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BUDGAM: The 39th District-Level NCORD (Narco Coordination) Committee meeting was today convened at the DC office Budgam under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat to review measures taken against drug abuse, and to chart fresh strategies for a drug-free Budgam.
At the outset, DC reviewed the action taken on previous NCORD directions. It was informed that wild cannabis has been destroyed on 77 kanals and 18 marlas of land along major roads and embankments across the district during this month, while 38 FIRs have been registered, 35 challans against culprits engaged in illicit cultivation.
DC called for a multi-pronged strategy of deterrence, enforcement, treatment, and awareness. He directed all line departments to intensify efforts against narcotics cultivation and peddling. He instructed the BDOs, EOs, Agriculture and Excise departments to ensure that all roads, embankments, and panchayat areas are cleared of cannabis and poppy cultivation.
He lauded earlier efforts but urged for continuous, proactive and visible action so that people develop confidence in the administration's resolve. Dr Bilal stressed that 100% CCTV coverage and Computerized Billing Systems (CBS) must be ensured in all drug stores across the district for transparency and accountability. It was informed that Budgam has 630 retail and 225 wholesale chemist outlets, all of which remain under strict monitoring. DC directed the Assistant Drug Controller to conduct frequent inspections and take strict action against violators.
It was also given out that 117 calls have been received on the Tele-MANAS mental health helpline, showing its growing role in providing psychological and community support. DC called for further publicity of such services so that people battling addiction or mental health challenges can seek help confidentially.
DC further directed the Excise Officer to work in close coordination with Revenue and Police for destruction of illicit crops and lodging of FIRs. SDMs were directed to hold meetings with religious scholars and community stakeholders at the sub-divisional level to encourage sermons against drug abuse and formation of ‘Nasha-Mukt Panchayats.’
Rural Development Department was directed to organize Gram Sabhas dedicated to drug abuse awareness. DSWO was instructed to conduct mega IEC drives across villages, towns, and schools for mass awareness. CMO Budgam was directed to ensure 24x7 availability of medical facilities at the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) in District Hospital Budgam.
Reiterating the zero-tolerance approach, DC said that district administration will continue to act tough on peddlers, narcotic crop cultivators, and traffickers with strict punitive action, while simultaneously extending every possible handholding to victims of addiction. He further said that this war cannot be won by administration alone; it requires cooperation, coordination, and collaboration of departments, civil society, community leaders, parents, teachers, and religious scholars.
DC underlined that there is a need for adopting a holistic, community-driven approach to eliminate drugs from Budgam as a whole. The meeting was attended by ADC Budgam, SDM Beerwah, SDM Chadoora, Assistant Drug Control Officer, DYSP HQs, Principals of Government Degree Colleges, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees, and other concerned stakeholders.
