Kulgam, May 23: What began as a determined call for collective action against drug abuse has on Saturday evolved into a district-wide people’s movement in Kulgam.
Under the ongoing 100-Day Intensive Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan launched from April 11, District Kulgam has witnessed unprecedented public participation, strong grassroots mobilization, youth engagement, institutional convergence, and firm enforcement action against drug trafficking networks.
Driven by the vision of building a “Nasha Mukt Kulgam,” the campaign has transformed from a conventional awareness initiative into a community-led social movement involving youth, parents, schools, Panchayats, religious institutions, women groups, sports organizations, health institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
More than 35,535 awareness programmes have been conducted across tehsils, villages, panchayats, schools, colleges, public spaces, and institutions throughout the district.
These programmes have collectively reached and engaged people from 100% Panchayats and Wards reflecting the extraordinary level of Jan Bhagidari achieved under the campaign.
At the grassroots level, all 178 Panchayats of the district have been actively integrated into the movement. To institutionalize community participation, 178 Panchayat Mahila Samities and 178 Youth Clubs have been activated to serve as local anti-drug ambassadors and community support structures.
Recognizing that positive engagement is one of the strongest tools against substance abuse, Kulgam has strongly focused on youth empowerment through sports and recreation. As part of the campaign, 125 Panchayat-level playfields have been made functional, while work on 35 new playgrounds and stadiums has been initiated under MGNREGA for development.
Simultaneously, the district organized 423 sports events and leagues across variety of sports like Cricket, Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Badminton, witnessing participation of more than 37,586 youth and students, thereby channelizing youth energy towards healthy and constructive activities.
Religious institutions have also emerged as strong partners in the campaign. Anti-drug sermons and awareness activities were conducted in 1,472 mosques and religious institutions, while 706 religious leaders actively participated in spreading the message of social responsibility, moral guidance, and collective resistance against drug abuse.
A total of 91 counselling and assistance calls were received under the campaign, reflecting growing public trust and willingness to seek help. Additionally, 25 IPD beds have been earmarked in the district for treatment and rehabilitation of drug victims, ensuring that the campaign remains not only enforcement-oriented but also compassionate and rehabilitative in approach.
While awareness and rehabilitation form one pillar of the campaign, the district has adopted an equally uncompromising stance against drug peddling and illicit trafficking. Authorities identified 11 major drug hotspots across the district and developed 184 rogue galleries at police stations and police posts for close monitoring of habitual offenders and peddlers.
Strong enforcement action has led to the registration of 67 FIRs and arrest of 76 drug peddlers during the campaign period. In addition, the administration has initiated stringent administrative and financial actions against individuals involved in narcotics-related activities.
As part of the crackdown, 36 driving licenses and 18 vehicle registration certificates were suspended, 557 Aadhaar cards were recommended for suspension, 11 red entries were recorded in revenue records against individuals linked with narcotics activities.
Besides, 6 immovable properties were seized and 3 properties attached under legal provisions. Attached and seized properties are estimated to be worth nearly ₹2 crore. 8 illegal or drug-linked structures/properties have been demolished, valued at approximately ₹1.90 crore.
Authorities also seized/attached 9 vehicles and 387 bank accounts, with movable assets valued at around ₹ 50 lakh.
The district administration has also intensified regulation and monitoring of pharmaceutical establishments to curb misuse of prescription drugs. Out of 695 drug stores in the district, 145 stores have been inspected. All medical shops have now been equipped with CCTV cameras and computerized billing systems to strengthen transparency and accountability.
The campaign has demonstrated that combating drug abuse requires not only strict enforcement, but also sustained awareness, youth engagement, community ownership, and rehabilitation support. The coordinated efforts of civil administration, police, health institutions, educational institutions, Panchayati Raj Institutions, religious leaders, and the general public have together created a strong social resistance against drug abuse in the district.
District Administration Kulgam reiterated its commitment to continue the movement with greater intensity and appealed to citizens to actively participate in safeguarding society from the menace of drugs.