Una, August 27: Una Deputy Commissioner Jatin Lal visited Indira Stadium on Thursday to review preparations for the 'Anti-Chitta Walkathon,' scheduled to be held in Una on September 7 under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He inspected the arrangements being made at the venue, accompanied by SP Sachin Hiremath, SDM Abhishek Mittal, CMO Dr. Sanjeev Verma, and officials from various other departments.
The Deputy Commissioner inspected arrangements regarding participant entry and exit, assembly points, drinking water, sanitation, health facilities, parking, and other essentials. He directed the concerned officials to complete all preparations in a timely manner and to work in coordination to ensure that participants face no inconvenience during the event.
He stated that on September 7, at approximately 10:00 AM, Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will flag off the 'Anti-Chitta Walkathon' from Indira Stadium, Una, and will also participate in the walkathon alongside the others. According to the proposed route, the walkathon will start at Indira Stadium, Una, proceed to a U-turn near the bus stand, and conclude back at Indira Stadium.
The Deputy Commissioner mentioned that on this occasion, the Chief Minister will administer an 'Anti-Chitta Pledge' to the youth and the gathering, urging them to stay away from drugs and help make society drug-free; he will also interact with the youth. He noted that the objective of the walkathon is to raise awareness among the youth about the adverse effects of 'Chitta' (synthetic drugs) and other narcotics, and to strengthen collective consciousness against drug abuse.
He added that students ranging from Class 9 to the final year of college are primarily being included in the walkathon. Efforts are being made to ensure maximum participation from educational institutions so that the message of awareness against drugs can reach the youth on a wide scale. The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure timely arrangements for traffic, parking, student movement, drinking water, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, and cleanliness at the event venue and along the proposed route. The Health Department has been instructed to ensure the availability of a health post at the venue and an ambulance during the walkathon. The Police Department will make the necessary arrangements for traffic and law and order.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that all departments should work in coordination to transform the ‘Anti-Chitta Walkathon’ into an effective public awareness campaign and ensure maximum participation from the youth.