CM Leads Anti-Chitta (Heroin) Awareness Walkathon in Hamirpur, Vows to Wipe Out Drug Menace from Himachal Pradesh.
Hamirpur:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday led a massive Anti-Chitta (Heroin) Awareness Walkathon in Hamirpur, giving fresh momentum to the state’s fight against the deadly synthetic drug that has emerged as a serious threat to the youth of Himachal Pradesh. The walkathon marked a strong public outreach initiative, transforming the anti-drug campaign into a people’s movement.
The walkathon began from Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Hamirpur, and concluded at the Police Lines Dosadka Ground. It witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, public representatives, government officials, police personnel, and citizens from all walks of life. Prior to the walkathon, the Chief Minister administered a solemn anti-drug oath, with participants pledging collective resolve to eliminate chitta and other narcotic substances from the state.
Addressing the gathering at the concluding venue, the Chief Minister described the fight against chitta as a decisive battle for the future of Himachal’s youth. He said the state government has launched a comprehensive and uncompromising offensive against the drug menace, using the full force of law and modern technology. “Strict and decisive action is underway to uproot the ‘chitta termite’ from its very roots,” he asserted, adding that traffickers, suppliers, and those providing protection to drug networks are firmly under the police radar.
The Chief Minister said advanced technology, a strengthened intelligence framework, and stringent legal provisions are being used to dismantle organized narcotics cartels. He reiterated that the government is determined to completely wipe out chitta networks, emphasizing that the campaign goes beyond law enforcement and represents a mass movement to protect the social fabric and identity of Himachal Pradesh.
Highlighting major achievements of the ongoing campaign, the Chief Minister said that on November 22, police conducted simultaneous raids at 121 locations across the state, delivering a major blow to top traffickers. Three days later, intensive checking drives were carried out in 51 educational institutions and around 598 shops, markets, and areas near colleges, leading to the registration of 12 NDPS cases and issuance of 385 challans.
Further action on December 7 resulted in the simultaneous arrest of 16 notorious traffickers under the PIT and NDPS Acts. So far, a total of 63 traffickers have been arrested, 1,214 traffickers and suspects identified, and 950 illegal properties earmarked for action. Assets worth over ₹50 crore have been seized under the NDPS Act, a significant rise compared to ₹13 crore seized during the previous government’s three-year tenure.
The Chief Minister also outlined a holistic strategy to combat the chitta mafia, placing strong emphasis on rehabilitation and support for victims of drug abuse. New de-addiction centres are being established across the state, along with the formation of a Drug De-addiction, Prevention and Rehabilitation Board to coordinate treatment, prevention, and community outreach.
Calling upon citizens to take responsibility, he said, “Reform yourself or face the consequences. Serving the nation is the duty of every citizen.” He urged people to actively join hands with the government to build a healthy, drug-free society.
He further announced that youths trapped in addiction are being rehabilitated and reintegrated into the mainstream. To strengthen public cooperation, the Chief Minister declared rewards ranging from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 10 lakh for informers providing credible information about chitta suppliers, assuring complete confidentiality and protection of their identity.
To ensure grassroots-level impact, the Chief Minister said Drug De-addiction Committee meetings were held in December in 234 of the most drug-affected panchayats and urban local bodies, focusing on public participation and in-depth discussions.
During the walkathon, the Chief Minister interacted with children, explaining the grave health and social dangers posed by chitta. Students and citizens carried placards and raised slogans highlighting the ill-effects of drug abuse, while the Police Department presented cultural programmes to further sensitize the public.
The Chief Minister appreciated the Police Department and all participants for successfully organizing the walkathon and contributing to the statewide anti-drug campaign.
Among those present on the occasion were Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister Sunil Sharma Bittu, MLAs Suresh Kumar and Captain Ranjit Singh, APMC Chairman Ajay Sharma, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Convener and Advisor of the Drug De-addiction, Prevention and Rehabilitation Board Naresh Thakur, Co-Convener Sanjay Bhardwaj, Congress leaders Pushpender Verma and Subhash Datwalia, senior state officials, representatives of various organizations, and other dignitaries.
