Una, December 21: Under the resolute leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the anti-Chitta campaign being run across the state to realize the goal of a drug-free Himachal Pradesh has now taken the form of a widespread mass movement. In this context, the campaign is progressing effectively in mission mode in Una district with the active participation of the administration, police, and society.
The campaign's primary focus is on protecting young people from the clutches of deadly drugs like Chitta. For this, equal emphasis is being placed on public awareness, strict enforcement, and continuous monitoring. Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal states that Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's clear objective is to create a drug-free Himachal Pradesh, and Una district is moving forward in that direction with complete commitment.
It is noteworthy that the Chief Minister himself is playing an active role in taking this campaign to every corner of the state. To directly engage the youth and society, impactful events like walkathons are being organized under the Chief Minister's leadership. After the capital Shimla, walkathons have also been successfully organized in Dharamshala and Hamirpur, in which thousands of students, youth, and citizens participated and pledged to become partners in this fight against drugs. A walkathon will soon be organized in Una district as well.
**245 Panchayats Have Drug Prevention Committees, Special Focus on 10 Sensitive Panchayats**
The Deputy Commissioner informed that under a well-planned strategy, drug prevention committees have been formed in all 245 panchayats of Una district to take the fight against drugs to every village. Of these, 10 panchayats have been identified as sensitive from the perspective of Chitta, and special monitoring and targeted action are being taken there. The Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police are themselves visiting these areas to review the ground situation.
**Strategy for a Decisive Blow Against Drug Abuse at the Panchayat Level**
Jatin Lal explains that the drug prevention committees formed at the panchayat level have become the backbone of this campaign. These committees are working in mission mode, carrying out tasks such as assessing the drug situation in their respective areas, identifying suspicious activities, monitoring drug traffickers and users, organizing awareness programs, and coordinating with the police and administration.
**Participation of All Sections of Society in the Committees**
The drug prevention committees have the principal of the local government school as the chairman and the police head constable of the concerned area as the member secretary.
In addition, the panchayat secretary, representatives from women's and youth groups, ASHA workers, social workers, senior citizens, and village employment assistants are included. The Panchayat Head, District Council member, Panchayat Samiti member, and ward member are ex-officio members, ensuring social participation and accountability.
**Negligence Will Not Be Tolerated at Any Level**
The Deputy Commissioner clarified that the committees formed against drug abuse have been entrusted with a very serious responsibility, and negligence at any level will not be tolerated. Regular reviews, quick information sharing, awareness programs in schools and communities, identification of families affected by drug abuse and assistance plans for them – all these aspects are being addressed under a concrete community action plan.
**Educational Institutions Play a Crucial Role in Eliminating Chitta (Heroin)**
The Deputy Commissioner stated that educational institutions play a crucial role in the elimination of Chitta (heroin). All colleges and ITI operators in the district have been instructed to continuously monitor the behavior of students and ensure timely counseling and necessary action if any unusual symptoms are observed. They have also been asked to immediately inform the police if they see anyone attempting to sell drugs to students outside any educational institution.
**Multi-Level Monitoring Mechanism Under N-CORD**
To effectively strike at the drug supply chain, district-level coordination meetings are being held every month under N-CORD. Through continuous review at the panchayat, sub-divisional, and district levels, every link in the drug trafficking chain is being closely monitored.
**Regular Meetings, Monthly Review at SDM Level**
To maintain the momentum of the campaign, regular meetings are being held at the village level, while progress is being assessed through monthly reviews at the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) level. The Member Secretary (Head Constable) is sending detailed reports to the Superintendent of Police's office.
**Reward of up to ?10 Lakh for Information**
The Deputy Commissioner informed that the Himachal Pradesh government has implemented an effective reward scheme against drug trafficking. Rewards ranging from ?10,000 to ?10 lakh will be given based on the quantity of drugs seized, and a reward of more than ?5 lakh will be given for information leading to the apprehension of large drug trafficking gangs. An emergency number, 112, has been issued for reporting drug-related information. The identity of the informant will be kept completely confidential.
**Special Gram Sabhas to Spread the Message to Every Village**
To strengthen the anti-drug campaign at the rural level, special Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) were organized in various panchayats of the district on December 15, as per the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner. In these assemblies, information about the campaign was disseminated to every family, the ill effects of drug abuse were discussed, and a collective pledge was taken against drug addiction.
**Police taking continuous action to break the supply chain, but eliminating drug demand is most important: SP Amit Yadav**
Superintendent of Police Amit Yadav says that the police are taking decisive action to eradicate drug abuse. He states that breaking the drug supply chain is essential, and the police are taking continuous and strict action in this regard, but eliminating the demand for drugs is the most crucial aspect.
The SP appealed to parents not to take changes in their children's and young people's behavior lightly, as timely vigilance is the most effective way to protect them from falling into the trap of drug addiction.
He urged people to immediately inform the police about any suspicious activity related to drugs so that effective action can be ensured in time.