DC Ganderbal chairs NCORD meeting

Ganderbal, Dec 27: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore Saturday emphasized the need for a coordinated and proactive approach by all concerned departments to effectively curb drug abuse and narcotics peddling, and stringent enforcement to dismantle the drug supply chain, besides booking of offenders under relevant laws.
The DC was chairing the monthly meeting of the District-Level Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee, during which a detailed review of action taken on decisions of the previous meeting was conducted.
DC sought comprehensive feedback on key agenda points including ongoing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns, implementation of CCTV surveillance and computerized billing systems by medical sale establishments, identification and monitoring of drug hotspot areas, progress towards declaration of Nasha Mukt Panchayats, and rehabilitation measures for affected individuals.
The meeting also reviewed cases registered under the NDPS Act, seizures involving commercial quantities of contraband substances, identification of drug-use hotspots, and the status of wall paintings and other measures aimed at generating public awareness against drug abuse.
Expressing concern over the possible misuse of courier services for drug trafficking, the DC directed the Excise and Sales Tax department to conduct intensified joint drives to intercept illicit substances being transported through such channels.
The Education and Social Welfare departments were instructed to actively carry out awareness programmes.
Tehsildars and Block Development Officers, in coordination with concerned SHOs, were directed to regularly monitor identified drug hotspot areas and work towards declaration of Nasha Mukt Panchayats.
The DC reiterated the need for an aggressive and coordinated strategy focusing on prevention, surveillance, enforcement, and community engagement to effectively combat the drug menace in the district.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Superintendent of Police, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Deputy Director Prosecution, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat/Development, Chief Education Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, Assistant Controller Drugs Control Department, officers of the District Administration, and representatives of other concerned departments.