NEWS UDAAN /JAMMU RAUOURI In a significant step towards creating awareness against drug abuse, the NPS Youth Club, Rajouri, under the aegis of the Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), Department of Agriculture, organized an awareness programme in Rajouri city today. The programme featured a large scale awareness rally that commenced from the Tehsil office and culminated at the main Bus Stand, Rajouri. Around 50 dedicated volunteers of the NPS Youth Club actively participated in the rally, demonstrating strong community engagement and commitment towards a drug-free society. During the rally, volunteers raised impactful slogans highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The team also distributed nearly 1,000 informative pamphlets among the general public to sensitize them about the dangers of substance abuse and the need for collective action. The initiative received positive response from the local residents, shopkeepers, and commuters, who appreciated the efforts of the youth in addressing this pressing social issue. The programme aimed not only to spread awareness but also to encourage individuals, especially youth, to stay away from drugs and contribute towards building a healthier society. Speaking on the occasion, representatives of the NPS Youth Club emphasized the importance of continuous awareness campaigns and community participation to effectively combat drug abuse. They reiterated their commitment to organizing more such programmes in the future. The NPS Youth Club extended gratitude to the Department of Agriculture under JKCIP for their support and guidance in making this awareness drive successful. Reporter....Anil Bhardwaj

NEWS UDAAN JAMMU RAJOURI, A crucial meeting regarding the effective implementation of the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan was chaired by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Thannamandi, Abid Hussain Shah (JKAS), today at the Sub-Division headquarters. The meeting witnessed the participation of all sectoral officers and representatives from various government departments. Representatives from private schools, religious organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and youth volunteers also actively attended the session, reflecting a collective commitment towards eradicating drug abuse from the region. During the meeting, SDM Thannamandi emphasized the urgency and importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to ensure the success of the campaign. He directed all departments to intensify awareness drives, particularly targeting educational institutions and rural areas, and to involve community leaders and youth in spreading awareness against drug abuse. He further stressed that a multi-pronged approach involving education, prevention, and community participation is essential to combat the menace of substance abuse effectively. All stakeholders were urged to work in close coordination and ensure timely execution of assigned responsibilities under the campaign. The SDM also welcomed the active involvement of civil society members, religious bodies, NGOs, and youth groups, highlighting their vital role in mobilizing public support and creating a drug-free environment. The meeting concluded with a strong resolve to implement the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan in a mission mode, ensuring maximum outreach and impact across Sub-Division Thannamandi. Report.....Anil Bhardwaj

NEWS UDAAN JAMMU POONCH, Under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma (JKAS), National Deworming Day was successfully inaugurated by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan at Government High School Boys, Purani Poonch. The programme was also observed across Mandi, Surankote and Mendhar, where Albendazole tablets were administered to children and adolescents in the age group of 1 to 19 years with the active support of DPMU, BPMU , Health Worker's , schools staff,Ashas and Anganwadi workers. Speaking on the occasion, the CMO informed that Poonch district has a large target population under the campaign. The district comprises 1391 government schools with an enrollment of 95,434 students, 267 private schools with 40,762 students, 1419 Anganwadi Centres with 36,209 beneficiaries, and 68 madrasas with 6,999 students. In total, 1,79,404 beneficiaries aged between 1 and 19 years are to be covered under the deworming drive. He further stated that all eligible children present in schools, Anganwadi Centres and madrasas were administered the medicine today, while those left out will be covered on the Mop-Up Day scheduled for April 18. Highlighting the dosage, Dr. Khan said that children aged 1–2 years are given 200 mg Albendazole, while those between 2–19 years receive 400 mg as per prescribed health guidelines. The CMO emphasized that worm infections can cause serious health issues among children, including anemia, malnutrition, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, poor immunity and hindered physical as well as mental development. These intestinal worms consume essential nutrients from the body, affecting overall growth and learning ability. He added that regular deworming is highly beneficial as it improves nutrient absorption, prevents anemia and malnutrition, boosts immunity, enhances physical growth, and helps children perform better in studies. The health department urged parents, teachers and the community to ensure that every eligible child receives the deworming dose to keep them healthy and disease-free. Report...Anil Bhardwaj