CM Sukhu’s ‘Drug-Free Himachal’ campaign is witnessing strong public participation across the state, with more than 2.34 lakh people joining the initiative so far. The campaign is emerging as a major people’s movement against drug abuse, driven by awareness, community involvement and coordinated government action.
Under the initiative, the Panchayati Raj Department has imparted special training to volunteers on prevention of narcotics and substance abuse, disaster management and social awareness programmes. These trained individuals are now actively working at the grassroots level to spread awareness and support anti-drug efforts in their respective areas.
The state government said growing public participation has strengthened the fight against dangerous drugs such as ‘chitta’, heroin and other synthetic substances. Volunteers associated with the campaign are assisting authorities by sharing information about drug traffickers and suspicious activities with the police, helping ensure strict action against offenders. At the same time, awareness drives are being conducted among youth and local communities regarding the harmful effects of addiction.
Officials said the campaign is being implemented through a coordinated action plan involving multiple departments. Special directions were issued to the Panchayati Raj and Police Departments to identify drug users and traffickers at the panchayat level and intensify preventive measures.
Himachal Pradesh has also become the first state in the country to scientifically classify drug-affected panchayats into red, yellow and green zones based on surveys. According to the findings, 234 panchayats were placed in the red category where the impact of ‘chitta’ was found to be the highest. Focused campaigns and intensified monitoring have been launched in these sensitive areas.
The government stated that positive results are beginning to emerge due to active public cooperation, participation of panchayat representatives and enhanced police surveillance. Awareness campaigns, youth engagement programmes, dialogue initiatives and community monitoring systems are also being strengthened at the panchayat level.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government is committed to turning the ‘Drug-Free Himachal’ initiative into a mass movement with the support of every section of society. He added that while strict legal action is being taken against drug traffickers, equal emphasis is being laid on rehabilitation and mainstreaming of individuals affected by substance abuse.
राष्ट्रीय क्विज में शिमला की सृजन वर्मा ने चमकाया प्रदेश का नाम
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
