Bandipora, April 24: Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Department of Floriculture, Parks and Gardens, Zubair Ahmad, who also serves as District Mentor for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), chaired a comprehensive review meeting in Bandipora to assess the implementation of anti-drug initiatives across the district.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib; Senior Superintendent of Police Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar; Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora; SDM Sumbal; and other senior officers.
It was informed during the meeting that the Lieutenant Governor had earlier launched a 100-day campaign under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, following which the District Administration Bandipora rolled out a district-level campaign backed by a structured action plan. The Deputy Commissioner presented a detailed report outlining the district’s strategy, progress achieved so far, and the roadmap ahead.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the administration’s outcome-focused approach and emphasised that the initiative must continue beyond the stipulated period and become a permanent feature of the district’s functioning. She noted that gaps in inter-departmental coordination had been identified in November and that concerted efforts had since been made to strengthen coordination, particularly with law enforcement.
She elaborated that the district strategy rests on sustained awareness campaigns, the Maa Se Guftagu series engaging frontline workers and self-help groups, outreach through Friday sermons in coordination with religious leaders, proactive media engagement, and consistent enforcement measures. She also pointed out the emerging trend of women being involved both as peddlers and users, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Progress reports from multiple departments were also presented during the meeting.
The Senior Superintendent of Police outlined the policing strategy, focusing on intelligence generation, drug seizures, reduction of hotspots, strict monitoring and eradication of poppy cultivation, and ensuring accountability at all levels.
The Chief Education Officer and the Youth Services and Sports Officer reported encouraging behavioural changes among youth, alongside increased participation in constructive and sports-related activities. The Chief Medical Officer presented the status of testing in identified hotspots, with positive outcomes reported.
A pledge against drug abuse was administered by the Commissioner Secretary. Students of Government Girls Higher Secondary School Bandipora also presented an awareness song, reflecting active community participation in the campaign.
Appreciating the district administration’s efforts, the Commissioner Secretary described the action plan as comprehensive and well-articulated, and lauded the proactive role of the Deputy Commissioner. He stressed the need to build public confidence to encourage voluntary reporting, called for complete eradication of poppy cultivation, and directed sustained engagement of youth through structured programmes.
He emphasised on grassroot outreach programmes with people driven response and hoped that with consistent enforcement and sustained public engagement and awareness we would be able to eradicate the drug menace and substance abuse from the society.
He also emphasised the importance of addressing stigma associated with addiction and treatment, underlining that coordinated and collective efforts of all stakeholders would be key to achieving lasting impact.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of commitment to making Bandipora a drug-free district through sustained, coordinated, and community-driven efforts.
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