KISHTWAR, AUGUST 31, 2026: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), chaired a district-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review enforcement, preventive and rehabilitation measures aimed at curbing drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the district.
During the meeting, District Social Welfare Officer Tariq Parveaz Qazi (JKAS) presented the Action Taken Report (ATR) on decisions taken during the previous NCORD meeting.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to ensure active participation of designated officials and resource persons in the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign conducted every Monday under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He warned that negligence or non-compliance would be viewed seriously.
The meeting was informed that 8 kanals and 15 marlas of wild cannabis have been destroyed so far. The DC directed the Excise and Taxation Department to intensify action against illegal cannabis cultivation and ensure the destruction of all identified crops in accordance with prescribed legal provisions and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The concerned SDMs and BDOs were also directed to ensure strict compliance with the directions.
The DC further instructed the ADC Kishtwar to hold regular meetings with courier operators and postal service providers to ensure timely reporting of suspicious parcels, proper maintenance of records and prevention of unauthorised transportation of Schedule H drugs through courier networks.
Drug Control Officer Kishtwar informed the meeting that 92% computer billing system coverage and 95.69% CCTV installation have been completed at medical shops across the district. The DC directed the department to complete the remaining installations at the earliest.
The School Education Department was directed to ensure that all remaining educational institutions are declared Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions in accordance with TOFEI guidelines.
The DC also directed SDMs and Tehsildars to expedite the declaration of pending Panchayats as “Nasha Mukt”, following due verification and ensuring active community participation.
CMO Kishtwar informed the meeting that drug testing kits had been distributed among the concerned departments. The DC directed officials to effectively use the kits on suspects and submit test results and outcomes to his office on time.
All remaining Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) were directed to submit Drug-Free Office Certificates after obtaining duly certified self-declaration forms from government employees.
Emphasising the need for continuous vigilance, the DC called for close monitoring of suspicious drug consignments, particularly those routed through courier networks. He also directed all concerned departments to submit their Action Taken Reports to his office on or before the 20th of every month.
The meeting was attended by ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal (JKAS), ASP Kishtwar Pardeep Singh, ACR Kishtwar Idrees Lone, ACP/ACD Kishtwar Neeraj Sharma, SDM Paddar Dr. Amit Kumar, DSWO Tariq Parveaz Qazi, CMO Dr. Sanjay Bhat, Drug Control Officer Muneesh Bhagat, ARTO Tasleem Wani, DYSSO Jaffer Haider Sheikh, officers from various departments and other concerned officials and representatives.