DC calls for concerted efforts to eliminate drug menace

YINGKIONG, 27 May: Expressing concern over the growing trend of drugs abuse in the district, Upper Siang DC Shashvat Saurabh on Friday called for a “concerted and multipronged effort among the stakeholders, involving self-motivated youths, women welfare societies, GBs and public interpreters, to tackle the problem from the grassroots level.”

Addressing a meeting here with SP Jummar Basar, heads of departments, representatives of the ABK’s women wing and the APWWS, the DC assured to set up a dedicated helpline number, and called for “behavioural change among public to report such cases.”

He informed that a week’s time has been given to government officials and the public “to report voluntarily on drug dependence and get proper counselling and rehabilitation accordingly, failing which, necessary action shall be taken as per the law.”

He also instructed those present to “conduct periodic checking on illegal selling of liquors in shops,” and stressed on implementing the COTP Act in letter and spirit.

The SP made a presentation on “the registered and tried cases involving drug abuse and opium affected areas in the district,” and sought the public’s cooperation in curbing the drug menace.

ICDS Deputy Director Aroti Tayeng presented a report on the various activities conducted under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. (DIPRO)