The District De-Addiction Centre (DDAC), Leh, under the Social & Tribal Welfare Department, Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh, concluded Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah 2026 with a programme held at the DC Conference Hall, Leh, on June 27 to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The concluding programme marked the culmination of a week-long awareness campaign organised under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, aimed at spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse, promoting preventive measures and encouraging collective responsibility towards creating a drug-free society.

District Social Welfare Officer, Mohd Safdar Bhat (JKAS), spoke about the causes, prevention and consequences of drug abuse on individuals, families and society. He highlighted various government initiatives aimed at addressing substance abuse and stressed the need for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.

He urged students to become ambassadors of the anti-drug movement by actively participating in awareness campaigns and promoting healthy lifestyles among their peers.

Manager-cum-Incharge, District De-Addiction Centre, Leh, Nilza Angmo, briefed the gathering about the week-long awareness activities conducted across the Changthang region, including awareness programmes for parents and children.

She informed that the District De-Addiction Centre has been shifted from Heart Foundation to Mahabodhi Hospital, Leh, to improve accessibility and enhance treatment facilities.

Sharing the centre’s progress, Nilza Angmo said that 31 drug dependence cases have been registered during the current year. Of these, 28 beneficiaries have successfully completed treatment and have been discharged, while three are currently undergoing treatment. She added that regular follow-up counselling and medical check-ups are being conducted weekly or within a gap of ten days to support sustained recovery.

She also appreciated the participation of students from various schools, who are members of the YATO Club, in spreading awareness against drug abuse.

Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Padma Angmo of SNM Hospital, Leh, shared her experiences in dealing with addiction cases and expressed concern over the increasing trend of substance abuse among youth. She called for greater public dialogue and stronger preventive measures.
Dr. Angmo emphasised the collective responsibility of families, parents and society in protecting future generations. She encouraged parents to maintain open communication with their children and strengthen family bonds to reduce gaps in understanding.

She also appreciated the efforts of the District De-Addiction Centre and its team in addressing the issue of substance abuse.

President, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, Advocate Mohammad Shafi Lassu, congratulated the organisers for conducting the awareness programme successfully. He stressed the importance of educating parents about avoiding tobacco use in front of children and discouraging alcohol and tobacco consumption during social gatherings.

He also explained provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, including commercial and intermediate quantities, and briefed participants about legal procedures related to bail in drug-related cases. He further advocated stronger vehicle checking mechanisms at entry points and checkpoints to curb drug trafficking.

President, Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing, Jigmat Rabstan, highlighted that several awareness campaigns have been conducted throughout the year through joint efforts of various departments. He stressed that effective implementation of awareness initiatives is equally important and called for greater sensitisation of single parents regarding child safety and well-being.

He encouraged students to share the knowledge gained through the programme with their peers and communities and suggested strengthening district-level de-addiction facilities for better prevention and rehabilitation.

Representatives of various religious organisations, including Nasreen Maryam, President, Women’s Wing of Anjuman Imamia, Leh, and Deachen Chamba, President of the Christian Community, also shared their views on the importance of collective community efforts in combating drug abuse.

During the interaction, staff members of the District De-Addiction Centre raised the issue of pending salaries for the past seven months. Responding to the matter, Advocate Mohammad Shafi Lassu and other religious leaders assured their support and recommended that concerned authorities ensure timely release of salaries.

The programme also featured speech and painting competitions for students from various educational institutions.

In the Speech Competition, the first prize was jointly secured by Jigmat Chozen of Ladakh Model Government High School, Stok, and Stanzin Norzin of Delhi Public School, Leh. Stanzin Angmo of Ladakh Rigjung Public School secured the second prize, while Mohd Shayad of Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh, won the third prize.

In the Painting Competition, Jigmat Chosnor of Ladakh Model Government High School, Stok, bagged the first prize, followed by Urgyan Tundup of Ladakh Rigjung Public School in second place. Jigmat Wangstob of Delhi Public School, Leh, secured the third prize, while Stanzin Namdon of Boys Higher Secondary School, Leh, received the fourth prize.