The Poonch Nasha Mukt Campaign has gained momentum as officials review its progress, reporting widespread outreach and renewed focus on tackling drug abuse at the grassroots level.
POONCH MIRROR, NEWS DESK APRIL 28,2026
POONCH, April 28:Director Employment & Managing Director Mission YUVA, Harvinder Singh, who is also serving as mentor for District Poonch, on Tuesday reviewed the progress of the Government’s 100-day J&K Nasha Mukt Abhiyan during a meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.
The review meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Shafqat Bhat, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik, and other district and sectoral officers.
According to officials, more than 550 activities have been conducted across the district under the campaign, reportedly engaging over two lakh people through awareness drives, sports events, and community outreach programmes. A detailed presentation in this regard was delivered by District Social Welfare Officer Khalil A. Banday.
While appreciating the inter-departmental coordination, Harvinder Singh emphasized the need to maintain momentum and strengthen engagement at the grassroots level to ensure that awareness efforts translate into long-term behavioural change.
Deputy Commissioner Sharma reiterated that the district administration is focusing on involving educational institutions, youth groups, and local communities to widen the campaign’s reach. SSP Shafqat Bhat highlighted the importance of strict enforcement measures alongside awareness initiatives to effectively curb drug abuse.
As part of the visit, Harvinder Singh also attended a painting competition at Government Girls Higher Secondary School aimed at promoting anti-drug awareness among students. He later inaugurated a cricket match at the Sports Stadium, underscoring the role of sports in encouraging a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
However, despite official claims of wide outreach, independent assessment of the campaign’s on-ground impact remains limited. Some local observers believe that sustained follow-up measures and community-level rehabilitation support will be crucial in determining the long-term success of the initiative.
Poonch, like several other border districts, has witnessed growing concern over substance abuse in recent years, making such campaigns a key focus area for both administration and civil society.
The review concluded with officials reiterating their commitment to intensify efforts under the ongoing campaign and expand its reach to vulnerable sections of society.
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