Himachal Gets First Women’s De-Addiction Centre as CM Sukhu Intensifies Fight Against Drug Abuse.
Shimla:
In a significant step towards addressing the growing menace of substance abuse and providing specialized support to women battling addiction, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday inaugurated the state’s first government-run women’s de-addiction and rehabilitation centre, ‘Nav Jeevan’, at Mashobra near Shimla.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described drug abuse, particularly the rising use of chitta (heroin), as a serious social, family, and humanitarian challenge rather than merely a law-and-order issue. He said the state government is tackling the problem proactively through a combination of public awareness campaigns, rehabilitation initiatives, and stringent action against drug traffickers.
First Specialized Facility for Women
The newly inaugurated ‘Nav Jeevan’ Women’s De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre is the first specialized government facility in Himachal Pradesh dedicated exclusively to women affected by substance abuse. The centre aims to provide comprehensive care and support, helping women recover from addiction and reintegrate into society with dignity.
According to the Chief Minister, the facility will offer safe accommodation, medical treatment, psychological counselling, rehabilitation services, social reintegration programmes, and family-based support systems. The initiative is designed to address not only addiction but also the broader emotional and social challenges faced by women during recovery.
Second Centre to Come Up at Tanda
Expanding the state’s rehabilitation infrastructure, the Chief Minister announced that a second government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centre would be established at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Kangra district.
He said the government is committed to strengthening treatment and rehabilitation services across the state to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction receive timely assistance and professional care.
Compassion for Victims, Zero Tolerance for Traffickers
Emphasizing the government’s policy approach, Shri Sukhu stated that youth and women trapped in addiction should be treated with compassion and support rather than viewed as criminals. However, he warned that those involved in drug trafficking would face strict legal action.
“The government’s approach is based on empathy for victims and firmness against drug traffickers,” he said, adding that individuals engaged in the illegal drug trade are enemies of society and will not be spared regardless of their influence or status.
The Chief Minister highlighted that addiction among women has far-reaching consequences, impacting families, children, and future generations. Recognizing these challenges, the government is focusing on treatment, counselling, rehabilitation, and social reintegration while simultaneously intensifying efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
Anti-Chitta Campaign Gaining Momentum
The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of the Anti-Chitta Public Movement launched from Shimla on November 15 last year. He noted that the initiative has evolved into a widespread social movement involving youth, panchayat representatives, teachers, voluntary organizations, and citizens from across the state.
Calling for greater public participation, he urged communities to join hands in eliminating drug abuse and protecting future generations from the harmful effects of narcotics.
Crackdown on Drug Networks
Shri Sukhu said the state government has launched a decisive campaign against drug trafficking under stringent legal provisions, including the PIT-NDPS Act. He informed that preventive measures are being implemented and major drug networks are being systematically dismantled.
The government is also identifying and targeting properties linked to drug traffickers as part of its broader enforcement strategy. Reiterating his government’s commitment, the Chief Minister warned that no individual involved in the drug trade would receive protection or leniency.
Dignitaries Present
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Himachal Pradesh Drug Prevention Board Co-Convenor Sanjay Bhardwaj, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, ESOMSA Director Sumit Kimta, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, and several other officials and dignitaries.
The launch of the ‘Nav Jeevan’ centre marks a major milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to combat substance abuse through rehabilitation, awareness, and strong law enforcement, while providing a dedicated support system for women affected by addiction.
