Drug De-addiction rules near finalization: Health Minister
Advocates collective fight against drug abuse
JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo on Thursday informed the House that the drug de-addiction rules are currently being finalized and are expected to be completed soon. Once implemented, these rules are anticipated to significantly enhance efforts to combat the drug menace across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister said this while replying to a question on ‘Drug De-addiction Centers’ raised by Legislator Sham Lal Sharma on behalf of Devyani Rana.
While speaking during the question hour of the ongoing Budget Session on various supplementaries raised by Legislators, the Minister said that a bill against drug menace will also be brought in the current session to tackle this rising social concern in J&K. She said that Medical and Chemist shops have been strictly asked to install CCTVs to keep check on sale of unauthorized drugs or medicines.
The Health Minister added that it is collective duty of all stakeholders including Legislators to come together and fight this evil, adding that Home department has primary role to play apart from Social Welfare or Education departments.
She informed the house that Drug De-addiction services are being strengthened across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir under the Health & Medical Education Department and Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. As of now, no new drug de-addiction centre is under consideration in the department, she added.
The Health Minister apprised that as of 2025, 11 ATFs are functional in Kashmir Division at SKIMS Soura, GMC Bemina Srinagar, GMC Anantnag, GMC Baramulla, GMC Handwara, District Hospital Kulgam, District Hospital Shopian, District Hospital Pulwama, District Hospital Budgam, District Hospital Ganderbal and District Hospital Bandipora, providing both OPD and IPD services.
She also informed that Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs) are also available in GMC Doda, GMC Jammu, GMC Kathua, GMC AH Rajouri, GMC AH Udhampur, District Hospital Kishtwar, District Hospital Poonch, District Hospital Ramban, District Hospital Reasi providing both OPD and IPD services besides DH Samba functioning on OPD basis.
The Health Minister stated that several private NGOs are offering comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services. She added that de-addiction OPD services are available in all 20 J&K districts, providing access to counselling and treatment. Besides, IPD services are catering to both male and female patients in 9 government medical colleges, with psychiatrists offering specialist support and clinical oversight. Legislators Hasnain Masoodi, Mir Saifullah, Mubarik Gul, Tanvir sadiq, Mohammad Yousuf Rather (Tarigami) and Surjit singh salathia raised Supplementary questions.
Govt examining proposal to develop new tourism areas in Ramban: CM
JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that the government is examining a proposal for development of new tourism-worthy areas in Jammu and Kashmir, including several locations in Ramban district.
The Chief Minister was replying to a question raised by MLA Banihal-Gool in the Legislative Assembly.
He informed that the proposal under consideration includes areas such as Godagali, Nathatop, Daggan Top, Neel Top, Mahoo, Sarvadhar (Pogal Paristan), Sargali Pogal, Chanderkote, and Bhatni Village.
The Chief Minister further stated that developmental works have already been taken up in the Banihal-Gool constituency, keeping in view the feasibility reports prepared for the region.
“For the financial year 2025–26, an amount of Rs. 117.27 lakh has been allocated under the Capex Budget for the development of tourism infrastructure in Banihal-Gool constituency,” he added.
Baba Reshi-Gulmarg road project under review: Dy CM
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudharyon Thursday said that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for construction of Baba Reshi- Gulmarg Road has been prepared at an estimated cost of Rs. 40.34 crore.
He was replying to a question raised by the Legislator Irfan Hafiz Lone in the Legislative Assembly today.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that the project is presently under examination. He informed that the estimates for the balance work of up-gradation, macadamization and completion of the Dandmouh- Setrisem-Nagbal road is under preparation stage.
However, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the work shall be taken up under the appropriate head of account, subject to availability of resources.