Collective steps needed to tackle drugs: Experts

Leh Deputy Commissioner, Santosh Sukhdeve, who also serves as the Chairperson of the NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) Leh, chaired a district-level meeting to address the pressing issues of drug and substance abuse and to strategise effective measures for prevention and awareness.

Superintendent of Police, Shruti Arora, opened the meeting by providing updates on drug-related cases and the seizure of various substances. She also presented an overview of police records, highlighting efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse in the district. Key discussions focused on the rising incidents of drug abuse and the urgent need for inter-departmental coordination to combat the problem.

The meeting emphasised the importance of engaging stakeholders, including merchants’ associations, schools and local communities, in awareness and preventive initiatives.

Dr Padma Angmo, psychiatrist at SNM Hospital, Leh, highlighted the growing use of various drugs in the region and stressed that treatment for drug addiction should be conducted at SNM Hospital. She explained that due to societal stigma, many individuals hesitate to visit standalone drug de-addiction centres. A hospital setting could encourage more people to seek help.

It was informed during the meeting that under the COPTA Act, several illegal substances have already been seized. Efforts involving schools and villages in COPTA-related actions were also discussed, demonstrating community-level participation in tackling the issue.

The Deputy Commissioner raised concerns about the increasing involvement of youth in substance abuse. He emphasised the critical need to safeguard the future generation from the detrimental effects of drugs and alcohol.

Acknowledging the role of youth in creating change, he encouraged active involvement from organisations like Yato Club and others in countering this menace.

“This generation is being spoiled because of drugs and we must act now. As administrators and as a society, we cannot allow this problem to escalate further. With collective efforts, especially from our youth, we will fight against this challenge,” stated DC Sukhdeve. The meeting concluded with a commitment to develop actionable solutions, which will be deliberated further in the next meeting.