DC calls for coordinated approach to tackle drug menace effectively 

Ludhiana, September 12, 2023: Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik today asserted that only coordinated approach can help curb the drug menace in the district, hence all stakeholders must join hands to win over this social evil. 

Chairing a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) to review steps taken to curb the drug menace in the district, the DC said that joint teams of Police and Civil Administration must work in hotspots so that people in such area could be sensitized about the ill-effects of drugs. She further mentioned that more concerted efforts needed to be taken to bring drug-affected youngsters back to mainstream while continuing crackdown against the supply chain simultaneously. She also directed the officials of civil administration to hold meetings with people in villages in their offices so as to cultivate their sources in affected areas. The deputy commissioner Commissioner stated that it will help them getting first hand information about those involved in such illegal activities and stringent measures should be adopted against such persons. 

The DC further asked the education department to create awareness about the ill-effects of drugs in the schools/colleges to make Punjab drug Free state. She said that stage plays, dramas, skits or other activities must be organized to sensitize young minds about drugs. She ordered the health department to organize medical camps in drug hotspots and disseminate about harmful effects of the drugs besides information regarding OOAT, rehab centres must also be given. She said this drive against drugs must be converted to mass mobilization which can be instrumental in eliminating the drugs from the state. 

The Deputy Commissioner also said that the supply line to the drugs had already snapped and now it is the time when the demand for the drug needs to be checked through wholehearted support of people under this drive. 

The DC while underlining the zero tolerance policy of the Punjab government said that the Police has already launched a major crackdown on the drug peddlers due to which big drug peddlers were put behind the bars. 

The DC also called upon ADCs and SDMs to get engaged in regular talk with prominent people of their respective areas so as to collect more information on this issue.

Pointing out further, Additional Deputy Commissioner Major Amit Sareen asked education, health and rural development department to submit their activity calender to Ludhiana Administration so that participation of civil and police officers can be ensured in this drive. He said that the activity calender would be reviewed fortnightly. On the occasion officers from various departments were present in the meeting.