Leh: Amid growing concerns over drug abuse among youth, the 30th meeting of the District Level Committee under the NCORD Mechanism and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk (IAS), at the VC Room of the DC Office.
The meeting saw participation from senior officials of key departments who discussed the rising cases of drug addiction in the region and the need for a robust, coordinated response. SSP Leh, Shruti Arora (IPS), presented a detailed comparative analysis of drug-related cases from the past three years, underscoring the urgency of intervention.
Deputy Commissioner Romil Singh Donk directed all concerned departments to compile comprehensive data on drug abuse, including age profiles of addicts, types of drugs in circulation, and outcomes of rehabilitation efforts.
The goal, he stressed, is to ensure a data-driven, targeted strategy that reaches vulnerable groups more effectively.
Consultant Psychiatrist at SNM Hospital Leh, Dr. Padma Angmo, highlighted the lack of specialized care facilities and mental health professionals in the region. She pointed to troubling statistics and emphasized the need for dedicated psychological support for patients undergoing addiction recovery. Dr. Angmo also appealed to SSP Leh to appoint dedicated officers to identify drug users at the grassroots level and ensure they are referred to hospitals for early intervention and treatment.
In response, SSP Shruti Arora suggested that key insights from the meeting be shared more widely beyond formal discussions to ensure timely follow-up action and accountability.
Chief Medical Officer Leh, Dr. Dolma Chuskit, informed the committee that regular awareness camps are already being organized across the district. Chief Education Officer, Deldan Angmo, shared that student-oriented awareness programs—featuring morning yoga and guided meditation—are also being conducted to help students build resilience.
Other departments reported that similar outreach programs are underway in rural areas, aiming to educate both youth and their families about the dangers of substance abuse.
To further strengthen community outreach, the Deputy Commissioner instructed that monthly awareness camps be held in every subdivision and block. He directed that these efforts should be amplified through the use of videos and digital content. Additionally, he asked the District Legal Services Authority and the Social Welfare Department to develop PowerPoint presentations to make the sessions more impactful and informative.
He stressed that while awareness of substance abuse is vital, equal focus must be given to mental health—a key factor in both the cause and cure of addiction.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from all departments to intensify anti-drug measures, expand mental health support services, and build a united front to protect the youth of Leh from the dangers of substance abuse.
