The 36th District Level Committee meeting under the NCORD mechanism and the 5th Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA) was convened in Leh on February 26 under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Leh, Ghulam Mohd, JKAS.

The meeting was attended by Rishab Shukla, IPS, DySP (HQ) Leh; Dr. Padma Angmo, Psychiatrist at SNM Hospital Leh; and a representative from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Srinagar, who joined via video conference. Officials from the Social Welfare Department, NMBA, and other concerned departments were also present.

During the meeting, the DySP (HQ) Leh informed the chair that around 30 arrests were made between January and February 25 this year. During the same period, more than 30 drug awareness programmes were conducted across the district. Eight FIRs were registered in connection with “cool-lip” cases, identified as a potential gateway to substance addiction, and intensified awareness campaigns are underway to curb its spread.

ADC Leh emphasised the optimal utilisation of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, stressing accountability and transparency in their functioning. He directed that structured life-skills training programmes, including cooking, hospitality and other employable skills, be incorporated to support recovering individuals in achieving self-reliance. He also highlighted the importance of documenting and publicising success stories to inspire others to seek help.

Dr. Padma Angmo appreciated the prompt ground-level action and noted a visible positive shift, including increased involvement of parents and families in the recovery process. However, she pointed out the issue of understaffing at the de-addiction centre. Taking note, ADC Leh directed the concerned department to initiate the recruitment of nurses on a contractual basis.

Earlier, as per the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, the integration of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) with NCORD was also reviewed. The NTCP consultant outlined the objectives of the programme and enforcement measures under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. It was informed that 31 villages have been declared tobacco-free and 194 challans have been issued under COTPA.

ADC Leh directed NTCP to design and install public awareness posters on display boards to reinforce behavioural change. He also emphasised the need to undertake a comprehensive district-wide survey on drug usage, incorporating gender-specific and age-specific data, to enable targeted interventions and evidence-based policy planning.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening coordinated enforcement, preventive outreach and rehabilitation efforts to combat substance abuse in the district.