BASAR, OCT 28:
The 10th district-level meeting of the Narcotics Coordination Committee (NCORD) for 2026 was held at Basar on Wednesday to review anti-drug initiatives and strengthen coordinated efforts towards making Leparada a drug-free district.
Chairing the meeting, Leparada Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena emphasised sustained awareness campaigns under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and called for stronger coordination among government departments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Leparada Superintendent of Police Keni Bagra, the NCORD convenor, opened the meeting with a presentation on the committee’s objectives, functioning and terms of reference, types of drugs in circulation and relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He stressed the importance of awareness, information-sharing and coordinated enforcement in tackling drug abuse.
Reviewing departmental activities undertaken since the previous meeting, Meena also assessed de-addiction and treatment services at District Hospital, Basar.
District Medical Officer Dr K. Dirchi informed the meeting that the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF), supervised by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and the state government-run Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) facility were functional at the hospital.
The DC directed the Health Department to publicise the available counselling, treatment and support services, including relevant helpline numbers, to help affected individuals and their families access timely assistance.
Representatives of the Forest, Education, Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary, Tax and Excise departments, the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Rego Bango Ane MPCS and the Reincarnates group shared updates on awareness activities conducted during the month. These included school programmes, public outreach campaigns and anti-drug pledges.
Members of the Reincarnates group, comprising individuals recovering from substance dependence, suggested involving recovered persons in departmental awareness programmes to share their experiences and sensitise students and the public about the harmful consequences of drug abuse. Meena welcomed the suggestion and asked departments to explore their participation through appropriate consultation.
Highlighting the grassroots reach of departments such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary and ArSRLM, Meena urged them to use their regular engagement with communities to expand awareness and strengthen collective efforts against substance abuse.
Bagra called on departments and other stakeholders to share relevant information with the police for timely action. He also stressed the need for proactive participation and stronger coordination to prevent drug-related activities.
The meeting concluded with a call for sustained inter-departmental cooperation to expand public awareness, strengthen access to de-addiction services and work towards a drug-free Leparada. (DIPR)
