Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 5: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today said that the substance abuse in Valley was at an all-time high, creating a dangerous situation, and that it was important to make sure those involved are dealt with strictly.
He was speaking at the Divisional Level Workshop of different important stakeholders for the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme and Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) – 2003, which was organised by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK).
He stated that substance abuse has become a dangerous situation in Kashmir and stated that there will be no mercy for those engaged in drug abuse, noting that if the drug nexus is not effectively curtailed, it will have dangerous ramifications.
Bidhuri emphasised the importance of enforcing a blanket prohibition on smoking in public places such as schools, colleges, hotels, buses, and markets, as well as the imposition of fines on smokers on the spot.
He stated that teachers must educate students about the harmful effects of smoking on the health and minds of youth, as well as the influence on society. “There is a need to launch an intensive campaign against the drug menace on social media and mainstream media because it will be effective and will help in spreading awareness,” he said.
On the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner ordered concerned officials to organise a variety of activities, including sporting and other activities, to keep youth away from negative influences.
Later, after the event, Bidhuri stressed that the situation was in control while stating that there was no need to panic in light of the rising COVID-19 cases.
People who experience symptoms should get tested, he said, adding that it may be seasonal as has been seen in the past. “If the cases rise further, the government will issue the required new guidelines,” he added
The Workshop was also attended by the Director, Health Services Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Director Colleges, Director School Education, RTO Kashmir, officers of the State Taxes Deptt, Drug & Food Control and the National Health Mission.
According to Dr. Mushtaq Rather the workshop seeks to bring important stakeholders together on a single platform and educate them on how to implement NTCP and COTPA-2003 effectively. More importantly, he added, “the event is intended to lay out a comprehensive policy for the prohibition of smoking and tobacco use throughout Kashmir.”
During the workshop, State Nodal Officer, NTCP, Dr Mir Mushtaq gave a presentation on the Overview of the National Tobacco Control Programme COTPA 2023 and TOFEI, while Nodal Officer Mental Health, Dr Majid Shafi presented on Health Hazards of Tobacco and Drug De-addiction.
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