On the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed his government’s resolute commitment to eradicating the drug menace from the hill state. Speaking at a state-level event, the Chief Minister announced a multi-pronged strategy that places youth at the heart of the campaign, including the inclusion of a dedicated chapter on drug abuse awareness in the school curriculum. Calling upon every section of society to unite in the fight against narcotics, he reiterated that there is no place for drugs in “Devbhoomi” and emphasized that the vision of a prosperous India must begin by channeling the energy of its youth toward constructive paths.
The Chief Minister declared that government employees found involved in drug trafficking would face stringent punitive action, asserting a zero-tolerance approach from the top. Backed by substantive policy changes, he highlighted that his government was the first to implement the PIT-NDPS Act in the state after coming to power, a step the previous administration failed to take during its five-year tenure. The administration’s crackdown on drug networks has now moved into an aggressive phase with the focus shifting from small-time peddlers to larger, more influential players in the narcotics trade.
Recognizing that punitive action alone cannot address the deep-rooted issue of addiction, the state government is also rolling out rehabilitative infrastructure. CM Sukhu announced the establishment of a fully equipped 100-bed de-addiction centre at Kotla Barog in Sirmaur district, with a budget outlay of ₹5.34 crore. He added that district-level de-addiction centres are also being planned, emphasizing a holistic approach to tackling both the supply and demand sides of the drug problem. These centres will play a crucial role in rehabilitating recovering addicts and facilitating their reintegration into mainstream society through skill development and employment opportunities.
The day also served as a platform to honour institutions and individuals who have contributed meaningfully to anti-drug efforts across the state. From educational leaders to civil society organizations and enforcement officials, a diverse group of stakeholders was recognized for their efforts in raising awareness and providing community-level support against substance abuse.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil underscored the urgency of treating this crisis with the same mass mobilization that defined India’s freedom struggle. He said that eradicating drugs from society would require collective will, beginning at the family level. Parents and educators were urged to engage youth proactively, fostering values, discipline, and a lifestyle rooted in sports and constructive activities to steer them away from the lure of narcotics.
The event also witnessed participation from students and specially-abled children, who performed skits and cultural programmes to raise awareness about the devastating impact of drug addiction. Senior officials from law enforcement, education, and taxation departments were present, signifying an all-government, all-society effort to create a drug-free Himachal Pradesh.
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