Bandipora, June 9, 2025 – In a significant step toward creating a drug-free society, the District Administration Bandipora conducted a series of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns across various panchayats in the district on Monday. These initiatives, held under the nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign), were spearheaded by senior officers to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and promote community-driven efforts to combat addiction.
Under the direction of Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, the campaign focused on engaging local communities, particularly youth, in the fight against substance abuse. The programs emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in tackling the growing menace of drug addiction. Senior officers, including District Information Officer Adil Manzoor Wani and Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Shabir Ahmad Wani, led impactful awareness drives in multiple panchayats, including Kehnusa and Gamroo.
At Panchayat Halqa Kehnusa, Adil Manzoor Wani addressed participants, highlighting the societal role in curbing drug addiction and fostering a healthier community. He urged residents to actively participate in awareness initiatives and support rehabilitation efforts. Similarly, the IEC program at Gamroo saw enthusiastic participation from locals, with ACR Shabir Ahmad Wani reinforcing the administration’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse through education and community engagement.
The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020, aims to educate and inform the masses, with a special focus on youth and women, about the harmful effects of drugs. The campaign in Bandipora aligns with this national mission, combining awareness drives with enforcement measures to address the root causes of addiction.
The district administration’s efforts have been widely appreciated, with locals pledging to support the initiative. These programs are part of a broader strategy to strengthen community resilience and promote a drug-free future in Bandipora. The administration plans to continue such awareness campaigns, integrating them with capacity-building programs like the one held on March 19, 2025, at the District Drug De-Addiction Centre under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction .
