Gyalshing, 8 July (IPR): The monthly review meeting of the Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee and the Committee on Substance Abuse Among Children was held virtually today in Gyalshing District under the chairmanship of Ms Tripti Hangma Subba, Additional District Collector (HQ).
The meeting was attended by Mr Sonam W. Bhutia, Additional Superintendent of Police; Dr Namgay Bhutia, Chief Medical Officer, Gyalshing; Mr Pema G. Bhutia, Chief Education Officer,Senior Regional Transport Officer, Gyalshing; the Dean of Sanchaman Limboo Government Degree College; representatives from various line departments; and other concerned stakeholders.
The meeting reviewed district-level interventions on narcotics control, enforcement measures, inter-departmental coordination and emerging concerns relating to substance abuse, with particular focus on children, adolescents and other vulnerable groups.
Welcoming the members, the Additional District Collector (HQ) reviewed the minutes of the previous meeting and invited departments to present progress reports on the actions taken.
The Additional Superintendent of Police informed the house that convicted narcotics peddlers had been awarded stringent punishment along with fines, creating a strong deterrent against drug-related offences.
In addition, intensified surveillance and checking would be carried out in vulnerable locations across Gyalshing to prevent illegal narcotics-related activities.
The Chief Medical Officer highlighted issues relating to treatment adherence and continuity of care for individuals undergoing de-addiction programmes. He informed that the Health Department continues to conduct regular awareness and sensitisation programmes in educational institutions across the district.
The Labour Department reported that awareness and sensitisation programmes on substance abuse are being organised in various educational institutions as well as hotels to promote preventive measures and responsible practices.
Reports were also presented by the Education Department, Motor Vehicles Division, Excise Department and other stakeholders on enforcement drives, awareness campaigns and community-level outreach initiatives undertaken during the review period.
Emphasising the need for a coordinated, preventive and enforcement-driven approach, the Chair directed all departments to strengthen surveillance, intensify awareness campaigns, ensure timely reporting of substance abuse trends and adopt a proactive multi-sectoral strategy to effectively address narcotics-related challenges in the district.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to work in close coordination towards building a drug-free, safe and healthy Gyalshing District.
Report from DIO Gyalshing