Shimla, May 14
The Government’s Anti-Chitta Model, which has proved effective in cracking down on drug traffickers, is now drawing attention from across the country. The regional office of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has sought a detailed report from the state government to study the model and explore its implementation in other states for more effective action against the drug menace.
After the Congress government came to power in the state, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed the preparation of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the growing menace of ‘chitta’ (heroin). Under this strategy, not only drug traffickers but also drug abuse patterns were mapped at the Panchayat level. Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to identify drug addicts and traffickers at the Panchayat level and categorize areas into Red, Yellow and Green zones based on the cases of chitta in these panchayats.
The survey revealed that 234 Panchayats in the state were severely affected by chitta abuse and trafficking, and were categorized under the Red Zone. Following directions from the Chief Minister, police surveillance and enforcement were intensified in these areas, yielding encouraging results.
Under the Anti-Chitta Model, the state government has focused not only on strict action against drug traffickers but also on the rehabilitation of victims affected by substance abuse. The government implemented the PIT-NDPS Act and detained 174 offenders under its provisions, making Himachal Pradesh the leading state in the country in taking such stringent action. Additionally, illegal properties worth Rs. 51 crore belonging to drug traffickers have been confiscated, which is three times higher than during the previous government. More than 700 cases have been investigated, while around 300 cases were found fit for financial investigation and property seizure proceedings.
The state government has also shown sensitivity towards rehabilitation and recovery. A plan for the standardization of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres across the state is in its final stage. In collaboration with NITI Aayog, AIIMS Delhi and PGI Chandigarh, a modern rehabilitation centre is being established at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district. Rehabilitation centres are also set to be established soon at Mashobra in Shimla district and at Dr. Rajender Prasad Government Medical College Tanda in Kangra district.
To prevent the younger generation from falling into drug abuse, the government has launched initiatives such as Drug-Free Campus campaigns, Anti-Drug Pledges and Anti-Drug Cells in schools and colleges. The Anti-Chitta campaign launched under the leadership of Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has witnessed active participation from all sections of the society. Breaking social stigma, parents are now voluntarily approaching the toll-free helpline number 112 to seek assistance in helping their children to overcome drug addiction.
The state government’s efforts are not only ensuring the rehabilitation and reintegration of victims into mainstream society but are also breaking the networks of drug traffickers. After the Panchayat elections, the government is set to launch the second phase of the Anti-Chitta campaign, aimed at completely eradicating drug trafficking from the state, a move expected to deliver a decisive blow to the drug mafia.
