Hill state reeling under growing drug crisis, especially among youth
Pallavi Sharma
Shimla:
With the menace of chitta (form of heroin) tightening its grip on Himachal Pradesh’s youth and spreading rapidly across towns and villages, the state government is preparing to launch a major volunteer-based initiative to combat the growing crisis.
Under the newly proposed Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme (ACVS), over 1,000 trained volunteers will be deployed across the state to help police in raising awareness, gathering intelligence and supporting drug-affected individuals and families. The move comes as part of the state’s larger mission to create a “Nasha Mukt Himachal” (Drug-Free Himachal).
This scheme was first announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during his Independence Day address at Sarkaghat in Mandi. Following the announcement, the Police Headquarters has already sent a formal proposal to the government for quick implementation.
Chitta crisis reaches alarming levels
Chitta, a highly addictive synthetic drug, has emerged as a dangerous epidemic in Himachal Pradesh, especially among the youth. The last few years have seen a sharp rise in addiction cases, with heartbreaking stories emerging from cities like Shimla, Mandi, Kangra and Solan.
Experts and community leaders have warned that entire families are being torn apart, and schools and colleges have reported increasing cases of drug abuse among teenagers. Despite several crackdowns, the drug mafia has continued to operate, using newer routes and luring vulnerable youth.
“We are losing a generation to drugs. It’s not just a law enforcement issue anymore but a societal emergency,” said a social worker from Kangra.
How volunteer scheme will work
According to the proposal, volunteers will be trained to act as the eyes and ears of the police in their communities. Their duties will include:
• Spreading awareness about chitta and other narcotics in schools, colleges and villages
• Reporting suspicious activity and drug hotspots through confidential channels
• Participating in anti-drug campaigns, street plays, social media drives and rallies
• Connecting addicts and their families with counselling and rehabilitation centres
To ensure safety, volunteers will not directly confront drug offenders, and their identities will be kept strictly confidential. A two-day training session will be provided, covering drug laws, police procedures and community engagement methods. Those enrolled under the scheme will also receive an honorarium for their efforts.
CM Sukhu says govt has declared war on drugs
Speaking on the initiative, Chief Minister Sukhu said that his government has taken stronger action against drug abuse than any previous administration.
“We have declared a war on drugs. “Unlike the previous BJP government, we’ve enforced the PIT-NDPS Act, seized properties of drug dealers worth over Rs 42 crore and made drug testing mandatory during police recruitment. Our new volunteer scheme will take this battle to the grassroots. It’s about empowering citizens to help save their communities,” he said.
While the scale of Himachal’s drug crisis remains severe, the government hopes that this people-powered approach will help reverse the tide. By involving local communities, schools and families, authorities aim to create a united front against the spread of chitta, said a social activist from Mandi.
An official spokesperson said, “This is not just about enforcement but restoring hope. The ACVS will strengthen our ground-level intelligence, improve rehabilitation support, and build long-lasting public-police partnerships.”
