State Vision News Service Poonch, Nov. 12 Deputy Commissioner Poonch Vikas Kundal today chaired the meeting of the district level committee under Narco Coordination Centre NCORD to review and discuss the measures for curbing drug abuse and narcotic trade in the district. During the meeting, the chair was briefed on the steps taken to tackle the drug menace and the number of properties of the drug peddlers seized, besides other initiatives taken by the police department to curb drug trade in the District. A range of issues related to the incidence of drug addiction, hot spots of drug abuse, measures being taken in the district etc were deliberated in detail. The Deputy Commissioner stressed to intensify the awareness campaigns to educate the public about the harms of drug menace. He asked for effective measures to make Panchayats Nasha Mukt and suggested for conducting regular meetings of Panchayat Level Committees. There is a need to motivate the civil society and religious members to come forward and contribute in the fight against drug abuse, he added. He directed the ARTO Assistant Regional Transport Officer to organize a special testing drive for the Drivers. The Drug Inspector and Tehsildars were directed to check CCTV cameras footage in the chemist shops of their jurisdiction and other associated locations to identify illegal activities, if any.
The Principals of Degree Colleges and Higher secondary schools were directed to organise awareness programmes, conduct drug screening tests and install CCTVs outside the institutions. The DC directed the enforcement agencies to take action under Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act COTPA against persons selling tobacco products in the 100 metre radius of educational institutions. Stressing on the need of sustained and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, DC said that District Administration has adopted a zero tolerance policy against menace of drugs in the district. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik, DFO, CMO, CEO, ACR, SDM Surankote Mendhar, PO ICDS, Principal Degree Colleges, Tehsildar Haveli Mandi Surankote Mendhar Balakote Mankote, Dy. SP CID,MS District Hospital, Drug inspector besides other concerned officers were present.
