt a multi-pronged and sustained approach combining enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation, assuring full support of the district administration in this regard. It was reiterated that tackling the drug menace is a collective responsibility and not the sole task of the police.On the occasion, DC directed the ALC to work in coordination with the Drug Control Inspector and asked the Medical Officer, Addiction Treatment Facility Bandipora, to focus on outreach campaigns in synergy, as there is no point working in isolation when the enemy is the same.SSP Bandipora also informed that properties of drug peddlers had been sealed and awareness campaigns intensified. He shared updates on acquittal cases and the status of RDA initiated against government employees involved in drug abuse.