Leh: Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, a 1996-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, chaired the 8th UT-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) at the Civil Secretariat in Leh on Friday, reviewing measures to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the Union Territory.
The meeting assessed the action taken on decisions of the previous NCORD meeting and reviewed drug-related cases, enforcement measures, awareness initiatives and the functioning of de-addiction and support mechanisms.
De-Addiction Centres, Helplines Reviewed
Kundra reviewed the status and operational timelines of drug de-addiction centres, including emergency outreach facilities, helpline services and other support mechanisms.
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He directed the concerned departments to ensure that the centres become fully functional within the stipulated timelines and provide timely counselling and assistance.
The status of Tele-MANAS calls was also reviewed, with departments asked to assess the outreach and response to drug-related concerns through helplines and social media platforms.
Testing Facilities to Be Expedited
The Chief Secretary reviewed the status of forensic and testing facilities, including the tendering process, recruitment of technical personnel and availability of equipment.
He directed the concerned departments to expedite the establishment and operationalisation of these facilities so that investigations are not delayed due to dependence on external resources.
Focus on Schools and Community Participation
Kundra directed the School Education Department to strengthen awareness and health interventions among students and explore coordinated programmes with educational institutions.
He also called for greater participation of religious and community leaders in anti-drug awareness campaigns and forthcoming outreach programmes.
The meeting decided to intensify public awareness through coordinated campaigns involving schools, students, religious leaders, community organisations and government departments.
A district-wide awareness programme, including a march or padyatra involving students, is also planned for the coming month.
ANTF Reviews Drug Supply Networks
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) presented the status of cases registered and enforcement action undertaken.
The meeting reviewed:
- Profiles of persons involved in drug-related offences
- Sources and movement of narcotics
- Investigation and seizure mechanisms
- Highway checking and naka arrangements
- Intelligence gathering and enforcement coordination
Kundra called for stronger intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement to identify drug supply networks and prevent the movement of narcotics into Ladakh.
Action Against Illegal Sale of Inhalants
The meeting also reviewed the availability and sale of substances and products linked to drug abuse, including unauthorised or illegal sales of inhalant products.
Kundra directed the concerned agencies to conduct coordinated checks and take action wherever violations are detected.
He also called for school-level health camps and appropriate screening and awareness interventions to assess the scale and nature of the issue.
Kargil Anti-Drug Measures Reviewed
The status of anti-drug measures in Kargil was also reviewed.
The Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to present a consolidated assessment covering enforcement, prevention, awareness, health and social-welfare interventions in the district at the next NCORD meeting.
Senior Officials Attend Meeting
The meeting was attended by DGP, UT Ladakh Anand Jain; Divisional Commissioner Ladakh Shurbhir Singh; Commissioner/Secretary Lalinthakhuma Franklin; Secretary Finance Tsewang Tharchin; Secretary School Education Bhanu Prabha; Mandeep Mittal, IFS; SSP Leh Ram; DC Leh Romil Singh Donk; Special Secretary Home Tashi Dolma; Director Health Services, and other senior officers from the concerned departments.
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