Over 1,000 Volunteers to Be Deployed to Combat Drug Abuse

Government Ready to Launch Anti-Chitta Volunteer Initiative

The state government is fully prepared to launch the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Initiative to support ongoing campaigns against substance abuse and achieve the goal of a drug-free Himachal Pradesh. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the initiative during the Independence Day celebrations in Sarkaghat, Mandi district. The Police Department has submitted a detailed proposal to the government for its implementation.

Under this initiative, more than 1,000 anti-chitta volunteers will be deployed across the state to foster a well-coordinated partnership between the police, the public, and other stakeholders. This effort aims to strengthen police measures against drug abuse while building a robust community-based framework. Volunteers will not be involved in local identification duties, and the police will ensure their safety and the confidentiality of their identities in sensitive matters. To prepare volunteers for their responsibilities, a two-day structured training program will be conducted, covering the basics of the NDPS Act, police procedures, and methods of community engagement.

The volunteers will play an active role in raising awareness about the harmful effects of chitta and other drugs, providing confidential information to the police about suspicious activities, hotspots, and offenders, and participating in awareness programs in schools, colleges, and local communities. They will support anti-drug campaigns through rallies, street plays, awareness drives, and social media messaging, as well as connect affected individuals and families with counseling and rehabilitation centers. Registered volunteers under the initiative will receive an honorarium for their services.

An official spokesperson said, “The state government has prioritized the fight against drug abuse over the past two and a half years. This new initiative is expected to further strengthen our efforts by enhancing grassroots intelligence for effective police operations, increasing awareness among youth and communities, improving rehabilitation outreach for affected individuals, and promoting strong public-police partnerships.”

Chief Minister Sukhu added, “Since taking office, we have declared a war against substance abuse and implemented several initiatives. We have seized over ₹42 crore in assets from drug mafias and made chitta testing mandatory in police recruitment. Our government remains committed to protecting youth from the dangers of chitta.”

Active Awareness Efforts

Volunteers will actively raise awareness about the harmful effects of chitta and other drugs, provide confidential information on suspicious activities, potential locations, and offenders to the police, and participate in awareness activities in schools, colleges, and communities.