In a powerful display of public resolve against narcotics, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday led a large-scale Anti-Chitta Awareness Walkathon in Dharamshala. Thousands of school children, youth, and people from various walks of life participated in the event, which began at Dari Ground and culminated at the Police Ground. Carrying placards advocating a drug-free Himachal, participants raised slogans calling for the complete eradication of chitta and other narcotics from the state.
Throughout the walkathon, the Chief Minister marched alongside school children, interacting with them and encouraging them to take a firm stand against drug abuse. Children were seen enthusiastically clicking selfies with the CM, who reiterated that the fight against drugs was not merely symbolic but a mission-driven effort to safeguard the future of Himachal’s youth.
Addressing the massive gathering at Police Ground, CM Sukhu issued a stern warning to drug traffickers, declaring that the “chitta mafia has no place to hide in Devbhoomi.” He highlighted that the state government has, for the first time in years, enforced the PIT-NDPS Act effectively, resulting in the detention of 46 major drug traffickers. “Every single rupee earned from drugs will be seized,” he asserted, adding that the government has already confiscated illegal property worth Rs. 46 crore.
Calling it the beginning of a “new Himachal”, he emphasized that the campaign would continue until every trace of chitta is wiped out. “This fight is not just against individual peddlers but against the entire nexus that fuels the drug empire,” he said. He warned that anyone caught selling drugs to children would be dealt with strictly and jailed without leniency.
CM Sukhu also announced an incentive-based reward system to encourage public participation in cracking down on the chitta network. Under this scheme, informers will receive Rs. 10,000 for information leading to the seizure of up to 2 grams of chitta, Rs. 25,000 for 5 grams, Rs. 50,000 for up to 25 grams, Rs. 5 lakh for up to 1 kg, and Rs. 10 lakh for more than 1 kg. He added that rewards above Rs. 5 lakh would be reserved for intelligence that helps break major interstate drug networks. Citizens can share information via the emergency helpline number 112.
Terming the anti-drug movement as a responsibility rather than a political campaign, the Chief Minister said, “Today I am not standing here as the Chief Minister but as a shield to protect the future of our youth.” He added that the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Special Task Force (STF), the police, and various government departments—including education, health, and social justice—have joined hands to eliminate the drug menace.
The event also featured an eye-catching moment when a paraglider descended from Indru Nag to the Police Ground carrying an anti-chitta banner, drawing loud applause from the gathering. The Chief Minister later administered an anti-drug oath to the youth, reinforcing collective commitment toward a drug-free Himachal.
Several prominent leaders and officials were present at the event, including Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar, Ayush Minister Yadvinder Goma, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, HPTDC Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, and Planning Board Vice Chairman Bhawani Singh Pathania. Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, DGP Ashok Tiwari, MLAs, and senior officers from various departments also marked their presence, underscoring the administrative unity in combating the drug crisis.
The Dharamshala walkathon has set the tone for a more aggressive and community-inclusive anti-drug campaign, positioning Himachal Pradesh as a state determined to uproot the chitta menace from its core.
