BARAMULLA, DECEMBER 10 – In a continued effort to combat the growing issue of drug abuse and trafficking in the region, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, chaired the 15th meeting of the National Committee on Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation (NCORD) . The meeting focused on strengthening preventive measures, improving early identification of drug addicts, and enhancing rehabilitation strategies through a collaborative approach involving various departments.
During the session, DC Minga Sherpa stressed the importance of capacity-building for key stakeholders, including educators, healthcare workers, and staff from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). He directed concerned departments to organise specialised training programs for staff at the primary, middle, and higher secondary levels. These training initiatives aim to equip frontline workers with the tools to identify early signs of drug addiction and intervene promptly.
The DC also emphasised the need for health camps and screening programs to identify substance abuse cases early. These programs will be conducted in schools, colleges, and community centers to ensure widespread coverage. Awareness campaigns targeting students, parents, and the general public were also proposed, with a focus on educating the community about the dangers of drug use and the importance of seeking timely help.
A key element of the meeting was the focus on community engagement. DC Minga Sherpa called for workshops and awareness drives that would involve parents, local leaders, and community organisations in drug abuse prevention. He stressed the need for creating robust support systems for addicts and their families, ensuring access to rehabilitation centers and services that facilitate recovery and reintegration into society.
The DC also instructed the district police to identify and target drug hotspots within the region. He called for focused interventions in these areas to reduce the spread of drug abuse and trafficking. Furthermore, he directed the Agriculture Officer to identify regions where unsustainable crops, often linked to illicit activities, are being grown. The officer was tasked with introducing alternative, sustainable crops that would provide economic stability and reduce the dependency on harmful agricultural practices.
In addition, the DC proposed the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring and data collection system to track cases of drug abuse and ensure proper follow-up and intervention. He highlighted the importance of cross-departmental collaboration, particularly between education, health, social welfare, law enforcement, and agriculture, to ensure the effective implementation of the measures discussed.
To engage the youth and raise awareness, the DC also instructed the District Youth Services and Sports Officer to organise a large-scale sports event themed “Awareness Against Drug Abuse.” This initiative is designed to engage the youth in positive activities while highlighting the harmful effects of drugs and the importance of staying drug-free.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including the Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Principal of Government Medical College Baramulla, Additional Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Additional Superintendent of Police Sopore, Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Pattan and Gulmarg, Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer, and other concerned officers. The collective efforts of these departments are aimed at creating a unified, multi-faceted response to the ongoing drug abuse crisis in Baramulla.
This collaborative approach reflects the district’s commitment to addressing the drug abuse issue comprehensively, focusing on prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation, and community involvement.