CM Sukhu Calls for Mass Movement Against Chitta; Orders Identification of Drug-Linked Properties by December 10.
Dharamshala:
In a decisive push to eliminate the menace of chitta and other narcotic substances from Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday chaired the sixth State-level meeting of the Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD) in Dharamshala. The Chief Minister made a strong appeal to every section of society—including youth, women, Panchayati Raj representatives and voluntary groups—to join a statewide mass movement against drugs.
Representatives from the NCB, ED, DRI, Postal Department and Railway Protection Force joined senior state government officials for the high-level review.
Strict Action Ordered: Drug-Linked Properties to be Identified by Dec 10
CM Sukhu issued clear directions to district administrations to identify all properties acquired through drug trade and submit detailed reports to the government by 10th December.
“These properties will be demolished and those involved will face stringent punitive action,” he said.
He also revealed that 60 government employees, including 15 police personnel, were found involved in chitta trafficking. While five have already been dismissed, legal action is in progress against the remaining officials. Details of all such employees have also been sought by December 10.
Special Deployment in 234 Sensitive Panchayats
The Chief Minister informed that the state had deployed specialized CID and police teams in 234 Panchayats identified as highly sensitive to drug activities. Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to establish Anti-Drug Committees in these Panchayats and ensure regular NCORD meetings in every district.
Anti-Chitta Walkathons to Mobilize Public Support
To build widespread public awareness, CM Sukhu announced that Anti-Chitta Walkathons will soon be organized at district and sub-division levels, aiming to bring communities together in solidarity against drug abuse.
Strengthening Rehabilitation, Enforcement & Education
The Chief Minister emphasized a holistic strategy:
- Mandatory drug testing for all government recruitment
- Strengthening of counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation facilities
- More active Anti-Drug Clubs, Prahari Clubs, and peer education programmes in schools and colleges
- Strict surveillance of cannabis cultivation and rigorous inspections of pharma units
- Directed the Prosecution Directorate to fast-track NDPS appeals, review acquittals and improve conviction rates
He announced that parameters related to supply reduction, demand reduction and harm mitigation will now be included in the Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) of officers.
‘Chitta Information Reward Scheme’ Launched
To turn the anti-drug campaign into a people’s movement, the CM launched the Chitta Information Reward Scheme, offering Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 10 lakh for credible information on chitta trade.
Informants can contact 112 or the nearest police station, and rewards will be disbursed within 30 days.
Strong Enforcement Drives Deliver Results
Highlighting achievements from the past three years, the Chief Minister said:
- 5,642 NDPS cases registered — a 28% increase
- 8,216 arrests made
- 36.657 kg of chitta seized
- 48 crore rupees worth of illegal assets confiscated
- 46 notorious traffickers detained under the PIT-NDPS Act
Himachal is the first state in India to categorize Panchayats into red, yellow and green zones, identifying 12,000 individuals under this innovative model, now recognized nationally.
Major Statewide Operations Conducted
- During Naka operations on 17–18 November, 16,441 vehicles were checked, leading to 13 NDPS cases and large drug recoveries.
- On 22 November, simultaneous raids at 121 locations crippled ten major trafficking networks.
- On 25 November, a special drive near educational institutions inspected 41 campuses and 598 shops, resulting in 12 cases and 385 challans.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Shyam Bhagat Negi, DGP Ashok Tiwari, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Secretaries M. Sudha Devi, Rakesh Kanwar, Sushil Kumar Singla, along with senior officers. Deputy Commissioners and SPs from all districts participated virtually.
With intensified enforcement, community engagement, and coordinated agency action, the State aims to make Himachal Pradesh drug-free through a united and sustained battle against chitta.
