Action Against Illegal Properties of Drug Traffickers, Encroachments to be Removed: DC

Kangra, August 31, 2026: The district administration has decided to intensify its multi-pronged strategy to curb drug trafficking and prevent substance abuse in Kangra. A district-level meeting of the National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) was held at the NIC conference hall in Dharamshala on Monday under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa.

The meeting reviewed measures to control drug trafficking, strengthen surveillance in drug-affected areas, prevent youth from substance abuse, improve de-addiction and rehabilitation services, and enhance coordination among departments.

The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure effective action against drug traffickers under the NDPS Act and emphasised effective implementation of PIT-NDPS provisions. He also ordered identification of properties allegedly acquired through proceeds of illegal drug activities and action against them as per law.

Bairwa directed that cases involving illegal encroachments by drug traffickers on government land be dealt with promptly and unauthorised constructions removed according to the applicable rules. All SDMs were instructed to coordinate with the police department for swift action in such cases.

He also directed authorities to activate drug-prevention committees in affected areas and maintain continuous surveillance of identified hotspots. Strengthening the local information network and ensuring immediate action on information related to drug activities were also emphasised.

To strengthen treatment and rehabilitation, the Health Department was directed to expand Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) services along with mental-health services at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital, Tanda. Regular counselling, treatment and monitoring of drug-related inmates in jails were also ordered.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed that legal enforcement alone cannot address the drug problem and that equal attention must be given to treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration.

For wider public awareness, officials were instructed to display messages under the “Drug-Free Himachal” campaign on LED screens at public places, bus stands, hospitals and urban local bodies.

Bairwa further directed officials to regularly visit schools in Panchayats and educate students about the harmful effects of substance abuse. The Education Department was asked to activate Prahari Clubs in schools and conduct regular awareness activities under the SAMVAAD (Systematic Adolescent Management and Value Addition Dialogue) programme.

Schools were instructed to immediately inform the police administration about any drug-related activity detected on or around school premises. Regular workshops, interactive sessions and counselling programmes for students were also emphasised.

The Deputy Commissioner also called for a robust monitoring mechanism for regular inspections and monthly evaluation of privately run de-addiction centres.

He directed all departments to systematically document their activities and work in close coordination, stressing that the campaign against drugs should evolve from a government initiative into a people’s movement for a “Drug-Free Kangra.”

Superintendent of Police Kulbhushan Verma briefed the meeting on the ongoing anti-drug campaigns in the district and various enforcement measures undertaken so far.