Kishtwar, March 12 – In a commendable boost to the district’s ongoing fight against drug abuse, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), today handed over a cheque of ₹4.20 lakh from Mega Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar, Naresh Singh (JKPS). The funds, provided under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of MEIL’s Rattle Hydroelectric Power Project (also referred to as Ratle HEP) at Drabshalla, will support the installation of CCTV surveillance systems at key hotspot locations across the district.
The initiative aligns with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign), aiming to enhance monitoring and deter drug-related activities in vulnerable areas. Public demand for improved surveillance in such spots has been a driving factor behind this targeted intervention.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Commissioner Sharma expressed appreciation for MEIL’s proactive role in partnering with the district administration. He highlighted how such collaborative efforts between government bodies and corporate entities are vital for strengthening anti-drug measures at the grassroots level and making the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan more impactful.
“These joint initiatives demonstrate the power of community and corporate responsibility in addressing social challenges like drug abuse,” the DC remarked.
MEIL, the executing agency for the 850 MW Rattle Hydroelectric Power Project on the Chenab River, has consistently contributed to local development through its CSR activities. In addition to the CCTV funding, the company recently constructed an approach road connecting Kuntwara at a cost of ₹5 lakh under the same CSR framework. Unfortunately, the road was damaged and washed away due to devastating floods in September 2025.
Burhan Andrabi, General Manager (Administration), Rattle HEP, was present during the cheque handover ceremony.
Saqib Zargar is a The Chenab Times staff reporter.
