Ponda Cracks Down on Narcotics: A Push for a Drug-Free Taluka”
Ponda: Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Ponda, Shri. Shubham Naik, chaired a Taluka-level meeting on Drug and Narcotics Control, to review the ongoing enforcement and awareness initiatives and to strengthen inter-departmental coordination for curbing drug abuse in Ponda Taluka.
Officials from the Police Department, Directorate of Education, Directorate of Social Welfare, Captain of Ports, Health Services, Food and Drugs Administration, Excise, Transport, Zonal Agriculture Office, Goa State AIDS Control Society, and the Mamlatdar of Ponda participated in the meeting.
While noting that Ponda is not presently a high-vulnerability area in terms of narcotics activity, Naik stated that the administration must remain proactive and not complacent. He stated that enforcement efforts must be complemented by preventive education, community awareness, and rehabilitation measures to ensure that Ponda continues to remain safe and resilient against the threat of drug abuse.
The Police Department presented recent enforcement data and committed enhanced surveillance in vulnerable areas. The Education and Higher Education Departments were directed to ensure regular and effective sensitization drives. The Health Department was instructed to strengthen counselling and monitoring mechanisms, while the FDA and Excise officials were asked to intensify inspections of pharmacies, bars, and taverns to prevent misuse of prescription and intoxicating substances.
The meeting also stressed on community outreach, with departments directed to publicize awareness programmes through local media and social platforms. It was emphasized that continuous vigilance and collaboration must be maintained towards achieving a drug-free Ponda Taluka.
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