Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday stressed the need for coordinated inter-agency action and stronger financial investigations to combat drug abuse, urging departments to improve public communication regarding enforcement actions.
Review of Anti-Drug Campaign
While reviewing the state’s anti-drug campaign under the Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) initiative, officials pointed out delays in establishing rehabilitation centres due to pending clearances, land constraints, and procedural hurdles.
Challenges in Rehabilitation Services
Officials from the social welfare department and allied agencies highlighted that several rehabilitation centres are operational but faced delays in obtaining Non-Objection Certificates (NOCs), shortage of land, and approval-related issues as key obstacles in expanding rehabilitation services. The government is working on standardized designs and implementation models for rehabilitation centres to expedite execution, an official said.
Enforcement and Future Plans
Conrad also reviewed enforcement measures taken by police, including seizures, arrests, and preventive actions in drug-related cases. Officials proposed QR-based systems to help people confidentially access information on rehabilitation and support services.
