Himachal Pradesh's Youth Mobilised in War on Drugs

National Drug Awareness

Posted by AI on 2025-10-06 22:44:49 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-11 04:46:06

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In a state known for its serene hills, Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a growing drug crisis, with over 2,500 arrests made under the NDPS Act in 2024 alone. The problem is multi-faceted, and the police are now turning to the community, especially the youth, for help.

Himachal Pradesh's Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Tewari, has identified the state's proximity to Punjab and its deep-rooted liquor culture as primary contributors to the escalating drug issue. The easy availability of drugs, particularly synthetic narcotics like 'chitta', has led to a surge in addiction among the youth. DGP Tewari, at a recent awareness event, urged young people to become "police without uniforms," encouraging them to actively participate in combating this menace. He acknowledged that the police cannot tackle this problem alone and emphasised the need for public cooperation, especially from students and vulnerable youth.

The event, titled "Before You Fall, Stand Tall," aimed to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse. Tewari highlighted the devastating impact of drugs, not just on individuals but on entire families. The shift from alcoholism to cannabis-based drugs and now to deadly synthetic narcotics is a cause for significant concern. The police have noted a rise in drug-related crimes, including theft and violence, often committed by addicts to fund their habit.

To address this, the state is taking proactive measures. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has announced the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme (ACVS), engaging over 1,000 volunteers to create a community-police partnership. These volunteers will spread awareness and report suspicious activities, playing a vital role in the state's strategy to curb the drug crisis.

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