Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday led a large-scale Anti-Chitta Awareness Walkathon in Hamirpur, reinforcing the state government’s determined campaign against the spread of the synthetic drug chitta that has emerged as a serious threat to the youth. The event marked another step in turning the fight against narcotics into a people-driven movement across Himachal Pradesh.
The walkathon began from the Government Senior Secondary School for Boys in Hamirpur and concluded at the Police Lines Dosadka Ground. It witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, elected representatives, government officials and citizens from all walks of life. Before the march commenced, the Chief Minister administered an oath to participants, who pledged to work collectively towards eliminating chitta and other drugs from the state.
Addressing the gathering at the concluding venue, the Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh is engaged in a decisive and uncompromising battle against chitta. He described the drug as a deadly menace that threatens the social fabric and future of the state. Sukhu said the government has launched a multi-pronged crackdown to uproot the drug network completely, using strict legal action, advanced technology and strengthened intelligence systems to dismantle organised trafficking cartels.
The Chief Minister made it clear that not only drug peddlers but also suppliers, financiers and those offering protection to narcotics networks are being identified and targeted. He stressed that this campaign goes beyond routine policing and has evolved into a mass movement aimed at safeguarding the identity and values of Himachal Pradesh.
Highlighting major outcomes of the anti-chitta drive, Sukhu said the police conducted simultaneous raids at 121 locations across the state in November, dealing a significant blow to top-level traffickers. This was followed by intensive checking drives in educational institutions and surrounding areas, leading to multiple cases under the NDPS Act and hundreds of challans. He added that several notorious traffickers have been arrested under stringent provisions, and a large number of suspects have been identified for further action.
The Chief Minister noted that the state has also moved aggressively against the financial backbone of the drug trade. Illegal properties linked to traffickers have been identified, and assets worth more than Rs 50 crore have been seized under narcotics laws, a sharp rise compared to previous years. According to him, choking the economic lifeline of the chitta mafia is a key element of the government’s strategy.
Alongside enforcement, Sukhu emphasised the importance of rehabilitation and social support for those affected by drug addiction. He said new de-addiction centres are being established across Himachal Pradesh, and a dedicated Drug De-addiction, Prevention and Rehabilitation Board has been formed to coordinate treatment, prevention and awareness initiatives. The government, he said, is committed to bringing addicted youth back into the mainstream through counselling, treatment and skill support.
Issuing a strong message, the Chief Minister said those involved in drug trafficking must either reform themselves or face strict consequences under the law. He called upon citizens to actively support the campaign, stating that eliminating chitta is a collective responsibility. To encourage public participation, he announced substantial rewards for informers providing credible information about drug suppliers, with full confidentiality and protection assured.
Sukhu also shared that special meetings of Drug De-addiction Committees have been held in several drug-affected panchayats and urban areas to strengthen grassroots involvement. These meetings focus on awareness, monitoring and coordinated action at the local level.
During the walkathon, the Chief Minister interacted with students and explained how drugs like chitta severely damage health and society. He urged young people to become ambassadors of awareness in their communities. The event featured slogans, placards and cultural programmes by the police department to highlight the dangers of drug abuse.
Senior ministers, legislators, police and administrative officers, along with representatives of various organisations, were present during the programme. The Chief Minister appreciated the collective effort behind the walkathon and said such public engagement is vital to building a drug-free and healthy Himachal Pradesh.
