PASIGHAT : The 21st monthly meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani to review enforcement measures, rehabilitation initiatives and awareness programmes against drug abuse, alcoholism and related social issues in the district.
The meeting was attended by East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba and officers from various departments and stakeholder organisations.
Reviewing the Action Taken Report of the previous meeting, the Superintendent of Police informed that intensive joint checking and inspection drives were conducted by the Police Department, District Administration and Department of Tax and Excise against the illegal sale of liquor, tobacco and narcotic substances across different parts of the district.
During the month, enforcement agencies carried out several raids, checking drives and seizures of Indian Made Foreign Liquor, beer and breezer products from various locations.
The meeting also reviewed destruction drives against wild cannabis cultivation conducted jointly by the District Administration, Police and Forest Department in identified areas of Pasighat and adjoining regions.
Awareness campaigns against drug abuse and substance addiction were organised across the district through coordinated efforts of the Police Department and stakeholders, reaching a large number of people.
The functioning of seven de-addiction centres and ongoing rehabilitation initiatives in the district were also reviewed.
Officials informed that recovering addicts are being encouraged to undertake vocational and skill-based training programmes, including computer training, mushroom cultivation and electrician courses.
East Siang DC Sonalika Jiwani stressed the need to engage youth through constructive activities such as sports events, exposure tours and educational campus visits for students aspiring for higher studies and career opportunities.
The meeting also emphasised strict implementation of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, particularly the prohibition on the sale of tobacco products within 500 metres of educational institutions. The Education Department was directed to identify vulnerable areas where tobacco counters are operating illegally for necessary action.
Concerned departments were also directed to conduct surveys in areas associated with alcohol abuse and gambling activities.
The DC stressed the need to make such illegal activities economically unviable through sustained enforcement and strict adherence to bar timing regulations.
East Siang SP Pankaj Lamba appreciated the role of government rehabilitation centres and stated that success stories of recovering addicts and facilities available at rehabilitation centres would be promoted through media platforms to spread awareness and encourage more individuals to seek help.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to continue coordinated efforts towards building a drug-free and socially responsible society in East Siang district. (DIPR)
