Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Governor Calls for United, Coordinated Fight Against Drug Menace at State Workshop
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla urges a unified, compassionate, and coordinated response to the state’s drug crisis, stressing strong enforcement, rehabilitation, and community involvement at a state-level workshop on the ‘Chitte Par Chot’ campaign.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday inaugurated a state-level workshop on the theme “War on Drugs — Chitte Par Chot”, organised by the NGO consortium Sanjeevani, and emphasised the urgent need for unified, determined, and compassionate action to curb the growing drug crisis in Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing social workers, activists, and community leaders, the Governor said the fight against drugs requires both firm policing and empathy for those struggling with addiction. Strict enforcement, he noted, must work alongside rehabilitation, awareness, and support systems designed to protect vulnerable youth from deeper dependency. He also underlined the importance of religious institutions, whose moral influence and strong community presence can help dismantle networks fuelled by foreign-backed drug cartels.
Praising the state government’s efforts, Shukla highlighted the rare bipartisan unity displayed in the Vidhan Sabha. “Without collective political will, it is impossible to safeguard this Devbhoomi from the rising threat of synthetic drugs,” he said.
The Governor appreciated Sanjeevani for treating “Chitte Par Chot” not just as a campaign but as a social responsibility. He welcomed the organisation’s efforts to expand beyond awareness programmes into policy advocacy, capacity building, research, counselling, and community-driven interventions. The platform, he said, effectively gathers diverse NGOs to work jointly with the government on prevention, rehabilitation, training, and grassroots outreach.
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He stressed that the success of “Chitte Par Chot” depends on organised strategy and widespread public participation. Meaningful change, he reminded, can emerge only when society, media, religious bodies, sports groups, volunteer organisations, and youth clubs unite in one voice.
Highlighting the crucial role of families, Shukla said the first line of defence against addiction begins at home. Parents, he urged, must remain alert to their children’s behaviour, social circles, and daily routines, as early intervention can prevent lasting harm. “When a young person loses themselves to addiction, it is not just a personal tragedy but a collective failure of society,” he said.
Earlier, Sanjeevani president Mahendra Dharmani welcomed the Governor, noting that his guidance strengthens the resolve of NGOs working across seven districts. Formed on September 25, Sanjeevani now brings together 17 NGOs committed to a coordinated fight against drug abuse.
