Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, chaired a high-level review meeting on July 24 to finalise preparations for the UT-wide Drug-Free Ladakh Campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, stressing the need for a coordinated, evidence-based and community-driven approach to tackle substance abuse across the region.

The meeting brought together senior officers from various departments to formulate a comprehensive strategy focusing on prevention, awareness, early identification, treatment, rehabilitation and enforcement, with special emphasis on protecting the youth from the growing menace of drug abuse.

Secretary, Social and Tribal Welfare, Nidhi Malik, presented the roadmap for the month-long campaign, which will be implemented in mission mode with active participation from all departments. She informed that nodal officers have been designated to ensure effective coordination and successful implementation.

The campaign will feature awareness rallies, competitions, community outreach programmes, educational camps, video campaigns, IEC activities and public engagement initiatives across the Union Territory. She also stated that financial assistance received from the concerned Ministry would be utilised in a phased and result-oriented manner to maximise the campaign's outreach and impact.

Reviewing the proposed strategy, the Chief Secretary emphasised that the campaign must extend beyond conventional awareness programmes and actively involve religious leaders, community organisations, student associations, transport unions, educational institutions and civil society groups to build a sustained social movement against drug abuse. He stressed that visibility, measurable outcomes and effective implementation should remain the guiding principles of the campaign.

Highlighting the importance of early intervention, Ashish Kundra directed departments to strengthen awareness programmes in schools, colleges and among other vulnerable sections of society. He called for a coordinated strategy involving the Police, Education, Health and Social Welfare Departments to ensure a comprehensive response combining prevention, education, enforcement and rehabilitation.

During the meeting, a Consultant Psychiatrist from the Health Department identified school dropouts, unemployed youth and individuals living away from their families in rented accommodation as among the most vulnerable groups. She recommended training Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) to identify early signs of substance abuse and facilitate timely intervention. She also suggested village-level orientation programmes for frontline workers and emphasised engaging children and recovering patients in skill-based and recreational activities to support long-term rehabilitation.

Appreciating the suggestions, the Chief Secretary directed departments to incorporate them into the campaign strategy. He proposed conducting random assessments in villages, hostels and educational institutions to identify emerging trends and vulnerable areas. He also called for targeted interventions among labourers, truck drivers, project workers and other high-risk occupational groups.

The Chief Secretary further instructed departments to develop specialised awareness modules for ASHA workers, ANMs, teachers and parents to strengthen early detection and community support systems. He also stressed the involvement of village representatives, including Nambardars, in spreading awareness and reporting concerns.

Reviewing the functioning of the drug helpline, he directed that its number be widely publicised through digital platforms, WhatsApp groups and social media to improve accessibility.

Emphasising the importance of data-driven policymaking, Ashish Kundra directed the concerned departments to analyse recent drug abuse cases based on geographical distribution, age profile, occupation and social background. He instructed the Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre (DDAC) and the Health Department to maintain a comprehensive digital database of patients undergoing treatment, follow-up care and rehabilitation to facilitate targeted interventions and long-term monitoring.

The meeting was informed that the Drug De-addiction Centre is currently managing 126 opioid-related cases, including follow-up patients, while 71 patients are undergoing treatment for Hepatitis linked to substance abuse.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed proposals for outreach teams and mobile intervention services to reach vulnerable individuals at their homes and directed departments to strengthen outreach mechanisms.

The Police Department presented its enforcement strategy, highlighting NDPS enforcement measures undertaken in 2026, comparative seizure statistics, preventive initiatives, awareness campaigns conducted during 2025–26, de-addiction support measures and the implementation of decisions taken during NCORD meetings.

Reviewing the enforcement measures, the Chief Secretary sought detailed information on the profile of drug peddlers, repeat offenders and organised supply networks. He directed the Police Department to intensify surveillance in vulnerable areas, strengthen night patrolling in market areas and make greater use of intelligence-led policing. He also called for a review of the effectiveness of existing enforcement measures, including the deployment of sniffer dogs and enhanced inter-agency coordination.

Recognising the influence of digital media on young people, Ashish Kundra directed departments to engage social media experts and local influencers to create impactful videos promoting a drug-free lifestyle. He also stressed expanding youth engagement through sports, cultural activities and rural games in collaboration with organisations such as the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) under civic action programmes.

The Chief Secretary further suggested introducing recognition and incentive mechanisms for ASHA workers, ANMs, teachers and villages demonstrating exemplary efforts in preventing drug abuse. He emphasised sustained engagement with transport associations, labour unions and community organisations, noting that most narcotic substances enter the region from outside and require stronger coordination among enforcement agencies and local stakeholders.

Calling for an integrated response, Ashish Kundra directed the Social and Tribal Welfare Department to consolidate recommendations from all departments and present a comprehensive action plan at the next NCORD meeting, scheduled within the next ten days. He instructed all departments to bridge existing gaps, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and implement actionable interventions within defined timelines.

The meeting was attended by the Director General of Police, Divisional Commissioner, Secretaries of Social and Tribal Welfare, School Education, Public Works and Law Departments, Deputy Commissioner Leh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Director Health Services, Special Secretary (Home), Chief Planning Officer and senior officers from various departments. Deputy Commissioners of other districts and several officers also participated virtually.