March Against Chitta: Himachal’s Fight for  Drug-Free Future

By Epshita ,  12th Arts , Govt. Model Girls Sr. Sec. School, Hamirpur

In recent months, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a powerful and inspiring movement against the menace of chitta—a highly addictive form of heroin that has deeply affected families and communities, especially among the youth. The State Government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has launched a widespread awareness campaign marked by walkathons, community involvement, and firm policy actions aimed at eradicating drug abuse from the hill state.

This campaign was strategically designed as a mass movement, bringing together students, government officials, teachers, NGOs, police personnel, and ordinary citizens in a united pledge to make Himachal Pradesh drug-free.

Movement Launched: From Shimla to Hamirpur and Bilaspur

The anti-chitta campaign gained strong momentum on November 15, 2025, when Chief Minister Sukhu flagged off the first major anti-chitta rally in Shimla. Beginning at the historic Ridge Maidan and moving towards Chaura Maidan, the rally marked the official start of a three-month state-wide drive against drug abuse. The Shimla walkathon set the tone for sustained public engagement, with students, local leaders, and citizens participating in large numbers to send a clear message: Himachal Pradesh will not tolerate narcotics in its valleys and towns.

After Shimla, the campaign reached Dharamshala on December 1, 2025, where the walkathon began at the Dari Ground and concluded at the Police Ground.

Continuing the momentum, the anti-chitta walkathon reached Hamirpur on December 16, 2025. Commencing from the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) and concluding at the Police Lines Dosadka Ground, the march drew thousands of participants—students from schools and colleges, government officials, police personnel, teachers, NGOs, and local residents.

Most recently, on December 27, 2025, the campaign made a strong impact in Bilaspur, where the walkathon was organised from the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) to Juhnu Ground, again witnessing huge public participation and determination.

Students at Forefront: Participation with Purpose

One of the most heartening aspects of this movement has been the enthusiastic participation of students. From schoolchildren in Dharamshala to college youth in Hamirpur and Bilaspur, young people across the state embraced the campaign with energy and conviction.

Many students carried handmade placards with powerful messages highlighting the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of healthy living. Their participation was not limited to marching—they actively interacted with community members, shared awareness messages on social media, and pledged to organise peer-to-peer awareness sessions in their schools and colleges.

For many, the walkathons were more than just public events—they became transformative experiences. Students spoke about learning the importance of personal responsibility, not only for their own lives but also for friends and family members who might be vulnerable to addiction.

Student volunteers also explained how peer pressure, curiosity, and lack of awareness can lead young people towards dangerous experimentation with substances like chitta. For them, joining the walkathon became a symbol of hope and a promise to protect their generation from the devastating consequences of drug addiction.

Teachers too played an important role by encouraging student participation and facilitating discussions about drug abuse in schools, ensuring that the campaign’s message became part of everyday student life.

Government Initiatives and Community Support

The anti-chitta movement was not limited to walkathons alone. The Himachal Pradesh Government supported the campaign with strong policies and action plans aimed at addressing both the demand and supply sides of the drug problem.

Chief Minister Sukhu emphasised that strict enforcement and community cooperation must go hand in hand. Law enforcement agencies were directed to take decisive action against drug traffickers, suppliers, and networks involved in distributing chitta.

Improved intelligence systems, use of technology, and stringent legal provisions under the NDPS Act and PIT-NDPS Act have been mobilised to dismantle narcotics networks operating in and around the state.

Additionally, the government announced ₹20 crore for the establishment of a de-addiction and rehabilitation centre at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district, reflecting strong commitment towards helping affected individuals and their families.

A proposed Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme aims to train and empower students, NCC and NSS cadets, and socially aware citizens as frontline volunteers. This initiative places youth at the centre of community outreach and reinforces the idea that lasting change requires active public participation.

Conclusion: United Effort for Healthier Tomorrow

The anti-chitta movement in Himachal Pradesh represents a remarkable example of collective determination to confront one of its most serious public health and social challenges. With the state government leading the charge and citizens from every section of society participating—especially the youth—this campaign has evolved into a true people’s movement rather than just a series of events.

The walkathons in Shimla, Dharamshala, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur have served not only as awareness drives but also as strong symbols of shared responsibility, resilience, and hope for a drug-free future.

The involvement of students as participants and volunteers marks a significant shift in how communities confront social issues: youth are not merely beneficiaries of change but active architects of it. Their participation, combined with policy support, enforcement action, and rehabilitation programmes, creates a holistic approach that balances awareness with action.

As Himachal Pradesh continues this campaign, the people of the state reaffirm that the fight against drug abuse is not the duty of a few it is a mission for all. By promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging open discussion, and strengthening community values, Himachal Pradesh is steadily marching towards a safer and brighter future.