Educate students about drug abuse in morning assemblies: DC Gbl to Edu Dept

Ganderbal, May 22: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir on Wednesday chaired a district-level Narco Coordination Committee (NCORD) meeting here which focused on the efforts of enforcement agencies in combating drug abuse and narcotic trafficking within the district.
A detailed review of the progress made on previous directives aimed at addressing the drug problem was conducted. Various departments and agencies shared the steps they have taken towards making Ganderbal drug-free, including initiatives to address drug addiction and identify hotspots of drug use.
The DC directed the Education Department to ensure that morning assemblies include comprehensive programs to educate students on the detrimental effects of drug addiction and tobacco products.
Additionally, the department was instructed to ensure strict compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) guidelines, particularly concerning the prohibition of tobacco items near schools.
The DC emphasized the importance of maintaining the Nasha Mukt (drug-free) status in the announced Panchayats and underscored the involvement of Civil Society members in ongoing activities.
All stakeholder departments were tasked with monitoring new drug addiction cases in Nasha Mukt Panchayats and submitting action reports regularly.
The meeting also reviewed the status of CCTV camera installations in medical shops. The Assistant Drug Controller informed that over 98.9 percent of medical shops have installed cameras and that computerized billing in retail medical shops is being ensured.
Regarding the destruction of illicit crops, including wild cannabis, the DC directed the Tehsildars and Block Development Officers to compile a detailed list of areas where such crops are grown, so that appropriate action can be taken. The Excise Department was also directed to provide satellite images of these areas.
Additionally, the progress on the Rehabilitation facility near the District Hospital was reviewed. The District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) was instructed to submit a progress report and take necessary measures to ensure that the facility is operational as soon as possible for the rehabilitation of drug addicts.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ganderbal, SDM Kangan, DySP HQ, Tehsildars, Chief Agriculture Officer, BDOs, and other concerned officials.