• 30 NDPS, 10 PIT-NDPS cases lodged in FY 2025-26; poppy cultivation on 3 kanals and 3.5 marlas of land also destroyed

BUDGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat on Monday conducted the 36th meeting of District Level Committee of Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at the DC Office Complex here to review the action taken by the concerned departments with regard to decisions held in previous meetings. During the meeting, a future course of action to uproot the drug menace and destruction of Narco crops was also formulated.

At the outset, DC took detailed feedback from each concerned department regarding the measures taken for combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and its consumption in the district to save youth from the dangerous effects of the drugs.  He said that drug abuse is a serious problem that not only affects individuals, but also their families and communities. He stated that it is essential to tackle the issue from multiple perspectives, including deterrence, treatment and enforcement.

DC reiterated that the district administration is committed to create a drug-free environment in the district and will continue to take all necessary steps to achieve this goal. On the occasion, DC directed Assistant Drug Controller Budgam to get CCTV cameras installed in all the drug stores and achieve 100% saturation. He directed the Excise officer to ensure coordination with Revenue and police departments at subdivision level for imposing greater deterrence to combat dangerous trade of drug-trafficking, destruction of poppy and cannabis cultivation in the district.

The chair was apprised by the Excise department that during the current financial year 2025-26, a total of 3 kanals and 3.5 marla’s of poppy cultivation was destroyed. DC said that efforts with cooperation, coordination and collaboration are vital to contain the drug peddling and break the supply chain, besides taking stringent action against the culprits involved in the hazardous trade of drugs, and cultivation of narco crops.

DC directed DSWO to complete all the formalities with regard to functioning of drug de-addiction centre Budgam so that the same is used for proper counselling and rehabilitation of individuals struggling with addiction. He said pro-active awareness needs to be initiated on wider levels at schools, colleges, markets, and at all busy public places to sensitize students and common masses about ill effects of drugs, as well as encouraging healthy activities and hobbies to discourage drug abuse.

DC directed all SDMs and SDPOs to involve religious scholars and imams of masjid to deliver sermons against drug abuse during prayers. With regard to enforcement efforts, DC said district administration will ensure a zero tolerance policy against drug abuse and serious action will be taken against those involved in drug trafficking and smuggling.

During the meeting, ASP Budgam Syed Sajjad Bukhari informed that 30 FIRs have been lodged under NDPS, 10 under PIT-NDPS, besides 44 drug peddlers have been arrested during this fiscal year. Among others, the meeting was attended by ADC Budgam, ASP Budgam, CEO, CMO, all SDMs, Assistant Drug Controller, Excise officer, Tehsildar Hq, EOs of all MCs and other stakeholders concerned.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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