{"id":10986,"date":"2026-06-06T16:53:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T16:53:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=10986"},"modified":"2026-06-06T16:53:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T16:53:18","slug":"cm-calls-for-mass-movement-on-environmental-protection-vows-to-crush-chitta-mafia-in-himachal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeaglenews.co.in\/?p=10986","title":{"rendered":"CM Calls for Mass Movement on Environmental Protection, Vows to Crush Chitta Mafia in Himachal."},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

CM Calls for Mass Movement on Environmental Protection, Vows to Crush Chitta Mafia in Himachal.<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shimla:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called upon people from all sections of society to transform environmental protection into a mass movement, emphasizing that safeguarding nature is a collective responsibility and essential for future generations.<\/p>\n

Addressing a large gathering at the Ridge in Shimla, the Chief Minister said that clean water, fresh air, forests and rivers are invaluable natural resources that form the very foundation of life. He urged citizens to actively contribute towards environmental conservation by planting more trees, conserving water and reducing the use of plastic in daily life.<\/p>\n

Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s environmental significance, Sukhu said the state plays a crucial role in providing clean air and water to northern India and is therefore rightly known as the “Lungs of North India.” He noted that Himachal contributes ecological services worth nearly \u20b990,000 crore annually to the nation but does not receive adequate compensation from the Central Government for these invaluable services.<\/p>\n

The Chief Minister stressed that rising global temperatures, changing weather patterns and increasing natural disasters underscore the urgency of environmental protection. Referring to the devastating natural calamities that struck the state in 2023 and 2025, he said thousands of families suffered extensive losses. He added that the state government stood firmly with the affected people during those challenging times and provided necessary assistance. He emphasized that repeated disasters call for serious reflection and reaffirmed that forests are the lifeline of Himachal Pradesh.<\/p>\n

Forest Cover Expansion and Green Initiatives<\/h4>\n

Sukhu announced that the government has set a target of increasing the state’s forest cover to 32 per cent by 2030. He said that under the Mukhya Mantri Van Vistar Yojana, barren hills are being transformed into green landscapes. Additionally, the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana and the Green Adoption Scheme are encouraging public participation in plantation drives and environmental conservation efforts.<\/p>\n

Reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of the state, the Chief Minister said Himachal’s concerns and rightful claims would be strongly raised before the Central Government during the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting.<\/p>\n

He stated that the government’s primary objective is to stand by people during difficult times, reflecting the true spirit of governance reforms. Various welfare initiatives have been launched with a special focus on farmers, women and youth.<\/p>\n

Push for Sustainable Development<\/h4>\n

The Chief Minister highlighted several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and reducing environmental degradation. He announced that 297 new electric buses would soon be added to the Himachal Road Transport Corporation fleet as part of the government’s efforts to promote electric mobility.<\/p>\n

He also announced the establishment of two biochar plants in the state. These facilities will utilize dry pine needles and other biomass to produce biochar, helping reduce forest fire incidents while simultaneously generating employment opportunities.<\/p>\n

Stern Warning to Drug Traffickers<\/h4>\n

Addressing the growing menace of drug abuse, the Chief Minister said the government has launched a widespread campaign against chitta and other narcotic substances. He described the anti-drug campaign as a people’s movement involving youth, women and local communities across Himachal Pradesh.<\/p>\n

Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country where drug traffickers and chitta peddlers have been identified down to the Panchayat level. Strict action is being taken in drug-affected areas, resulting in a significant weakening of the narcotics network.<\/p>\n

Issuing a stern warning to those involved in the illegal drug trade, the Chief Minister declared that the state government would completely crush the chitta mafia. He warned that stricter action would be taken against offenders who fail to reform.<\/p>\n

Providing details of the crackdown, he said the PIT-NDPS Act has been effectively implemented, leading to the imprisonment of 174 drug traffickers and the seizure of assets worth Rs.51 crore. Financial investigations are underway against drug offenders, and so far 76 properties linked to narcotics activities have been identified, with 17 such properties already demolished.<\/p>\n

The Chief Minister made it clear that no individual involved in drug trafficking would be spared, regardless of influence or status. He stated that nobody is above the law. Action has also been taken against 123 government employees found involved in drug-related activities, including the dismissal of 31 employees, among whom 21 were police personnel.<\/p>\n

At the same time, he emphasized the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and support programmes aimed at helping youth affected by drug addiction reintegrate into mainstream society.<\/p>\n

Call for Public Participation in Census<\/h4>\n

Sukhu also appealed to citizens to actively participate in the upcoming Census exercise. During the event, he administered a pledge to the gathering for environmental protection and support for the anti-chitta campaign.<\/p>\n

Environmental Excellence Awards Presented<\/h4>\n

The Chief Minister presented the Environmental Excellence Awards 2025-26 to institutions and individuals for their outstanding contributions towards environmental conservation. The first prize carried a cash award of Rs. 50,000 along with a memento and certificate, while the second prize included Rs. 25,000, a memento and certificate.<\/p>\n

Among the award recipients, Government Senior Secondary School Bhaleeth, Sujanpur Tihra, Hamirpur secured the first prize in the school category. Government Senior Secondary School Sarog, Shimla and Pinegrove School, Kasauli received second prizes.<\/p>\n

In the educational institution category, St. Bede’s College, Navbahar, Shimla won the first prize, while AIIMS Bilaspur received the second prize in the hospital category.<\/p>\n

Block Forest Officer Santosh Kumar Thakur from Reckong Peo, Kinnaur was honoured with the second prize in the individual category.<\/p>\n

Nestle India Limited, Una received the first prize in the industry category, while Indorama India Private Limited, Baddi secured the second prize.<\/p>\n

In the urban local body category, the Municipal Corporation Mandi received the second prize. Gram Panchayat Sheela Bhuted, Dharamshala won the first prize in the Gram Panchayat category, while Gram Panchayat Chaogan, Baijnath received the second prize.<\/p>\n

Mini Marathon Winners Honoured<\/h4>\n

The Chief Minister also honoured winners of the Mini Marathon, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from men and women across different age groups. He handed over keys of electric vehicles to officials of the Municipal Corporation Hamirpur and flagged off a Census awareness vehicle.<\/p>\n

Mayor of Municipal Corporation Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Devender Shyam, Chief Secretary K.K. Pant, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Secretary (Environment, Science, Technology and Climate Change) Sushil Singla, actor and Swachhata Campaign Brand Ambassador Rohtash Gaud, along with several other dignitaries, were present on the occasion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

CM Calls for Mass Movement on Environmental Protection, Vows to Crush Chitta Mafia in Himachal.   Shimla:   On the occasion of World Environment Day, […]<\/p>\n

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