District committee outlines protective measures following alarming substance abuse statistics, particularly in hostels, PG accommodations
Srinagar: The District Level Committee for NCORD has devised a comprehensive strategy to address the rising complaints and evidence of drug and substance abuse, particularly among students residing in hostels and paying guest accommodations (PGs).In a recent NCORD meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, the district’s action plan and progress in combating substance abuse and dismantling the illegal narcotics trade were discussed.The minutes of the meeting, accessed, reveal a significant focus on the issue, particularly regarding students.During the meeting, the Drug De-addiction Centre at SMHS Hospital shared alarming statistics. From April to August 2024, there were 708 new outpatient department (OPD) registrations, with a cumulative total of 6,818 registered patients.The centre also recorded 120 in-patient admissions (IPD) for treatment and a staggering 29,357 follow-up consultations over a five-month period.Similarly, the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) at SKIMS, Bemina, reported 158 new patients seeking help, with 14,781 cumulative follow-up sessions during the same timeframe.Law enforcement agencies in Srinagar shared that between April and August 2024, 20 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were registered, resulting in 35 arrests.Additionally, 11 individuals were detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act.Regarding seizures, 139.65 kg of heroin, 15.105 kg of poppy straw, bhang, 2.69 kg of Charas, 17.8 grams of brown sugar, 36 bottles of psychoactive syrups and capsules, and 3.5 kg of ganja were confiscated in the district during the same period.The committee also reviewed efforts to eradicate wild cannabis and poppy cultivation. Over 82 Kanals of wild cannabis were reported to have been destroyed.During the meeting on the awareness front, it was informed that 15 drug de-addiction seminars were conducted this year.The Deputy Drug Controller of Srinagar reported that 100 percent of retail and wholesale outlets had installed CCTV cameras, and 96 percent of retail outlets had adopted computerized billing systems.The Assistant Labour Commissioner, Srinagar, informed that 52 courier service providers were registered and awareness programs were conducted in various educational institutions.Recognising the vulnerability of students, particularly those in hostels and PGs, the Deputy Commissioner outlined a series of protective measures. These include mandatory registration of all hostels and PG accommodations with local police stations, installation of CCTV cameras, maintaining student attendance registers, and discouraging outside movement of students after evening hours.Additionally, it was directed that educational institutions ensure regular parent-teacher interactions, while faculty members in schools, colleges, and coaching centres will receive training to recognise early signs of substance abuse.It was stated that the training will be conducted in collaboration with the ATF at SKIMS and the Drug De-addiction Centre at SMHS Hospital.The district administration also outlined plans for skill enhancement and employment opportunities for rehabilitated drug users. The Deputy Director of Employment and General Manager of the District Industries Centre (DIC) were instructed to provide training and facilitate job placements under various government schemes.The Deputy Commissioner also expressed concern about communication gaps between stakeholders, like families, law enforcement, and rehabilitation centres, stating that often delay the response to drug addiction cases.To address this, the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) was appointed as the Nodal Officer to ensure smooth coordination and timely rehabilitation efforts—(KNO)
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