KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon Friday said sports activities should be boosted in the state to counter the menace of drug addiction.
While holding an extensive interaction with the members of various civil society members and social activists, Dr Samoon said the drug abuse can be dealt with strong collective will of the society. He said sports can be powerful tool with which the menace can be eradicated. He said the sports activities will not only help youth to showcase their talent but will also keep them away from drugs and other such activities, an official spokesperson said this evening.
During the meeting, which was also attended by officials of Youth Services and Sports, J&K Sports Council, Director Police Drug de-addiction Centre PCR Srinagar, noted Psychiatrist of GMC Srinagar and editor of a sports magazine in Srinagar. Deputy Commissioners of all the districts including Leh and Kargil were also part in the meeting via video conference.
Dr Samoon directed Youth Services and Sports officials to frame sports calendar for upcoming season to involve youths in various sports activities. He said private institutions will be roped in to sponsor various sports tournaments to uplift the sports activities in the state.
Giving details about the current year activities, officials of Youth Services and Sports said during the current year, state bagged 5 gold medals, 10 silver and 23 Bronze medals in various sports activities at national level.
The Divisional Commissioner said the Department of Education should take a lead in curtailing drug menace by organizing awareness campaigns in educational institutions.
He directed the Deputy Commissioners to prepare and issue sports calendar at district levels and in educational institutions.
He also asked them to identify red zones where drug addiction level is high and start sports and other recreational activities in such areas besides holding awareness campaigns.
During the meeting Director, Police Drug De-addiction Centre said the department will hold a week long training program with Physical Education teachers to sensitize them about drug menace.
Dr Samoon said government will also partner with the civil society and religious groups in Kashmir to tackle the growing drug menace.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Samoon today convened a meeting of experts to discuss disaster management preparedness in the valley.
The meeting was attended by Director Meteorology Sonum Lotus, Officer Commanding, Snow Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), SSP Traffic Maqsood Zamaan, Chief Engineer Mechanical Kashmir and SSP PCR.
Officials discussed various measures that are needed to be taken during disasters. The Divisional Commissioner called for close coordination between various departments to deal with any calamity effectively at the time of emergency.
During the meeting officers discussed the preparedness to deal with snow avalanches and possible adverse weather eventualities. Officials said the field staff need to be proactive in identifying the vulnerable areas for natural disasters especially snow avalanches and appropriate measures be taken to avoid any damage at the time of disaster.
SSP Traffic gave a presentation regarding regulating traffic in adverse weather conditions.
The Divisional Commissioner asked the officials to develop a mechanism so that all concerned departments are kept in loop while dealing with disasters. He said in order to make people aware about the safety measures which are needed at the time of the natural calamity, a workshop will be organized shortly.
Sports activities should be boosted in schools but the question arises how ? As we know that about 70 % physical / sports teachers are lacking in education department. Our govt. Knows better about the benefits of sports. They only talk but practically can’t do anymore for sports