DM Drass Chairs NCORD Meeting to Strengthen Measures Against Drug and Substance Abuse.

DM Drass Chairs NCORD Meeting to Strengthen Measures Against Drug and Substance Abuse.
Drass, September 8, 2026: District Magistrate Drass, Imteeaz Kacho (JKAS), today chaired a meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review and strengthen measures aimed at preventing drug and substance abuse, particularly among students and youth in the district. He called for coordinated action, awareness and early intervention to prevent the youth of Drass from falling into the trap of drug abuse.
The meeting was attended by Superintendent of Police Ishtiyaq Kacho (JKPS); Sub-Divisional Magistrate; Chief Medical Officer, Assistant Professors of GDC-Drass; Principals of Government Higher Secondary Schools of Drass and Bhimbat; Zonal Education Officer, Forest Range Officer besides other concerned officials.
During the meeting, the District Magistrate held detailed deliberations with officers on the growing challenges associated with drug and substance abuse and stressed the need for a comprehensive approach involving prevention, awareness, counselling and early intervention. School and College heads also shared their observations and suggestions for strengthening the preventive measures among school-going children.
The participants also stated about various awareness activities being conducted in educational institutions under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and other related initiatives. He further added that students have shown encouraging participation and were actively carrying the message of drug-free living to their homes and communities.
The District Magistrate urged all educational institutions to remain vigilant and actively engage with students, with special attention to behavioural changes and other warning signs that may require counselling or timely intervention. He emphasised the need for regular counselling sessions and activity-based awareness programmes in schools and colleges.
Emphasis was laid on enforcement of restrictions on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions. The Superintendent of Police highlighted the importance of effective enforcement of relevant orders and sustained vigilance against tobacco and other intoxicating substances and called for regular inspections of shops and commercial establishments.
The need for strengthening surveillance through the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic and vulnerable locations, including lanes and other sensitive areas, was also discussed. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to intensify awareness activities with special focus on children and youth below the age of 18 years. He emphasised that schools, colleges, hostels and other educational institutions should regularly organise programmes highlighting the harmful effects of drugs, tobacco and other intoxicating substances. The continued support of religious organizations, counsellors and community leaders would also be sought to fight against the menace of drug abuse, it was added.