Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to tackling the drug menace and informed the state assembly that the consumption of 'chitta' has declined by 30 percent over the past three years.
Responding to a query in the Vidhan Sabha, Sukhu detailed the government’s actions against narcotics, stating that 4,780 cases related to 'chitta' had been registered during this period, leading to the recovery of 37.981 kg of the banned substance.
In addition, the state has seized the properties of 17 individuals accused in drug-related cases as part of its crackdown on narcotics.
The Chief Minister also presented data on the toll of drug abuse in the state, revealing that between February 21, 2022, and February 20, 2025, a total of 38 people had lost their lives due to drug consumption. He expressed concern over the legal loopholes that allow individuals caught with small quantities, such as one gram of 'chitta,' to secure bail repeatedly.
He pointed out that many such offenders exploit this legal provision to rejoin drug cartels, undermining the state’s efforts to curb the issue. Given this challenge, Sukhu announced that his government would introduce a new Bill during the assembly session to enforce stricter penal provisions against drug offenders.
Additionally, a special task force would be set up to ensure community participation in efforts to eliminate drug abuse.
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As part of its rehabilitation initiatives, the government plans to establish a dedicated rehabilitation center at Kotla-Baidh in Solan district. Sukhu emphasised that the government is committed to not only cracking down on drug trafficking but also supporting those affected by addiction.
During the session, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur criticised the severity of the drug problem in Himachal Pradesh, referring to the situation as ‘rengta Himachal,’ drawing a parallel to ‘Udta Punjab,’ a film that highlighted the widespread drug crisis in Punjab.
He highlighted the alarming number of drug-related deaths, noting that at least 10 people had succumbed to drug overdoses, with many more cases likely going unreported due to the social stigma surrounding such incidents.
Thakur also questioned the state government's claim of a 30 percent reduction in drug-related cases, raising concerns about the accuracy of the data and the effectiveness of the measures taken so far.
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