Hamirpur
In recent months, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a powerful and inspiring movement against the menace of chitta – a highly addictive form of heroin that has deeply affected families and communities, especially among the youth. The State Government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched a widespread awareness campaign marked by walkathons, community involvement, and resolute policy actions aimed at eradicating drug abuse from the hill state. The campaign was strategically designed as a mass movement, brought together. students, government officials, teachers, NoGo’s, police personnel, and ordinary citizens in a united pledge to make Himachal Pradesh drug-free.
*A Movement Launched: From Shimla to Hamirpur and Bilaspur*
The anti chitta campaign was inaugurated with significant momentum on November 15, 2025, when CM Sukhu flagged off the first major Anti-Chitta Rally in Shimla. Beginning at the historic Ridge Maidan and stretching towards Chaura Maidan, this rally was the official start of a three-month state-wide drive against drug abuse. The Shimla Walkathon set the tone for a sustained public engagement, with students, local leaders, and citizens of vall bages rages participating to send a clear message. Himachal Pradesh who would not tolerate the spread of harmful narcotics in its valleys and towns.
Following Shimla, the campaign travelled to Dharamshala December 1, 2025. Here, the walkathon began at the Dari ground and concluded at the Police ground, A
*Students at the forefront: Perspective and Participation*
One of the most significant and heartening aspects of the anti-chitta movement has been enthusiastic Participation by students From school children in Dharamshala to college youth in Hamirpur and Bilaspur, young people from across the state embraced the campaign with energy and conviction Many Students carried homemade placards with powerful ge message emphasizing the harms of drugs and the importance of healthy living Their participation was not limited to walking. – They actively engaged with Community members, shared messages on social media, and pledged to hold peer-to-peer awareness sessions in their schools and colleges for most students. The walkathon was more than just events -they were a transformative experience. Many spoke about realizing the importance of personal responsibility, not only for their own lives but for the well-being of friends and family members who might be vulnerable to drug addiction. Student volunteers. shared that such movements helped them understand how peer pressure, curiosity and lack of awareness can lead to dangerous experiments with substances like chitta For them, joining the Walkathon became a symbol of hope, a promise to protect their generation from the devastating consequences of addiction Teachers, loo, played a pivotal role By encouraging student participation and facilitating discussions about the harmful effects of drugs,
A large number of school children and local residents walked with slogans denouncing drug abuse. Students carried placards proclaiming “Drug tree Himachal” and interacted with the Chief Minister, many taking selfies and pleading to spread a message of awareness within their communities. Sukhu made it clear that the government was determined to wipe out chitta and similar narcotic drugs free from the state. and that every citizen had a role to play in this collective effort. Continuing the momentum on December 16, 2025, the anti-chitta walkathon reached Hamirpur. Commencing at the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) and finishing at the Police Lines Dosadka Ground, the event drew thousands of students from schools and colleges, alongside the government. officiah, police personnel, leschers, NGOs, and locals. Before commencing the march, the Chief Minister administered a solemn oath to all present, during which participants pledged to eliminate ichitts from the state and spread awareness about its dangers. The event was not only a symbolic demonstration of unity but also a reflection of widespread concern about youth addiction and community well-being. Most recently, on December 27, 2025, the campaign had a strong impact in Bilaspur. The walkathon was organized from the government senior secondary School (Boys) to Juhnu Ground, where thousands gathered again to participate with enthusiasm and determination. The Chief Minister highlighted the need for collective action against drugs belund Schennounced the forthcoming training will train students, NCC, and NSS cadets, and socially aware citizens as frontline volunteers in the fight. Educators helped embed the campaign’s messages into everyday school culture. The presence of mentors alongside students at these rallies ce of teachers symbolized not just institutional support, but a community’s shared commitment to moral,
*Government Initiatives and Community Support*
The anti-chitta movement was not limited to walkathenate alone. The Himachal Pradesh Government barred these supplementary activities with policy measures and action plans designed to address both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem. In these speeches, the Chief Minister emphasized that strict enforcement! and community cooperation must go hand-in-handi Law enforcement agencies have been directed to take decisive and unyielding action against drug traffickers, suppliers, and networks that facilitate the distribution of chitta. Improved intelligence frameworks, advanced technology and stringent legal provisions under the NOPS Act and PIT-NOPS Act have been mobilired to dismantle marcotics cartels operating in and around the state furthermore, the government has announced the release of Rs 20 crore ore for the establishment of the a de-addiction and rehabilita -lion centre at kotla Barog in the sirmaur district, of indicating a strong commitment to supporting affected individual and their families Rehabilitation initiatives are the Critical components of the campaign addiction and ensnared addressing the human cost of addiction vaiding in the recovery recovery of those already by drugs. The Chief Minister also unveiled plans
Anti-Chitta volunteer scheme, siming to train and empower youth and community volunteers to act as frontline awareness ambassadors. This scheme places students and socially conscious individuals at the heart of grassroots outreach efforts and reinforces pot hante comes from active the idea that public involvement.
*Conclusion: A United effort for is the Healthier Tomorrow*
The Walkathons in Shimla. The anti-chitta movement in Himachal Pradesh represents a remarkable example of collective determination to confront its deeply troubling public health and social challenges. With the state government leading the charge and citizens from every section of life, especially youth, joining has evolved into people’s Movement rather than a ning the effort, the campaign mere series of events. Dharamshala, Hamirpur and Bilaspur have served not only as awareness drives but as powerful symbols of shared responsibility, resilience, and hope for a drug- free future. The involvement of students as both participants and volunteers signifies is crucise shift in how communities confront social issues – youth are not just beneficiaries of change but active architects of it. Their vibrant participation, coupled with government intervention policy support, enforcement action, and rehabilitation programs, creates a holistic strategy that balances awareness with action. As Himachal Pradesh moves forward with this campaign, the state’s citizens continue to reaffirm that the fight against drug abuse is not a task for a few but is a mission for all. By promoting a healthy lifestyle, encouraging discussion, and fostering strong moral values. community bonds, Himachal steadily marching towards the goal of strengthening community Pradesh
