Sukhu Announces State-Level Status for Shahpur Dussehra Festival, Calls for Drug-Free Himachal.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday called upon people to unite against drug abuse and work collectively towards making Himachal Pradesh drug-free while addressing the Anti-Chitta Walkathon organised in Shahpur Assembly constituency of Kangra district virtually from Shimla.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also announced state-level status for the Shahpur Dussehra Festival, saying the recognition would provide a significant boost to the region’s cultural traditions and heritage.
The Anti-Chitta Walkathon was organised to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and mobilise public participation in the campaign against chitta, a highly addictive drug. School students, public representatives and local residents participated in the event, expressing their commitment to building a drug-free society.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhu said chitta not only destroys an individual’s life but also adversely affects families and society. Drug abuse threatens the future of young people by damaging their health, education and social well-being.
He emphasised that the youth were the future of the nation and protecting them from drugs was a shared responsibility of the government and society.
The Chief Minister urged students to understand the dangers of drug abuse and spread awareness among their friends and communities. He encouraged young people to participate in sports, education, creative activities and other constructive pursuits to lead healthy and meaningful lives.
He also appealed to parents, teachers, social organisations and public representatives to remain vigilant and pay special attention to children and young people. He stressed that sustained collective efforts and active public participation were necessary to transform the anti-drug campaign into a people’s movement.
Sukhu said the state government was committed to curbing the illegal trade in chitta, taking strict action against drug traffickers and dismantling drug networks. He added that the government’s strategy extended beyond enforcement and included public awareness initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse and creating a safer environment for young people.
He urged citizens to share information about drug-related activities with the concerned authorities and actively support the campaign against substance abuse.
Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, who attended the programme at the Dussehra Ground in Shahpur, thanked the Chief Minister for announcing state-level status for the Shahpur Dussehra Festival and for supporting the development of the area.
Pathania said extensive public awareness campaigns were being organised in Shahpur to eliminate chitta and that the walkathon was part of these continuing efforts.
Advocate General Anoop Rattan said public awareness and active citizen participation were essential to eliminating chitta from Himachal Pradesh. He stressed that the challenge required coordinated efforts from all sections of society and urged people to come forward to support the campaign.
The event witnessed participation from students, public representatives and local residents, who joined the walkathon to spread awareness about drug abuse and strengthen the collective resolve to build a drug-free Himachal Pradesh.
