Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, chaired a meeting on Wednesday to review and strengthen measures aimed at curbing the growing menace of substance abuse in the Valley.

Emphasizing the need for coordinated and sustained efforts by all concerned departments, the Div Com directed educational institutions, including schools and colleges, to establish in-situ de-addiction mechanisms within their respective campuses.
He instructed that each educational institution shall nominate one male and one female nodal officer responsible for implementation of IEC (Information, Education and Communication) activities, student counselling, identification of vulnerable individuals, and continuous monitoring and tracking of affected students.
Wakf authorities were directed to organize orientation programmes for religious leaders to effectively utilize their influence in society for generating awareness regarding the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting social responsibility.
With regard to coaching institutions and student accommodations, IMHANS was directed to develop a structured monitoring framework to keep effective oversight on coaching hubs.
Director Health Services was instructed to prepare a comprehensive training calendar for training of trainers, with the objective of creating a robust pool of trained resource persons for educational institutions.
Further, Director Colleges and Director Schools were directed to compile and submit a list of staff members to be trained and assigned the responsibility of identification, counselling, and monitoring of students vulnerable to substance abuse.
The Div Com emphasized the conduct of regular awareness sessions, maintenance of performance reports, and documentation and dissemination of success stories.
Police Department was directed to enhance surveillance over identified drug hotspots across Srinagar city and other districts in close coordination with the Health Department.
The meeting was attended by the DC Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; Director School Education, Director Social Welfare, Joint Director Information, and officers from Health Services, Higher Education, IMHANS, Wakf Board, Police Department, along with representatives of civil society.