Una, August 29: Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Una, Ishant Jaswal, directed all concerned departments to ensure time-bound action through mutual coordination to make the ongoing anti-drug campaign more effective and comprehensive, and to strengthen road safety measures. He stated that both drug eradication and road safety are crucial issues concerning the public interest, requiring the active participation of the administration, police, various departments, and the general public.
The ADC was presiding over a meeting of the District Level Committee constituted under NCORD (National Narcotics Coordination Portal) and the District Road Safety Committee at the DRDA Hall in Una on Saturday.
**Raise awareness in schools about the ill effects of drugs**
During the NCORD committee meeting, the ADC emphasized the need to further intensify awareness activities regarding the harmful effects of drugs at the school level. He instructed officials from the Education and Health departments to identify children and youth at risk of falling prey to drug abuse in a timely manner and ensure they receive proper counseling and guidance, thereby keeping them away from drugs and engaging them in positive activities.
He remarked that a strong social environment against drug abuse could be created by engaging the youth in sports, education, creative pursuits, and other positive avenues.
The ADC directed all drug de-addiction committees to hold regular meetings and to actively involve the local community, youth, women's groups (Mahila Mandals), and social organizations in the campaign. He called for continuous monitoring of suspicious activities and urged that any significant information be immediately brought to the notice of the administration and police.
He instructed Drug Inspectors, the police, and concerned departments to conduct regular surprise inspections of medical stores and chemist shops. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring of medicine sales, available stock, and records, and directed that action be taken in accordance with the rules if any irregularities were found. He also issued instructions to prioritize the 'Anti-Chitta' campaign. **Prioritize Road Safety Near Schools, Colleges, and Hospitals**
During a meeting of the District Road Safety Committee, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) directed officials to install necessary signage and ensure safe, smooth traffic management near schools, colleges, and hospitals located along main roads. He emphasized identifying sensitive locations and implementing essential road safety measures there on a priority basis to prevent any inconvenience to students, patients, pedestrians, and motorists.
He issued instructions for the effective enforcement of designated 'no-parking' and 'no-vending' zones in the district's major markets. He directed SDMs and police officials to ensure regular monitoring in their respective areas to maintain an efficient traffic system and facilitate smooth movement for the general public.
The ADC instructed the Regional Transport Officer, police, and the Public Works Department to prepare and present detailed analytical data on road accidents in the district at the next meeting. This report is to include details regarding accident locations, frequency, probable causes, and other relevant aspects.
He stated that the District Road Safety Plan would be further strengthened by incorporating measures suggested by SDMs and data received from various departments, enabling effective corrective actions in accident-prone areas and a reduction in road accidents.
The ADC noted that the administration is making continuous efforts—with the cooperation of relevant departments, social organizations, the youth, and the general public—to achieve the goal of a drug-free and safe Una. He called upon all departments to effectively discharge their duties and accelerate coordinated efforts in the public interest.
The meeting was attended by SDM Haroli Vishal Sharma, SDM Amb Paras Agarwal, and DSP Una Hemraj, along with officials from the Transport, Public Works, and other relevant departments.