Kishtwar, April 24, 2026 As part of the ongoing 100-day *“Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan”* in the district, the District Administration Kishtwar today organized a Mega Awareness Program at the Government Degree College Auditorium, Kishtwar, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS).
The program witnessed the participation of more than 300 participants, including district officers, teachers, students, and staff from various departments, reflecting strong community commitment towards eliminating drug abuse from the district.
Rahul Yadav (IAS), Managing Director JKPDCL, who is also the District Mentor for Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan, District Kishtwar, attended the program as the Chief Guest.
The program commenced with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries.
Welcoming the Chief Guest, the Deputy Commissioner expressed pleasure in the inauguration of the awareness programme and extended warm greetings to all participants.
He highlighted that the district is privileged to have Rahul Yadav (IAS) as its mentor, whose guidance would help further strengthen and steer the anti-drug campaign.
The Deputy Commissioner informed the District Mentor and all the participants about the ongoing activities under the campaign, noting that District Kishtwar remains relatively less affected due to strong family bonds and a vigilant community system.
He added that schools and colleges are actively monitoring students, with prompt reporting of any suspicious signs to the administration and police. He further stated that, in line with the directions of the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, UT of J&K, the *Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan* was launched on 11 April. In the last 13 days, extensive awareness drives have been conducted covering more than 760 schools, 136 panchayats, and 11 municipal wards.
He emphasized that activities are being carried out daily across the district with active participation of all stakeholders, expressing confidence that coordinated efforts would lead to the elimination of the drug menace.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted rehabilitation initiatives, stating that Kishtwar has been a pioneer in this area. Under Mission YUVA, two drug-affected individuals have been successfully rehabilitated and provided financial assistance through sanctioned loans to support their reintegration into mainstream society.
He stressed that persons affected by substance abuse should be treated as victims requiring care and support rather than stigma, and underlined the shared responsibility of society and administration in their recovery.
He added that while awareness activities have been the primary focus so far, greater emphasis is now required on enforcement measures to further strengthen the campaign.
The DSWO Kishtwar, Shri Tariq Parvez Qazi (JKAS), presented a PowerPoint presentation on the occasion highlighting various initiatives undertaken under the Abhiyan.
It was also informed that National Panchayati Raj Day is being observed today across the district as per the notified schedule.
The programme also included yoga demonstrations by students of BVM High School Kishtwar, a Nukkad Natak by students of Sir Iqbal Academy Kishtwar, and a thematic dance performance by artist Tavishi Anand, all aimed at promoting a drug-free society.
While addressing the gathering, the District Mentor Rahul Yadav (IAS) appreciated the efforts of the District Administration Kishtwar under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma in effectively implementing the *Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan*.
He emphasized the crucial role of education in prevention efforts and stressed the importance of capacity building of teachers to strengthen long-term awareness and behavioural change among youth. He also highlighted the need to address drug abuse with seriousness and sensitivity.
He said suspected drug-related deaths should not be ignored due to social stigma, as it prevents proper understanding of the issue. He added that post-mortems are important to determine the actual cause of death and detect possible drug overdose, which also helps in tracing the source and taking preventive action.
He urged society to stay aware, act responsibly, and support efforts to build a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. At the conclusion of the programme, the District Mentor administered the *“Nasha Mukt JK Pledge”* to all participants, who collectively reaffirmed their commitment towards building a drug-free Kishtwar.
The program was attended by the ADC Kishtwar, Sh. Pawan Kotwal (JKAS), PO ICDS Kishtwar, Sh. Rishi Kumar Sharma, ACR Kishtwar, Sh. Mohd. Idrees Lone, ACD Kishtwar, Sh. Manoj Kumar, ALC Kishtwar, Smt. Mamta Sudershan, Tehsildar HQA to the DC, Sh. Rafiq Naik, AD Handicrafts & Handloom Kishtwar, Sh. Pardeep Shan, DYSSO Kishtwar, Sh. Jaffer Haider Sheikh, ExEn PWD R&B Kishtwar, Dy. CEO Kishtwar, and other officers and officials from various departments.
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