DC Budgam chairs NCORD meeting

Budgam, Jun 29: 48th District-Level NCORD (Narco Coordination) Committee meeting was convened Monday at the DC Office Budgam under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Athar Aamir Khan, alongside SSP Budgam Hariprasad KK.
The meeting reviewed the ongoing anti-drug measures, rehabilitation initiatives, and awareness activities being undertaken across District Budgam.
At the outset, the committee reviewed the action taken on the decisions made during the previous NCORD meeting.
The DC stressed that drug abuse is not merely a law enforcement issue but a grave social challenge affecting families and communities. He underscored that District administration is firm and uncompromising against drug peddlers, traffickers, and cultivators, while extending full support for the treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of victims of drug addiction.
The DC laid emphasis on the rehabilitation of drug victims, directing the Health Department and all concerned agencies to ensure timely counselling, treatment, and sustained rehabilitation support to help affected individuals return to a normal and productive life. He also highlighted the need for stronger enforcement, sustained awareness, and accessible rehabilitation.
The DC stressed that sustained Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, youth outreach programmes, and community participation are essential to prevent drug abuse and encourage early intervention.
The DC further directed all line departments to intensify efforts against narcotics cultivation and drug peddling, ensuring that roadsides, embankments, and other vulnerable areas remain free from cannabis and poppy cultivation through coordinated action.
The DC reiterated that 100% CCTV coverage and Computerised Billing Systems (CBS) must be ensured in all chemist shops, with regular inspections and strict action against violations. The Drug Inspector was directed to ensure the availability of CCTV footage and billing records, while the Excise Department was asked to work in close coordination with the Police, Revenue, and Agriculture Departments for the identification and destruction of illicit crops.
On the healthcare front, the DC directed that the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at District Hospital Budgam remain fully functional round the clock and that the Drug De-Addiction Centre be further strengthened for effective patient intake, counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) was directed to maintain strict vigil against drug peddlers operating in and around railway stations.
Reviewing the progress of the 100-day Intensive Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, the DC stressed the need to scale up its impact at the grassroots level.
He called for intensified IEC campaigns, wider youth engagement, and measurable outcomes in terms of counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, and community mobilisation.
“The campaign must translate into visible behavioural change and community ownership. Every stakeholder must contribute towards making Budgam a truly drug-free district,” the DC added.
The DC stated that the district administration will continue to take decisive action against drug networks while simultaneously adopting a compassionate and rehabilitative approach towards individuals affected by substance abuse.
On the occasion, SSP Budgam, while addressing the meeting, called for stronger inter-departmental coordination and greater focus on counselling and rehabilitation of victims at the Drug De-Addiction Centre. He also emphasised intensified enforcement measures against drug peddlers and traffickers to dismantle the narcotics network operating in the district.
The meeting was attended by the ADC Budgam, SDM Khansahib, ACP, CMO, DSWO, DIO, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Budgam, Principals of Government Degree Colleges, Executive Officers of Municipal Committees, Principals of Higher Secondary Schools, ZEOs, and other concerned officers.