DC Srinagar chairs District Level Committee meeting of NCORD

• Emphasizes intensified IEC campaign, strengthening ATFs, proper rehabilitation of drug victims

SRINAGAR: A meeting of District Level Committee on Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was Tuesday held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat here at Meeting Hall of DC Office Complex to review and strengthen ongoing measures to combat drug abuse, its peddling and proper rehabilitation of drug victims in district.

The meeting deliberated on key issues, including stringent enforcement actions against drug peddlers, intensified awareness campaigns and enhanced treatment and rehabilitation facilities for those affected by substance abuse. At the outset, DC took first hand appraisal from officers of all line departments and other stakeholders regarding the progress achieved in ongoing fight against the drug menace in order to curb it and tighten the noose against drug peddlers.

Dr Bilal emphasized for intensifying sustained IEC campaigns across the district to sensitize masses particularly youth about detrimental and harmful effects of drug abuse. He also laid stress on strengthening Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) at SMHS, SKIMS Bemina and at IMHAANs to provide better treatment facilities and proper rehabilitation of drug victims.

During the meeting, DC assessed the performance of private drug de-addiction centers and stressed their effective functioning as per the laid guidelines. He sought a detailed report on the performance of these centers. He also called for early operationalization of the Drug De-addiction & Rehabilitation Centre at Sanath Nagar.

DC also underlined the need to keep proper vigil on private coaching centers and courier service agencies and asked Sub Divisional Magistrates to conduct surprise inspections of such institutions and establishments. He further asked them to conduct audits of the private coaching centers and proper regulation of courier services agencies in the district.

Dr Bilal emphasized the importance of a holistic approach involving prevention as well as education, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of drug victims back into the society, at the same time strict enforcement measures as a strong deterrent.

On the occasion, DC was given a brief regarding ongoing deterrent measures taken by the Police, Excise, Anti-narcotics and Drug Control department. He was also apprised about the patients visiting IPD and OPD sections of ATFs at SMHS, SKIMS Bemina and IMHAANs with present trending scenario of the drugs related patients.

Besides, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz; Superintendent of Police, Umar Shah; Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Lone; SDM, East, Zubair Ahmad; SDM West, Irfan Bahadur and District Social Welfare Officer Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, the meeting was attended by the Officers of Education, Excise, Drug Control Organization, Health, Post Office, Airport Heads of ATFs at SMHS, SKIMS Bemina & IMHAANs and other concerned Departments.