By Amrit Pal Sidhu @Babushahi Network
Fazilka, October 8:
The Punjab Government has ramped up its efforts to address two pressing challenges: drug abuse and paddy stubble burning. In a decisive move to strengthen the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign and mitigate environmental damage caused by stubble burning, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu convened a critical meeting at the District Administrative Complex. The meeting was attended by SSP Gagan Ajit Singh, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), police officials, and officers from various departments.
Presiding over the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for a coordinated and sustained approach to eliminate the drug menace from the district. She revealed that 21 villages have been identified as drug hotspots, and these areas will remain under strict surveillance. SDMs and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been tasked with maintaining close watch over these villages and taking stringent measures to curb both the supply and consumption of narcotics.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to personally visit these villages, engage with residents, and gather feedback regarding drug-related activities. She also stressed that immediate action should be taken if any vacant building or location is found to be used for drug-related purposes. Officers were instructed to work closely with Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs) to ensure effective action.
Additionally, a comprehensive action plan is to be developed for all 21 hotspot villages. This plan will include provisions for sports facilities, streetlights, CCTV cameras, and other preventive measures aimed at combating drug abuse at the grassroots level. The Deputy Commissioner also instructed Drug Inspectors to survey these villages, compile detailed information about operational drug stores, and share their findings with the administration.
In a parallel effort to address environmental concerns, the administration has identified seven villages as fire hotspots due to recurring incidents of paddy stubble burning. The Deputy Commissioner called for heightened surveillance in these areas and directed concerned officers to educate farmers about the detrimental effects of stubble burning on both public health and the environment.
Officials from the Agriculture Department were tasked with intensifying awareness campaigns in these villages. Farmers are to be informed about the harmful impact of stubble burning and encouraged to adopt scientific methods for crop-residue management. The administration also plans to promote alternative solutions to manage paddy residue effectively.
The meeting witnessed the participation of key district officials, including District Police Chief Gagan Ajit Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Dr. Mandeep Kaur, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Jagwinderjit Singh Grewal, SDM Fazilka Jugraj Singh Kahlon, and SDM Jalalabad Kanwarjit Singh. Other attendees included Assistant Commissioner Harbans Singh, Officer Under Training Subrat Singh, District Development and Panchayat Officer Harjinder Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer Dr. Kulwant Singh, Agriculture Officer Mamta, and representatives from various departments.
The Deputy Commissioner’s directives underscore a multi-faceted approach that combines law enforcement, community engagement, and awareness campaigns. By addressing the root causes of these issues and involving local stakeholders, the administration aims to create sustainable solutions for a healthier and safer Fazilka district.
As Punjab continues its fight against drugs and environmental degradation, this concerted effort marks a significant step toward achieving long-term progress in both areas.