Una, February 11th: As part of a comprehensive public awareness campaign led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu to make the state drug-free, an 'Anti-Chitta Walkathon' will be organized in Una on February 21st. Deputy Commissioner, Una, Jatin Lal, held a meeting with district-level officials in the DRDA auditorium on Wednesday to review the necessary preparations and issued necessary guidelines to the concerned departments.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu will personally participate in the walkathon at 11 a.m. on February 21st. He will flag off the 'Anti-Chitta Walkathon' from Indira Stadium, Una, and will also participate in the walkathon. The walkathon will begin at Indira Stadium, circle the Una market area, and conclude at Indira Stadium.
He stated that the Chief Minister's commitment is to create a drug-free Himachal, and to this end, the state government is waging a strict, sustained, and comprehensive campaign against Chitta. The anti-Chitta walkathon being held in Una is an important part of this campaign, in which public participation has been incorporated as the most powerful medium.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister will also administer the "Anti-Chitta Pledge" to the youth and the public present to stay away from drugs and make society drug-free.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that to make this walkathon an effective public movement, extensive participation has been ensured from all government and private schools, colleges, drug prevention committees, social organizations, and the general public in the district. Approximately 35,000 students and citizens will participate in this walkathon, primarily students from grades 9th to 12th. For the convenience of the students, approximately 500 buses will be arranged for their transportation, ensuring no inconvenience.
He stated that the primary objective of the walkathon is to raise awareness among youth about the ill effects of drug abuse and to foster a collective awareness against drug abuse in society. To this end, the administration has directed each educational institution to appoint a nodal officer and the respective school to ensure the safety and discipline of students.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure adequate drinking water supply at the venue and the Health Department to establish health booths for first aid. Necessary guidelines have also been issued to the Police Department regarding traffic management and law and order.
He stated that Additional Deputy Commissioner, Una, Mahendra Pal Gurjar has been appointed as the overall nodal officer for the smooth conduct of this campaign. The District Panchayat Officer has been appointed as the nodal officer for the transportation of students and bus management at the school level. PO, DRDA, Ramanbir Chauhan has been appointed as the nodal officer for arrangements related to the venue.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that from the morning onwards, the artists of the police band 'Harmony of Pines' will give a strong message of awareness against drug abuse through songs and music at Indira Stadium. This cultural programme will continue till the arrival of the Chief Minister, so that positive energy and awareness can be spread among the youth.
Superintendent of Police Sachin Hiremath, Commandant 1st IRBn Bangarh Akriti, Commandant Home Guard Hitesh Lakhanpal, SDM Una Abhishek Mittal, SDM Haroli Vishal Sharma, SDM Amb Paras Agarwal, SDM Bangana Sonu Goyal, SDM Gagret Somil Gautam and other senior officers of the district were present in the meeting.