In a powerful message of resolve and responsibility, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the state government’s plan to roll out a sweeping anti-drug campaign in the coming days. Speaking at the 12th Himachal Pradesh Police Half Marathon held in Shimla, the Chief Minister underlined the urgency of a coordinated, society-wide response to combat drug abuse, which he described as a threat not only to public health but to the moral fabric of future generations.
Organized by the state police, the marathon saw widespread participation across age groups, including special categories for women and senior citizens above the age of 75. As the Chief Minister honored the winners, the event took on greater meaning as more than a sporting initiative—it became a symbolic stride in Himachal’s battle against narcotics.
Addressing the crowd, Chief Minister Sukhu did not mince words about the challenges ahead. He acknowledged a disturbing trend of government employees, including law enforcement personnel, being implicated in drug-related offenses. Citing that legal action has already been initiated against 80 such officials, he said the administration is determined to root out complicity from within the system. The state is considering amendments to the Police Manual to ensure accountability and restore public trust in the police force.
As part of the upcoming campaign, detailed mapping is being carried out at the panchayat ward level to design targeted interventions. A Special Task Force is also being formed to spearhead enforcement, with recruitment underway and plans to induct 500 new police personnel. The Chief Minister emphasized that Himachal’s strategy is not just punitive, but also rehabilitative. “Youth are the future of our nation, and protecting them from the menace of drugs is a collective responsibility,” he stated, reiterating the state’s zero-tolerance policy.
CM Sukhu also highlighted legislative strides the current government has made, particularly the enforcement of the PIT-NDPS Act which was neglected during the previous administration. Under this stringent law, 40 detention orders have been approved so far, 36 of them in just the past year. In a bold move, the state has also demolished properties belonging to convicted drug peddlers, a policy that sends a clear message about the cost of engaging in illicit drug trade.
Complementing enforcement with compassion, the Chief Minister pointed to the newly enacted Himachal Pradesh Anti-Drugs Act. This legislation distinguishes between traffickers and users, offering a path to rehabilitation and societal reintegration for the latter. The government hopes that through such a balanced approach, it can not only choke the supply of drugs but also heal the lives already affected.
To deepen community engagement, the Chief Minister urged parents to maintain open communication with their children and warned against denial or complacency. He appealed to all social stakeholders—teachers, NGOs, religious organizations, and media—to join forces in making the anti-drug campaign a statewide movement. As part of the awareness initiative, he also unveiled a special musical tribute titled ‘Harmony of the Pines,’ dedicated to the anti-drug message.
The event was attended by a host of senior officials including MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to the CM Naresh Chauhan, Additional Chief Secretary KK Pant, and DGP Ashok Tiwari. Their collective presence underscored the state’s multi-institutional commitment to defeating one of the gravest social challenges of modern times.
As Himachal Pradesh prepares to launch this comprehensive campaign, the resolve reflected in Shimla’s half marathon signals more than just physical endurance—it signals a race against time to safeguard the state’s youth from addiction and lost potential.
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