The Himachal Pradesh Police has intensified enforcement measures near educational institutions as part of the ongoing Chitta-Free Himachal campaign launched by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
A police spokesperson said a special statewide search drive was conducted on Friday around schools and colleges to strengthen efforts against drug abuse and ensure strict enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act in areas surrounding educational institutions.
During the operation, joint teams of district police and the Special Task Force Himachal Pradesh inspected 1,949 identified shops and vendors located near schools and colleges across the state to curb the illegal sale of tobacco products and other prohibited items that could influence students.
As a result of the drive, five cases were registered under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act and one case under the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act. A total of 567 challans were issued under COTPA and four under the Non-Biodegradable Waste (Control) Act, with fines amounting to ₹65,300 collected during the operation. Authorities also seized a significant quantity of prohibited tobacco products, including cigarettes, tobacco and bidis.
Police said the drive was conducted in a coordinated and intelligence-based manner with strong inter-district collaboration to ensure effective enforcement. The initiative aims to protect youth from drug abuse and prevent the emergence of substance abuse activities around isolated areas near educational institutions.
The police have appealed to citizens, particularly the youth, to report any information related to drugs or “chitta” by calling 112 or informing the nearest police station, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
