Kullu DC Advocates for Panchayat-Level Oversight to Tackle Drug Menace
In a decisive move to combat the escalating issue of drug abuse, a district-level meeting of the National Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) committee was convened in Kullu on Thursday. Chaired by Deputy Commissioner Anurag Chander Sharma, the session focused on a thorough review of existing efforts and the formulation of a robust future strategy to prevent drug abuse across the district. The proceedings were conducted by Kullu Superintendent of Police Madan Lal Kaushal, underscoring the collaborative approach between administrative and law enforcement agencies.
Emphasis on Grassroots Monitoring and Public Participation
Deputy Commissioner Sharma issued directives for the drug prevention committees established within panchayats to hold regular meetings. He emphasized that the campaign against drugs cannot achieve effectiveness without continuous monitoring at the panchayat level, coupled with active public participation and widespread community awareness. Sharma stressed the critical need for these committees to function actively in all panchayats, highlighting their role as frontline units in identifying and addressing local drug-related issues.
School and College Awareness Initiatives Proposed
The meeting proposed launching special awareness campaigns in senior secondary schools and colleges throughout the district. These initiatives aim to educate students about the harmful effects of drug abuse, leveraging educational institutions as key platforms for prevention. Under the 'Apna Vidyalaya' (our school) programme, Sharma instructed all officers to visit schools they have adopted, delivering strong messages on drug de-addiction to teachers, students, and parents alike. This approach seeks to foster a supportive environment that discourages drug use from an early age.
Intensified Campaign Against Synthetic Drugs
Discussions at the meeting underscored the urgent need to intensify the campaign against narcotic substances, with a particular focus on synthetic drugs such as "chitta" (heroin). In response, the Deputy Commissioner ordered the launch of intensive inspection drives designed to disrupt the supply chain of drugs. He also called for regular checks and strict surveillance of medical stores suspected of illegally selling narcotic medicines, syringes, and related items, aiming to curb accessibility at the retail level.
Strategic Planning and Inter-Departmental Coordination
Sharma instructed concerned officials to prepare a detailed plan, paying special attention to areas identified as sensitive from a drug abuse perspective. He emphasized the necessity of actively involving various departments beyond the police in the campaign, promoting a multi-agency effort for comprehensive control. During the meeting, officials expressed their views and offered suggestions related to drug control, reaffirming their commitment to working in close coordination with each other to achieve tangible results in the fight against drug abuse.
