• Calls for stronger enforcement and rehabilitation effort

GANDERBAL: A meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee meeting was today held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore to review anti-drug enforcement, awareness activities, rehabilitation measures and inter-departmental coordination across the district.

A detailed review of actions taken by concerned departments was conducted, with focus on inspections of drug stores, IEC activities, rehabilitation services, tobacco control, monitoring of illicit cultivation of poppy and prosecution of offenders involved in narcotics-related cases. The DC directed the Drug Control Officer to significantly enhance field inspections and sample collection across the district.

On preventive enforcement, officials informed the meeting that naka checking as well as random inspections of warehouses had been undertaken in order to prevent transportation of drugs through couriers. The Excise Department was instructed to continue surprise checks and improve monitoring mechanisms.

Emphasising a victim-centred approach, the DC directed the Health Department to strengthen counselling, and ensure sustained rehabilitation support for affected individuals. The functioning of the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) in District Hospital, Ganderbal, availability of trained staff as well as availability of medicines was also reviewed, with directions issued to address operational gaps and improve service delivery.

The meeting also discussed enforcement under tobacco control regulations. Concerned departments were asked to intensify action against tobacco sale and consumption near educational institutions and public spaces.

Inter-departmental coordination on verification and monitoring of offenders was also reviewed. The progress on cancellation of driving licenses, vehicle registration, passport, Aadhaar and contractor card of individuals involved in narcotics-related cases was also reviewed. Officials were directed to strengthen data sharing and clear pending cases in a time-bound manner as per the laid down SoP.

The committee further reviewed destruction of illicit cultivation and field surveillance. It was informed that illicit poppy crop had recently been destroyed on various parcels of land in the district. Concerned departments were directed to continue surveys, strengthen ground monitoring for identification of vulnerable locations.

Progress under community-based anti-drug initiatives, IEC activities and progress on drug-free panchayat programmes was also assessed. Calling for a coordinated approach, the DC directed departments to intensify awareness campaigns, and try to provide victims of the drug menace with livelihood opportunities through government schemes like Mission Yuva as well as counselling support.

The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Sudhanshu Dhama; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Deputy Director Prosecution, officers from Agriculture, Health, Education, Excise, Drug Control, Social Welfare and other concerned departments. 

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡