In Mandi District, Administration has launched a “Zero Tolerance” Campaign against Chitta and Illegal Mining Mafias
Mandi, February 19: In a bid to crack down on the increasing threat of drug abuse and illegal mining, the Mandi District Administration has started a “Zero Tolerance” campaign. This meeting was held at the Police Line Auditorium of Mandi wherein this unique initiative was launched to get rid of the criminal mafias working in the region. Under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Apoorv Devgan, senior officials of different departments participated in the meeting.
The campaign largely revolves around two major challenges facing the region — widespread ‘chitta’ (methamphetamine) trafficking and the illegal mining mafia. These two issues have greatly affected the town of Mandi over the years, and significantly hurt the local population. During the meeting, DC Mandi, along with others, deliberated on the strategies and mechanisms to curb these illegal activities across the district.
Pros and Cons of a Coordinated Approach
The “Zero Tolerance” campaign is a component of a larger plan for combating organized crime and reinstating law and order to Mandi. Several senior officials, including ADM Mandi Dr. Madan Kumar, ASP Mandi Sagar Chandra, law-enforcement officers and officers from other departments participated. They stressed the importance of a coordinated effort from the administration, police and public to address what has become an increasing threat.
DC Mandi, Apoorv Devgan, emphasized the clout of illegal mining mafia in the area and the deadly impact of drug abuse (especially chitta) on local youth. These two issues have permeated in society like cancer and now it was need of hour to get it rid off Mandi, he said. “This new ruling allows law enforcement to act immediately to put an end to these criminal networks that are deeply woven into our society,” he said. The government, he said, would continue to take strict measures against not only illegal mining but also against drug traffickers at all levels, and that there is a zero-tolerance policy against anyone convicted.
Fighting the Chitta Menace
The alarming rise in drug addiction among the youth was one of the main topics discussed during the meeting. Chitta is one of the deadliest among such drugs that have hit the local communities in our district, resulting in increasing cases of drug abuse. The administration has continued targeting the drug supply chain and Waging War against drug smuggling networks; however, DC Mandi highlighted that the only way to ensure proper and successful outcome in this effort is the total cooperation from the general public.
“The problem of drug addiction is so bad that it is snatching the lives of our youth. The police and the administration are making sincere efforts to break the supply chain, but without cooperation from the people, we will not be able to succeed,” said Devgan. He counseled Mandiers to be up and forward in reporting drug traffickers and said that the role of the society is vital in eradicating the menace.
We are losing youth to drugs — the Deputy Commissioner said we cannot let our youth fall victim to drugs and how he hopes to keep our children out of the grasp of addiction.” Parents and families need to step up, and to ensure that their kids are going in the right direction and to make them aware of the dangers of substance abuse.”
Confronting the Illegal Mining Mafia
Drugs aside, illegal mining is still a major problem pervading the district. While the illegal mining trade has caused considerable environmental damage, it has also become a lucrative source of income for the criminal gangs involved in the trade, and the Mandi administration has gone into overdrive to solve the issue. Whenever reports of illegal mining activities are received, the district administration contributes with immediate action, while continuous challans are issued to bring the practice under control.
DC Mandi said that the administration is taking action on immediate basis whenever illegal mining is reported. “Complains of illegal mining wherever is registered, action immediately taken and challans issued. “We will not let anything illegal flourish in our district,” he said. The district administration has promised to intensify its actions in finding and closing down illegal mining activities that have adverse impact on environment and the local economy.
Appeal for Public Cooperation
Tackling both drug abuse and illegal mining calls for concerted efforts from all sections of society. DC Mandi urged the people of Mandi to join the campaign of “Zero Tolerance” and make his district a drug-free and safe district. He stressed the need for people of Mandi to join hands in the fight against these social evils and extend cooperation to the law enforcing agencies to rid the society of these menaces.
“Individuals will need to step forward and accept accountability for this.” Together we can make a big impact,” Devgan said. “This is not just a campaign for government and law enforcement, it’s a campaign for every member of the community. We require your backing to ensure that for our kids a better and more secure future can be made.”
The administration has additionally called on families to be alert and proactive in preventing drug abuse and illegal activities in their communities. The administration plans to carry out awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, and regular inspections to ensure the effectiveness of this campaign.
A Drug-Free Future: The Work Continues
The campaign dubbed “Zero Tolerance” forms an integral part of the District’s sustained efforts towards making the District Drug-Free and combating the menace of illegal mining. Mandi shall be free from the shackles of organized crime and the district administration is committed to make it not only safe, but prosperous for its residents. But, as DC Apoorv Devgan has rightly pointed out, the effectiveness of the campaign is solely determined by how actively every person in the society engages in this fight.
As the campaign picks up speed, the administration hopes it will not just topple the criminal mafias but build a stronger, more resilient society. With persistence, we can work towards a Mandi in which its people live free from the threat of drugs and illegal mining.
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