The Anti-Chitta campaign in Himachal Pradesh has rapidly transformed into an unprecedented, statewide mass movement as the Government intensifies its decisive crackdown on the drug mafia. Far from being a routine administrative initiative, the drive has evolved into an uncompromising, multidimensional offensive aimed at uprooting the narcotic menace with zero leniency. On 15 November 2025, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led a historic Mega Walkathon from the famed Ridge in Shimla to Chaura Maidan, marking the beginning of a public uprising against Chitta. A similar mass rally in Dharamshala further ignited public resolve, with the Chief Minister declaring that dismantling the Chitta nexus is not merely a policy goal—it is the Government’s single, unwavering mission.
The campaign has expanded rapidly, moving from state headquarters to panchayats, villages, and now individual households. Citizen participation has surged, reflecting a statewide awakening. During the Dharamshala rally, the Chief Minister urged people to share credible information about Chitta networks and announced rewards for informers, strengthening the people-driven nature of the movement. What began as a governmental programme has now become a powerful public crusade.
Tough legal and administrative measures are reinforcing this movement. Anti-drug laws are being tightened further, with the Government adopting a clear Zero-Tolerance stance. Influence or status will not shield anyone involved in the trade—those who peddle Chitta will face prison without exception. A major step towards operational efficiency came with the State Cabinet’s decision to merge the Anti-Narcotics Task Force with the Special Task Force, creating a unified STF under the Home Department. The message is unequivocal: the Government will not stop until the Chitta mafia is completely eradicated.
The Chief Minister reiterated in Dharamshala that this is not just a campaign, but a war—a war to save the youth and the future of the State. Citizens were again encouraged to provide information on drug networks, reinforcing the multi-layered strategy. The Government has implemented a coordinated action plan involving the Police, Education Department, Social Justice & Empowerment Department, and community institutions. Awareness programmes in schools, colleges, panchayats, and urban as well as rural regions are being intensified to safeguard young people from substance abuse. New legislation has been introduced ensuring rehabilitation for addicted youth, while prescribing stringent penalties—including death penalty, life imprisonment, fines up to Rs. 10 lakh, and confiscation of assets—for drug traffickers.
Over the last three years, Himachal Pradesh Police have undertaken historic action against narcotics. A total of 5,642 NDPS cases were registered—an increase of 28.1% compared to the previous term. Police arrested 8,216 accused and seized 36.657 kilograms of Chitta, along with significant quantities of other narcotics. With coordinated efforts involving the Government, Police, public representatives, and citizens, mapping of drug addicts and suppliers is progressing rapidly at the panchayat level. Every village and panchayat will now establish a ‘Nasha Nivaran Committee’. Additionally, a new chapter on drug awareness is being added to the school curriculum to educate students about the dangers of Chitta and substance abuse.
Chief Minister Sukhu has repeatedly emphasized that addicted youth are not criminals but victims deserving care and rehabilitation. Acting on this belief, the Government has set up the Addiction Prevention and Rehabilitation Board and launched several new initiatives to support recovery and reintegration.
A renewed collective consciousness—aligned with an unwavering societal resolve to protect the cultural spirit, moral fabric, and future of Himachal Pradesh—has brought the State to a historic turning point. The Anti-Chitta movement now stands as one of the strongest public-led campaigns in the region’s history.
