15 ,11,2026
One year after launching the Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has intensified its multi-pronged campaign against drug abuse, combining stringent action against traffickers with unprecedented public mobilization, financial investigations and grassroots participation. What began as a clarion call from the historic Ridge in Shimla on November 15, 2025, has evolved into a statewide movement, reflecting the government’s determination to protect the younger generation and eliminate the menace of chitta from the state.
The initiative represents a significant shift in the state’s approach towards tackling drug abuse, with the Chief Minister placing equal emphasis on enforcement, prevention and social responsibility. Recognizing that the challenge cannot be overcome through police action alone, the government has sought to bring together communities, educational institutions, panchayati raj institutions, youth organizations and civil society in a collective fight against drugs. The campaign has also underscored the government’s resolve that the fight against drug trafficking must extend beyond the arrest of individual offenders to dismantling the organized networks and financial structures sustaining this illegal trade.
A defining feature of the movement has been the extensive public participation generated through awareness programmes and walkathons. Six major walkathons have been organized across Shimla, Dharamshala, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una and Mandi during the past year, drawing thousands of people, particularly young participants. More than 15,000 people joined the walkathon in Hamirpur, over 16,000 in Bilaspur and more than 30,000 in Una. The mini-marathon organized at the historic Ridge in Shimla on June 5, 2026, also witnessed participation of approximately 15,000 people. Through these initiatives, the Chief Minister has consistently reached out to young people, urging them to stay away from drugs and channel their energy towards education, sports, innovation and constructive nation-building activities.
On the enforcement front, the state government has pursued an uncompromising approach against drug trafficking. Himachal Pradesh Police and the Special Task Force have intensified intelligence-based operations, strengthened surveillance and stepped up action against organized trafficking networks. During a 36-hour statewide special drive in November 2025, 208 checkpoints were established, 27,982 vehicles were checked, 25 cases were registered under the NDPS Act and 33 accused were arrested. The government has also widened the scope of monitoring by inspecting courier service warehouses, medical stores, pharmaceutical wholesalers and establishments around educational institutions to prevent the diversion and distribution of prohibited substances. A total of 433 courier warehouses were inspected in January, 2026 and another 444 in July, 2026. A special operation in December, 2025 also resulted in the seizure of restricted medicines and cash worth Rs. 24 lakh.
The government has simultaneously strengthened preventive measures against habitual offenders. Under the PIT-NDPS Act, 179 preventive detention orders have been issued since the launch of the movement, compared to 46 orders issued before its commencement. In a further step to expedite action, detention powers have been assigned to an officer of ADG rank. The impact of this measure became evident following the notification issued on October, 2024 with 20 chitta traffickers being sent behind bars within the first ten days. The government has made it clear that repeat offenders and those involved in sustaining drug trafficking networks will face stringent action in accordance with the law.
Another important dimension of the campaign has been the focus on depriving drug traffickers of the financial proceeds of their illegal activities. In 77 financial investigation cases, properties valued at Rs. 37.78 crore have been confirmed by the competent authority. These include approximately Rs. 6.03 crore in three cases during 2025 and Rs. 31.76 crore in 74 cases during 2026. By pursuing financial investigations alongside criminal proceedings, the government is seeking to strike at the economic foundations of organized drug trafficking and ensure that crime does not remain financially rewarding.
The campaign has also expanded its reach to the grassroots, with the 234 drug-affected and vulnerable panchayats. Drug prevention committees are being strengthened in these areas to encourage community vigilance, awareness and timely sharing of information. The government has also demonstrated its commitment to ensuring that the law applies equally to everyone, with legal and departmental action initiated against government employees and police personnel found involved in NDPS cases. Encroachments involving 22 properties of NDPS accused on government land have also been removed or demolished. On the occasion of International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking on 26 June, 2026 narcotic substances worth approximately Rs 13.28 crore were destroyed at ten locations across the state in accordance with prescribed procedures.
The Chief Minister has appealed to the people of Himachal Pradesh, particularly the youth, parents, teachers, panchayat representatives and social organizations, to become active partners in this movement, share credible information about drug trafficking with the authorities and support those affected by addiction in accessing treatment and rehabilitation.
On the completion of one year of the Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan, the state government has reaffirmed its resolve to take the campaign forward with greater intensity and wider public participation. The focus will remain on dismantling trafficking networks, strengthening intelligence-based enforcement, pursuing the financial assets of drug offenders and expanding prevention initiatives in vulnerable communities. The state government remains resolute in its mission to safeguard the younger generation, strengthen families and build a healthier, safer and more prosperous Himachal Pradesh.
