Organized efforts needed to prevent substance use, meeting held in Kangra
A comprehensive campaign is urgently needed in Kangra district to raise awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse. This call to action was made by Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa during a district-level coordination committee meeting of the National Narco Coordination Portal (NCORD). The meeting, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, was also attended by Superintendent of Police (SP) Shalini Agnihotri.
Deputy Commissioner Bairwa emphasized the importance of a dedicated awareness campaign to combat substance abuse in the district. He urged all departments and NGOs to work together to create effective awareness materials. He also stressed the need for separate materials tailored to those already addicted and those at risk, ensuring that both groups receive the support they need. Additionally, he instructed NGOs to draft detailed projects to address these issues.
Strengthening De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centers
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed inspections of private de-addiction and rehabilitation centers in the district. He noted that continuous inspections are being conducted, and notices have been issued to centers not in compliance. He warned that necessary actions would be taken against those failing to meet the standards even after receiving notices. He also directed efforts to increase the capacity of government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centers and suggested that the District Red Cross Society work on enhancing these facilities.
Activating School Prahari Clubs and Restarting the Samvaad Program
Bairwa highlighted the need for serious efforts to raise awareness about substance abuse in schools. He instructed the education department to activate Prahari Clubs in schools and appoint dedicated teachers as club in-charges. These teachers should be committed to the cause and respected by the students. He also called for a workshop for Prahari Club in-charges across all schools in the district to clarify their roles and responsibilities. This workshop will be held in the three police districts—Kangra, Nurpur, and Dehra.
He also directed the District Welfare Officer to restart the ‘Samvaad’ (Systematic Adolescent Management and Value Addition Dialogue – S.A.M.V.A.A.D) program in schools. This program involves various educational and awareness activities carried out in coordination with different departments according to a fixed schedule. Officials and staff will regularly visit schools to interact with students.
Special Training for Medical Officers
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for specially trained staff to treat individuals addicted to drugs. He mentioned that all medical officers in the district would receive special training to ensure proper treatment and guidance for those affected by addiction. He instructed the department to work on providing formal training for the district’s medical officers, involving key institutions and experts in de-addiction.
Encouraging Cooperation with the Police
SP Shalini Agnihotri highlighted the importance of everyone’s cooperation in controlling drug trafficking and helping the youth recover from addiction. She urged families and young people caught in addiction to share information with the police without hesitation, assuring them of full support in their efforts to overcome addiction and control the drug trade.
Meeting Attendees
The meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajesh Guleri, District Welfare Officer Manjul Thakur, Dr. Milap Sharma from Tanda Medical College, and other key officials.
