DC Reasi reviews anti-drug measures at NCORD meeting; Calls for coordinated action to curb drug menace

REASI: District Magistrate Reasi, Nidhi Malik today chaired a meeting of the District Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to comprehensively review enforcement measures and initiatives aimed at curbing drug abuse and promoting a tobacco-free environment across the district.

During the meeting, the District Magistrate conducted a detailed review of cases registered under the NDPS Act, including those under investigation and cases disposed of during the past year. It was informed that the highest number of FIRs were registered in the previous year, indicating intensified enforcement efforts. The District Magistrate directed the Police Department to further strengthen enforcement and organize extensive awareness programmes, particularly targeting youth, to educate them about the harmful consequences of drug abuse.

Emphasizing the need for enhanced inter-departmental coordination, the District Magistrate stressed greater synergy among enforcement agencies. She directed the Police and other concerned departments to strengthen information sharing and adopt a coordinated strategy to identify, track and dismantle networks involved in illegal drug trafficking. Special focus was laid on intensified surveillance and targeted interventions in identified drug-prone spots across the district.

While reviewing the progress under the Nasha Mukt J&K campaign, the District Magistrate also assessed the status of anti-drug awareness programmes conducted in schools and colleges. She directed the Education Department to continue organizing extracurricular, awareness and theme-based activities to sensitize students about the dangers of drug addiction and encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

The Chief Medical Officer informed that six training programmes were conducted during the current month and that trained resource persons are actively engaged in counselling activities. The District Magistrate instructed the Health Department to further strengthen counselling services and prepare effective presentations to enhance the impact of awareness and rehabilitation efforts. She also reviewed the status of drug de-addiction patients reporting for counselling and directed the department to collect inputs from patients regarding sources of drugs to assist enforcement agencies in breaking the supply chain.

The Drug Inspector apprised the meeting that regular inspections are being conducted to ensure compliance with drug control norms. The District Magistrate also reviewed the availability of drug testing kits distributed among various departments and directed the Excise Department to provide additional funds for procuring more kits to strengthen on-ground enforcement.

To further deter drug-related activities, the District Magistrate directed for installation of CCTV cameras at vulnerable areas in Reasi town and other vulnerable areas of the district. For assistance and counselling, the public may contact the Helpline No. 01991-245685.

Stressing that eliminating the drug menace requires collective responsibility, the District Magistrate stated that community participation is vital for creating a drug-free society. She urged parents, teachers, civil society members and youth to actively support the administration’s efforts to safeguard the future of the younger generation. ADC Rakesh Kumar, Addl. SP Ifthikar Ahmed, ACR, CMO, CEO and other district officers were present in the meeting.