AALO, Sep 28: The monthly District-level Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting of West Siang was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Monday to review measures for preventing drug abuse and curbing the inflow and spread of narcotic substances in the district.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mindo Loyi and attended by officials from various departments, police personnel, Panchayati Raj representatives and NGOs.
Superintendent of Police and NCORD convener Kardak Riba said the Police Department had been conducting drug-awareness programmes in both township and remote and vulnerable areas of the district. He said NCORD teams were also conducting checks and taking action against drug peddlers and persons involved in drug-related activities.
Riba also appealed to the public to share information about drug-related activities with the police and assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.
During the meeting, participants stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns, particularly among students and young people. Padma Shri awardee and chairperson of Mothers’ Vision, Kennedy Bagra, emphasised the need for regular awareness programmes among girls in schools and colleges to educate them about the harmful effects of substance abuse.
The president of Arunachal Pradesh Women's Welfare Society (APWWS) also called for collective efforts by Govt agencies, civil society organisations and communities to prevent drug abuse, particularly among the younger generation.
Deputy Commissioner Loyi appreciated the Police Department, NGOs and other stakeholders for their efforts to check the inflow and spread of drugs in Aalo and West Siang. He said the district NCORD was making concerted efforts to prevent the entry of drugs from outside into Aalo township.
The DC directed the NCORD team to properly document and report drug-related activities and developments. He also asked the DDSE to strengthen drug-awareness programmes in schools and tailor them according to the age groups of students.
Emphasising grassroots intervention, Loyi said Panchayati Raj leaders had an important role in preventing substance abuse at the community level. He urged all stakeholders to participate actively in awareness activities and share details and photographs of such programmes through appropriate platforms for wider dissemination.
He called for coordinated and sustained efforts involving Govt departments, educational institutions, Panchayati Raj institutions, police, NGOs and the community to effectively address drug abuse in the district.
The meeting also featured a drug-awareness campaign focusing on students and the wider community.
DMO Dr Linya Lollen urged residents to prevent stagnation of water in and around their homes and maintain cleanliness to promote a healthy environment.
ADC Kamba Ejum Angu also spoke during the meeting. (DIPRO)