Fight Against Chitta Has Become a Mass Movement in Himachal: CM Sukhu.
Chief Minister Announces Fresh Measures Against Drug Abuse at Shimla Cricket Carnival Closing Ceremony.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday said that the fight against drug abuse, particularly the growing menace of chitta, has transformed into a mass movement across Himachal Pradesh, with active participation from all sections of society strengthening the state’s campaign against narcotics.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Shimla Cricket Carnival at the Police Ground, Bharari, the Chief Minister lauded the organizers for conducting the championship under the theme ‘Say No to Drugs, Embrace Sports’, describing sports as an effective tool to steer youth away from substance abuse and towards positive and productive activities.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to combat drug addiction and create widespread awareness among young people. He noted that volleyball and cricket tournaments organized during the recently concluded International Shimla Summer Festival were part of efforts to engage youth in sports and healthy recreational activities.
“Sports instill discipline, self-confidence and a healthy lifestyle among young people. They help channel their energy in the right direction and keep them away from harmful influences,” he said.
Awareness Campaigns to Reach Every College and School
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a drug-free Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu announced that seminars and walkathons highlighting the harmful effects of drug abuse would be organized in colleges across the state. He also directed senior district-level officers to regularly visit schools and educate students about the dangers and long-term consequences of drug addiction.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the battle against drugs is being collectively fought by police, social organizations, panchayats, teachers, parents and youth groups. He stated that the government’s strategy extends beyond arresting drug traffickers and includes dismantling their financial networks and operational infrastructure.
Crackdown on Drug Mafia Intensified
Highlighting the government’s action against drug-related crimes, Sukhu said that during the last three and a half years, illegal properties worth nearly Rs. 51 crore linked to drug trafficking have been confiscated. Several traffickers and members of drug mafia networks have also faced stringent legal action.
He further disclosed that action has been initiated against 123 government employees and police personnel involved in drug-related cases. This includes the dismissal of 10 government employees and 21 police personnel from service.
The Chief Minister described the state’s decision to make dope testing mandatory for recruitment to government services as a landmark initiative aimed at achieving the vision of a drug-free Himachal Pradesh.
Focus on Sports Infrastructure
During his address, Sukhu also outlined various initiatives and ambitious schemes being implemented by the state government to strengthen sports infrastructure and provide better facilities and opportunities for sportspersons across the state.
As a gesture of support for sporting activities, he announced financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh for organizing the Shimla Cricket Carnival and declared a 50 percent concession in cricket ground fees.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, President of Shimla Cricket Carnival Club Virender Banshtu, Tournament Chairman Manoj Chauhan, councillors and several other dignitaries.
The Chief Minister’s remarks underscored the state’s resolve to combine awareness, enforcement and youth engagement through sports in its ongoing campaign against drug abuse, making the fight against chitta a people-driven movement across Himachal Pradesh.
