Mysuru: ASP L Nagesh Wednesday directed officials to organise awareness programmes among youth on the ill effects of drug consumption. Chairing a district-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting at the DC’s office, Nagesh said the departments of social welfare, pre-university education and collegiate education should chalk out plans to identify students who are into drug abuse and bring them out of it.He said ganja plants may be grown alongside regular crops on agricultural land. Agriculture department officials, during crop surveys, should verify fields and submit a report if they find any such cultivation.Forest department officials should also keep vigil in forest fringe areas, check for ganja cultivation and report to the NCORD committee, he said.Nagesh said coordination among all departments is essential to curb the drug menace in the district. “The police department alone cannot control it. Every department should share information and take preventive measures in their jurisdiction,” he said.He also asked education department officials to form committees in colleges to monitor students’ behaviour and conduct counselling for those found addicted.The meeting discussed the current drug situation in the district, enforcement measures, and steps to prevent smuggling and consumption.District Mental Health Programme implementation officer Dr Nagesh P Aradhya was present at the meeting.
