Mandi, Aug. 17— Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday announced that the Himachal Pradesh government will constitute a new “Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board” to counter the state’s growing drug crisis, while also introducing a network of community volunteers and village-level committees to aid enforcement.
Speaking at Sarkaghat, Sukhu said the proposed board will draw expertise from multiple government departments — including home, health, education, youth services and sports, panchayati raj, prisons and social justice — and will also involve NGOs and social scientists. “The objective is not only to prevent drug abuse but also to reintegrate youth who have fallen prey to addiction,” the chief minister noted.
The state is also considering setting up a women-only de-addiction facility. Earlier this week, health and family welfare minister Dr. (Colonel) Dhani Ram Shandil had said that the government is exploring options for a female-specific centre, in addition to a proposed government-run de-addiction centre in Shimla.
The absence of adequate rehabilitation facilities has been a persistent flashpoint in state politics. Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla had recently criticized the government over the issue, saying, “There is only one Red Cross-run drug rehabilitation centre in Kullu. We have been hearing about identification of land for setting up a centre in Sirmaur but nothing is moving on ground. This shows the seriousness of the government.”
In his speech, Sukhu also announced the launch of the “Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme,” under which young volunteers will be tasked with helping prevent the spread of heroin in communities. “These volunteers will assist in awareness campaigns and provide confidential information to the police so that strict action can be taken against drug mafias. A provision for incentive payments will also be made,” he said.
The chief minister added that enforcement measures have already been tightened under the Preventive Detention provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT NDPS), with property worth over ₹42 crore seized from traffickers. “The state has made chitta testing mandatory in police recruitment and to root out heroin, I have directed the formation of anti-drug committees in every village and panchayat,” he said. These committees, Sukhu explained, will collect inputs from panchayat secretaries, ASHA and anganwadi workers, as well as police constables, to ensure prompt action.
The announcements come against the backdrop of widespread heroin abuse, which has emerged as a major challenge in Himachal Pradesh in recent years. While the previous BJP-led government had constituted a “Nasha Nivaran Board” for two years, the initiative failed to deliver substantial results.
Sukhu said the new board, coupled with grassroots committees and volunteers, would mark a “more comprehensive and accountable approach” to the drug problem.
