Himachal CM Unveils Tough Anti-Drug Strategy, Targets 234 High-Risk Panchayats

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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a special deployment of CID and police personnel in 234 panchayats across the state, which are highly susceptible to drug trafficking. The move is part of the government's efforts to combat the growing menace of 'chitta', a deadly and addictive drug that has claimed numerous lives in the state. According to officials, 'chitta' is a highly lethal and habit-forming substance, with a gram costing between ₹4,000 to ₹7,000. The addictive nature of the drug has led to a surge in demand, resulting in a significant increase in cases of overdose and death. At a recent meeting of the Narcotics Coordination Centre in Dharamshala, the Chief Minister directed officials to intensify the ongoing campaign against drugs, with a focus on eliminating 'chitta' and other narcotic substances from the state. He also instructed the deputy commissioners to constitute anti-drug committees in the affected panchayats and directed NCORD to conduct regular meetings in every district. To make the campaign more effective, the Chief Minister has launched a 'chitta information reward scheme', which will offer rewards ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹10 lakh to informants providing credible information on 'chitta'. He has also directed the district administration to identify properties acquired through the drug trade and submit their reports to the government by December 10. The government has also taken steps to streamline the ongoing campaign against drugs, including the intensification of surveillance on cannabis cultivation, thorough inspections of pharma units, and the expedited prosecution of NDPS cases. The Chief Minister has also directed the officials to include parameters related to supply, demand, and harm reduction under drug control in the annual confidential report of officers. In a significant development, the government has reported a 28 per cent increase in NDPS cases over the last three years, with 8,216 arrests and the seizure of 36.657 kg of 'chitta'. The government has also implemented the PIT-NDPS Act, detained 46 notorious traffickers, and confiscated illegal assets worth ₹48 crore. The Chief Minister has also underscored the government's commitment to the safety of youth, with a focus on promoting fitness and sports tourism in the state. He unveiled the official jersey of the Dharamshala Marathon 2025, which aims to promote an active and healthy lifestyle while attracting national and international athletes.