Collective and coordinated efforts needed

Some days back a meeting of Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) was held for Srinagar district and it was decided to tighten the noose around those who are supplying the drugs and pushing the youth towards this menace. According to an official press release, the Deputy Commissioner Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat directed the concerned officials to intensify the deterrence measures against the drug menace and its peddling.

Concern was expressed over the drug abuse by students at coaching centers, hostels, colleges and educational hubs. The officers of district administration and police were directed for proper regulation of coaching centers, their hostels and households having paid guests. Some other directions were also given. The authorities on their part will take steps in ending the drug menace.

The society too must have to play its rule. The way the youth are going towards drugs, strict measures are needed not only at government level but at the non- government level as well, and that too at the earliest. A close watch has to be kept at educational institutions and adjoining areas besides residential places and public spots.

That way the activities of the drug pedallers can be put to an end. Deliberately ignoring such activities can create alarming situation. The family heads too must remain in constant touch with their family members to prevent them from falling into drug addiction trap. Proper watch must be kept on young family members so that they do not get in touch with drug peddlers or drug addicts. If somebody is into drug addiction or drug abuse, corrective measures have to be taken to take him or her out of the menace. Proper awareness must be created at the family level against drug addiction.

Awareness campaigns should be run consistently in educational institutions and other places wherever required. Better and effective campaigns are more important to prevent youth from getting pushed to drug addiction. For that a collective and well coordinated role is needed at the government and non-government levels.