Himachal Pradesh launches anti-heroin drive

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched a public movement on Saturday (November 15, 2025) to eradicate ‘chitta’ (heroin) from the State, vowing that drug traffickers who destroy young lives and tear families apart would find no refuge in the hill State.

“Our police is ready, our government is ready, and more importantly, our people are ready to rout out chitta. ‘Chitta-Free Himachal’ is not merely a governmental initiative but is a people’s movement,” he said, addressing a gathering after the ‘Chitta-Virodh’ (oppose heroin) awareness walkathon from the Ridge to Chaura Maidan in Shimla.

“A strong public movement has now begun to end this menace. The State government is working on three fronts to combat drugs. First, spreading awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Second, preventing youth from falling into the addiction trap by cracking down on drug mafias, strengthening law enforcement agencies, and empowering them to deal sternly with the chitta mafia. Third, ensuring rehabilitation for young people trapped in addiction,” Mr. Sukhu said, adding, “Addicted youth are not criminals, they need treatment, care, and support.”

The Chief Minister said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against chitta. “No one involved in this trade will be spared, no matter how influential they may be. The government has implemented the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act to send repeated offenders involved in drug trafficking to jail. New laws have also been passed for treatment, rehabilitation, and control of organised drug crimes. These include provisions for the death penalty, life imprisonment, fines up to ₹10 lakh, and seizure of property of drug traffickers,” he said.

“The government will soon form a team of 1,000 anti-chitta volunteers, who will act as a link between the police and the public. The police have been instructed to identify drug users and drug mafias at the panchayat level, and this work has been completed,” Mr. Sukhu said.

Scores of children, public representatives, officials, and prominent citizens participated in the walkathon. The Chief Minister administered an oath at the Shimla Ridge, urging people to stay away from drugs and addictive substances.