SRINAGAR, SEP 20: In a determined effort to combat the growing menace of drug abuse and discourage the illicit sale of psychotropic drugs, local authorities have issued a directive compelling medical shop owners and clinical establishments to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras for strict surveillance.
The decision comes as part of a broader initiative to curb the rising concerns surrounding drug abuse, especially among the youth, in Kashmir. Over the past several years, the illicit sale and distribution of psychotropic drugs have posed a significant challenge to public health and safety.
Under the new directions, all medical shops, pharmacies, and clinical establishments across the city are required to install CCTV cameras both inside and outside their premises. These cameras are expected to provide continuous monitoring, helping authorities keep a close watch on any suspicious activities or illegal transactions related to controlled substances.
The move has garnered mixed reactions from stakeholders in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Some medical shop owners have expressed concerns about the financial burden of installing and maintaining CCTV systems. However, supporters of the directive argue that the benefits of increased surveillance far outweigh the initial costs.
Local law enforcement agencies will be granted access to the footage recorded by these cameras, allowing them to promptly investigate any potential illegal activities related to drug distribution. Additionally, the presence of CCTV cameras is expected to act as a deterrent, discouraging those who might have engaged in the illegal sale of psychotropic drugs.
A senior health department official emphasised the importance of this measure in safeguarding public health. “Kashmir has been grappling with the consequences of drug abuse for far too long. This directive is a proactive step towards ensuring that medical facilities are not inadvertently contributing to this problem. It also reinforces our commitment to the well-being of our citizens.”
While the mandate may face initial challenges in terms of implementation, authorities hope that it will be a crucial tool in addressing the menace of drug abuse in Kashmir. The move sends a clear message that local authorities are determined to take proactive measures to protect their communities from the devastating effects of drug addiction.
The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has provided Parliament with information indicating that there are approximately 1.35 million drug users in Jammu and Kashmir, with a significant portion falling within the age range of 18 to 75 years. The committee has underscored the importance of fostering coordination among all relevant agencies to tackle drug trafficking, production, and distribution effectively.
In its report, presented in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the Standing Committee, comprising 27 members from both houses, has cited estimates of current drug use among two age groups: children aged 10-17 years and adults aged 18-75 years, based on the projected population in 2018.
Regarding the 10-17 years age group, the committee has reported an estimated 168,700 children as drug users in Jammu and Kashmir. These young individuals are primarily consuming substances such as Cannabis, Opioids, Sedatives, Cocaine, Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS), inhalants, and Hallucinogens. Among them, a majority are using Opioids and inhalants, while others are regular consumers of Sedatives and Cannabis.
Concerning the 18-75 years age group, the Standing Committee has conveyed to Parliament that there are approximately 1,180,000 adult drug users in Jammu and Kashmir. Among this demographic, the majority are addicted to Opioids, followed by Cannabis, Sedatives, and Inhalants. This brings the total number of drug users in the Union Territory to 1,348,700 individuals. It is worth noting that these figures could potentially be higher, as they are based on population projections from 2018.
