Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday announced the launch of the second phase of the Anti-Chitta campaign across the state from June 1 to August 20, 2026. The decision was taken during an NCORD meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in Shimla.
Under the intensified awareness drive, administrative and police officers will visit schools and colleges across the state to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse. The government has also decided to tighten monitoring on pharmaceutical companies and medical shops to prevent the illegal sale and diversion of drugs.
The Chief Minister said Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police would now be assessed on their efforts to curb drug trafficking and implement anti-drug awareness campaigns. He directed officials to hold regular review meetings and strengthen surveillance on drug-related activities.
To speed up investigations, forensic reports in chitta-related cases have been ordered to be completed within five days. Authorities were also instructed to take strict action against illegally occupied properties linked to drug smugglers.
Sharing details of the state’s anti-drug action, Sukhu said that since 2023, over 6,800 NDPS cases have been registered and more than 10,000 accused arrested. During the same period, large quantities of narcotic substances, including chitta, have been seized across Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a leading state in preventive action under the PIT-NDPS Act, with 174 drug traffickers detained so far and illegal assets worth around Rs 51 crore attached or seized.
In a strong message against internal involvement in drug activities, the Chief Minister said action has been taken against 123 government employees and police personnel linked to drug-related cases. Out of them, 31 employees, including 21 police personnel, have been dismissed from service.
Sukhu said the government’s strategy is focused not only on enforcement but also on rehabilitation and public participation. He informed that a rehabilitation centre at Mashobra in Shimla district will become functional from May 20, while another centre at Tanda Medical College will open soon.
The Chief Minister also honoured police officers for their outstanding work in financial investigations under the PIT-NDPS Act, calling for continued collective efforts to make Himachal drug-free.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
