AntiChitta Walkathon in Una to amplify the youths voice against drug abuse

Una, 11 September:- The police and district administration have intensified preparations to ensure widespread participation of youth in the Anti-Chitta Walkathon and to strengthen the arrangements for the event. In this connection, Inspector General of Police Vimal Gupta held a meeting with officials at the DRDA Conference Hall in Una on Friday to review preparations for the proposed walkathon on 16 September and issued necessary directions. Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal, Commandant of Bangarh Police Battalion Dr. Akriti Sharma, along with senior officers of the district administration, police and various departments, were present in the meeting.
The Inspector General of Police took information regarding security, health, transportation, participants' convenience and other arrangements related to the event. He said that effectively conveying the message of awareness against chitta and other drugs to the youth is the main objective of the campaign. He directed that maximum participation of youth, including students of Classes 9 to 12 in schools, ITI and college students, be ensured. He also emphasised extensive public participation.
He said that the programme will begin at 8 a.m. at Indira Gandhi Sports Ground. The programme will commence with a performance by the nationally renowned police band ‘Harmony of Pines’. Thereafter, the walkathon will proceed from Indira Gandhi Sports Ground to ISBT Una and return to conclude at Indira Gandhi Sports Ground. He urged participants to reach the venue by 8 a.m. so that they could be part of the event from the very beginning. The event, being held under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, will be a memorable experience for all participants.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will participate in the walkathon. He will interact with the youth, walk alongside them during the walkathon and convey the message of awareness against drugs. During the event, he will also administer an oath to the participants against drugs and for environmental protection.
Mr. Gupta said that six drinking water points will be set up at the venue and along the route for the convenience of participants. Three ambulances will be deployed at different locations to provide health facilities. Refreshments will be provided to participants during their arrival and return journey. Participants registering through the QR code will be provided online certificates, which they will be able to download. Besides, participants will also be provided with Anti-Chitta themed T-shirts and caps.
The Inspector General of Police urged educational institutions to participate in the walkathon along with banners of their respective institutions. He said that placards or wooden banners that could cause injury to any participant should not be brought. Buses arriving from different locations should also carry banners related to Anti-Chitta awareness so that the message against drugs reaches people on a wider scale.
Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal reviewed the transportation arrangements being made for the movement of students. He issued necessary directions to the concerned SDMs and nodal officers and asked them to ensure arrangements for bringing students to the venue on time. He directed officials of the Education Department and concerned Deputy Directors to ensure participation of students of Classes 9 to 12, ITI and college students in the walkathon.
The Deputy Commissioner said that all necessary support would be provided by the district administration to make the walkathon successful. He said that collective participation of the administration, police, educational institutions, youth and the general public is important for making this public awareness campaign against drugs effective.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Ishant Jaswal, Additional Superintendent of Police Ajay Rana, Assistant Commissioner Vinay Modi, SDM Haroli Vishal Sharma, SDM Gagret Somil Gautam, SDM Una Abhishek Mittal, SDM Bangana Sonu Goyal, SDM Amb Paras Aggarwal and officers of various departments were present in the meeting.