Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra has urged for a swifter implementation of de-addiction and drug testing facilities across the Union Territory, emphasizing the critical need to combat rising drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The directive came during the 8th Union Territory-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) held at the Civil Secretariat in Leh. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of actions taken following previous discussions and assessing current measures aimed at curbing the menace of narcotics.
During the extensive review, officials delved into the status of drug-related cases and those pertaining to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Preventive strategies, enforcement actions, public awareness initiatives, and the operational effectiveness of de-addiction and support mechanisms were all scrutinized. The Police Department presented a comprehensive overview of follow-up actions stemming from the seventh UT-level NCORD meeting. This presentation included the latest statistics on drug-related offenses and NDPS cases, details of preventive measures undertaken, and a summary of awareness campaigns conducted throughout 2025, including the ongoing ‘Drug-Free Month’ campaign. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the authorities are keen to accelerate these efforts to show tangible results.
Chief Secretary Kundra specifically reviewed the progress of drug de-addiction centres, seeking detailed updates on their operational readiness, the availability of emergency outreach services, the functioning of helpline support, and the overall support structures in place for individuals struggling with addiction. He issued clear directives to the concerned departments to ensure that these centres become fully functional within the predetermined timelines. The imperative was placed on providing prompt counselling and essential assistance to those in need, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Furthermore, Kundra reviewed the performance of the Tele-MANAS initiative, instructing departments to assess its outreach and responsiveness to drug-related concerns, particularly through helplines and social media platforms, to gauge public engagement and effectiveness.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to forensic and testing facilities. The Chief Secretary sought updates on the tendering processes for necessary equipment, the recruitment of specialized technical staff, and the overall availability of essential testing infrastructure. He stressed the importance of expediting the establishment and operationalization of these testing facilities. The aim is to prevent any delays in crucial investigations that might arise from an over-reliance on external resources, thereby enhancing the efficiency of law enforcement and judicial processes. The ability to conduct timely and accurate testing is seen as a cornerstone in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
Kundra underscored the necessity of involving all strata of society in prevention and awareness efforts. He directed the School Education Department to bolster awareness programs and health interventions specifically targeting students. The department was also tasked with exploring coordinated initiatives with educational institutions to embed drug abuse prevention education within the curriculum. The Chief Secretary also advocated for increased engagement with religious and community leaders, recognizing their significant influence in shaping public opinion and behavior. Their active participation in upcoming outreach programs was deemed crucial for amplifying anti-drug awareness campaigns and fostering a community-wide commitment to a drug-free Ladakh.
The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) provided a detailed report on cases registered and enforcement actions executed. The Chief Secretary reviewed the profiles of individuals involved in drug-related offenses, analyzed the identified sources and movement patterns of narcotics within the region, and assessed the effectiveness of investigation and seizure mechanisms. Arrangements for highway checking and naka points were also reviewed. Kundra called for a strengthening of intelligence gathering capabilities and enhanced coordinated enforcement efforts. The objective is to precisely identify drug supply networks and effectively prevent the infiltration of narcotics into Ladakh, thereby safeguarding its borders and communities.
The availability and sale of substances and products linked to drug abuse were also discussed, with a specific focus on actions against the unauthorized or illegal sale of inhalant products. Concerned agencies were directed by Kundra to conduct coordinated checks and take stringent action against any detected violations. This measure aims to curb the accessibility of readily available substances that can be misused for recreational or addictive purposes. The Chief Secretary further emphasized the importance of conducting school-level health camps and implementing appropriate screening and awareness interventions. These initiatives are intended to accurately assess the scale and nature of the drug abuse problem among the youth, providing data-driven insights for targeted interventions.
A consensus was reached to intensify public awareness campaigns through a coordinated approach involving schools, students, religious leaders, community organizations, and relevant government departments. The Chief Secretary instructed the departments to meticulously plan a district-wide awareness program, which will include a march or ‘padyatra’ involving students during the ensuing month. The participation of senior officials and community representatives in this program is expected to lend significant weight and visibility to the anti-drug message, fostering a collective resolve against substance abuse. The coordinated efforts are designed to create a robust defense against the pervasive threat of drug abuse in the Union Territory.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.