Gyalshing, November 5 (IPR): The Narco Coordination Committee (NCORD), Gyalshing, reviewed measures to prevent drug trafficking and substance abuse, including among children, at its monthly meeting held at the Conference Hall, District Administrative Centre (DAC), Gyalshing.
Mr Tenzing D. Denzongpa, District Collector-cum-Chairman, NCORD Committee, Gyalshing, chaired the meeting. Addressing the committee, Mr Denzongpa called upon departments to fulfil their responsibilities and promptly share relevant information with enforcement agencies. He asked Block Development Officers to involve Panchayat representatives and community organisations in awareness and prevention activities and called for continued vigilance during the forthcoming festive period.
Mr Denzongpa advised the Labour Department to work with concerned agencies in inspecting vulnerable locations. Discussions in the house also covered labour registration and verification, and awareness activities involving tourism establishments.
The meeting commenced with opening remarks by Mr Suresh Rai, Additional District Collector, Gyalshing, who reviewed the proceedings of the previous meeting and explained changes in the reporting format. He informed members that the monthly report was required to be submitted to higher authorities by the 7th of each month, before inviting departments to report on their work.
Mr Rai advised departments to include Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan messages in their existing programmes, including school sporting events, and organise activities jointly where possible. Blocks and participating agencies were also asked to submit regular activity reports to the committee.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Gyalshing, Ms Paru Ruchal briefed the committee on surveillance, intelligence gathering and police action. She reminded concerned departments of their responsibilities in inspecting pharmacies, medical stores and premises suspected of unauthorised liquor sales.
Following discussions on concerns regarding liquor sales near an educational institution, the Police and Excise Department agreed to undertake joint inspections. The committee also emphasised timely sharing of information between the Police and intelligence agencies to identify drug suppliers and routes used to bring drugs into the district.
Representatives of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) reported on awareness programmes, sporting activities and rallies involving students. The committee reviewed vigilance in border areas, and the SSB was asked to submit monthly activity reports to the District Administration.
The Education Department reported on drug-free school initiatives and an essay-writing programme on the role of education in reducing substance abuse.
The Health Department briefed the committee on addiction treatment services and programmes conducted under the District Mental Health Programme. Discussions covered counselling, continuity of treatment, follow-up care and assistance for persons recovering from substance abuse.
The committee also discussed efforts to help out-of-school children return to formal education or enrol in open schooling, with support from the District Child Protection Unit.
Block representatives reported on discussions during Gram Sabhas, meetings with Panchayat representatives and community organisations, and the work of local NCORD committees.
The meeting reviewed cannabis eradication activities and sought clarification on the figures recorded in departmental reports. Conducting substance abuse awareness sessions during animal health camps was also discussed.
The meeting was attended by officers and representatives of the Police, Forest, Rural Development, Excise, Tourism, Social Welfare, Health, Education, Animal Husbandry, Sports and Youth Affairs, Labour, Public Health Engineering and Motor Vehicles Departments; the 36th and 72nd Battalions of the SSB; the Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau; the Block Administrative Centres of Yuksam, Dentam, Chongrang and Hee-Martam; and Sanchaman Limboo Government College, Gyalshing.
Report from DIO Gyalshing