DM Bandipora chairs NCORD Meeting Reviews Anti-Drug enforcement and awareness measures

BANDIPORA : District Magistrate (DM) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar, Saturday chaired a meeting of the District Level NCORD Committee at the Conference Hall, Mini Secretariat, Bandipora, to review NDPS/PIT NDPS cases and the implementation of anti-drug measures across the district.
During the meeting, the SSP Bandipora presented a police station-wise status of FIRs registered under the NDPS and PIT NDPS Acts, highlighting significant recoveries of charas, ganja, heroin and contraband tablets. It was informed that FIRs registered in connection with poppy cultivation during 2026 had increased significantly compared to previous years.
The SSP also briefed the meeting on action taken to freeze and attach financial assets of drug traffickers. It was informed that several movable and immovable properties of drug peddlers had been attached, while two additional structures raised on encroached state land were demolished.
As per the data presented, recommendations had been made for cancellation of 53 driving licences, impounding of five passports and flagging of 259 Aadhaar cards linked to drug accused. The DM directed the concerned departments to expedite the cancellation of driving licences, passports, arms licences and the flagging of Aadhaar cards in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
Deputy Director Prosecution apprised the meeting about the status of acquittals, bail cases and ongoing court proceedings. The DM stressed the need for timely challenges to bail orders before the competent courts wherever warranted.
District Information Officer Bandipora, Aadil Manzoor Wani, presented the progress achieved under the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA). He informed that 38,745 awareness and outreach activities had been conducted across the district, reaching more than 29 lakh participants. Major initiatives included Dosti Discussions in schools and colleges, NMBA wall painting campaigns by students, Nun Chai Talks, awareness through Friday sermons, Mega Pad Yatra and extensive IEC activities.
The Excise Department presented its report on action taken against illicit crop cultivation, while the Assistant Drug Controller briefed the meeting on inspections conducted at medical shops and enforcement measures against violations. The DM directed strict implementation of the Computerised Billing System and installation of CCTV cameras in all medical establishments.
Medical Officer, Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), informed the meeting that a significant number of new patients had been registered since the launch of the NMBA campaign, alongside a considerable number of follow-up consultations and counselling sessions. It was further informed that patient registrations at the ATF have shown steady growth since its inception, with a substantial number of beneficiaries currently receiving Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST).
The meeting also reviewed the status of CCTV installation in educational institutions and implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 and the Juvenile Justice Act (JJA), 2015. The DM directed all concerned departments to ensure strict compliance and expedite CCTV installation in schools, colleges and coaching centres.
Emphasising the importance of sustained and coordinated action, the DM called for continuous monitoring and proactive inter-departmental coordination to effectively curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the district.
Reviewing awareness initiatives, the DM directed all departments to intensify grassroots campaigns and ensure regular anti-drug programmes in wards and Panchayats. She emphasised sustained engagement with religious leaders, educational institutions and community organisations to strengthen public awareness against drug abuse and directed departments to maintain the momentum generated under the ongoing 100-Day NMBA campaign.
The District Administration also appealed to individuals recovering from substance abuse and those willing to rebuild their lives through skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities to approach the District Administration for necessary support. Such individuals may contact the District Administration’s dedicated support helpline at 7006235244 for guidance, counselling, skilling and rehabilitation-related assistance.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl, who participated virtually, District Information Officer Bandipora, Aadil Manzoor Wani; Assistant Regional Transport Officer Bandipora; Chief Medical Officer; Medical Superintendent, District Hospital; Deputy Superintendent of Police (DAR); Assistant Drug Controller; District Officer, Excise and Taxation; Medical Officer, Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) Bandipora, besides other concerned officers.