YUPIA, May 9: A meeting of the NCORD Committee was held at the DC’s conference hall here on Friday, with Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering chairing the meet.
Addressing the members, the DC highlighted the seriousness of the government in curbing drug menace and emphasized the need for collective efforts from all stakeholders to tackle the issue effectively. He informed the members that the movement against drug abuse has been intensified following the constitution of the NCORD Committees across different levels.
The DC further reiterated the government’s strong commitment towards eliminating drug abuse, and creating a safer and healthier society.
Speaking on the issue of Mengio being identified on the map of illegal cannabis cultivation in the State, he opined that no illegal cannabis cultivation is presently being carried out in Mengio, except for wild cannabis growing naturally in certain areas, and therefore suggested that Mengio may be removed from the State’s cannabis cultivation map.
Moreover, the DC directed the Police Department and the District Administration to coordinate and constitute teams for the destruction of wild cannabis growing along roadsides and other areas, and to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) to the government accordingly.
In this regard, the DC asked the circle officers of Leporiang, Parang, Mengio and Sagalee to jointly plan and undertake destruction drives throughout their respective jurisdictions to eradicate wild cannabis growth.
The DC also emphasized that ATRs should be properly prepared in both hard and soft copies and presented during NCORD meetings by all concerned departments.
The DC, who also serves as the Commissioner of Tax and Narcotics, assured “full” support to the District Administration in the areas of training and capacity building to strengthen the ongoing fight against drug abuse and related activities.
Underscoring the importance of training, capacity building, and intensive awareness generation, he called for greater convergence among stakeholder and concerned departments such as Education, Women and Child Development, IPR, and the Health to work in tandem and intensify awareness campaigns against drug abuse.
Phassang Simi, the convener of the meeting, briefed the members on ATRs from previous meetings and called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders, stating that drug addiction is destroying families and society.
He also raised concerns regarding the Mental Hospital, stating that there is currently no proper Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place for the admission of mentally disturbed persons. In this regard, he urged the DC to take note of the matter and direct the concerned authorities of the Mental Hospital to prepare and implement a proper SOP.
The DC also took serious note of the absence of a few key departments during the meeting and issued strict directives for mandatory and active participation of all concerned departments in future NCORD meetings. (DIPRO)