Diplomat Correspondent
Leh, DD, The 30th meeting of the District Level Committee under NCORD Mechanism and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan held on July 19 under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk (IAS), at the VC Room of the DC Office Leh.
The meeting focused on the alarming rise in drug abuse cases, especially among youth, and the urgent need for coordinated intervention. Senior Superintendent of Police, Leh, Shruti Arora (IPS), presented a comparative analysis of drug-related data from the last three years.
During the meeting, the DC Leh directed all concerned departments to compile detailed data on drug abuse cases, including age profiles of patients, types of drugs in circulation, and rehabilitation outcomes. Dr. Padma Angmo, Consultant Psychiatrist at SNM Hospital Leh, shared concerning statistics and stressed the urgent need for specialized care facilities and pointing out lack of doctors and mental health support at existing hospitals.
Chief Medical Officer Leh, Dr. Dolma Chuskit, informed that regular awareness camps are being conducted, while the Chief Education Officer Leh, Deldan Angmo, reported that student-focused awareness sessions are organized, including morning sessions involving yoga and guided meditation. Other departmental officers also reported conducting awareness camps and outreach activities in villages to educate rural youth and communities about the dangers of drug use.
Dr. Padma Angmo requested SSP Leh to consider appointing dedicated officers to identify drug users in the community and ensure they are referred to hospitals for treatment. SSP Leh suggested that the information and findings discussed in the meeting should also be shared outside of formal meetings to ensure timely action.
To strengthen outreach, DC Leh instructed that awareness camps be held monthly in every subdivision and block, with video content being widely disseminated. He also instructed DLSA and DDSA to create PPTs for wider impact. He emphasized that the focus of these camps must go beyond drug awareness to include mental health, which plays a crucial role in addiction prevention.
The meeting concluded with a firm commitment from all departments to intensify anti-drug efforts, integrate mental health support, and build a coordinated framework to safeguard the youth of Leh from substance abuse.DD
