Himachal Pradesh Launches 'Khelo Himachal-Chitta Mukt Abhiyan' to Combat Drug Abuse

Himachal Pradesh has launched the 'Khelo Himachal-Chitta Mukt Abhiyan,' a significant initiative aimed at combating drug abuse through sports and youth engagement. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the importance of redirecting youth energy towards positive activities while addressing the growing challenge of narcotics like 'Chitta.' The campaign will involve awareness programs and sports competitions across the state, focusing on areas most affected by drug abuse. With a budget of Rs. 11.56 crore allocated for these initiatives, the government aims to foster a healthier, drug-free generation. This comprehensive approach seeks to unite various stakeholders in the fight against addiction.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2026, 14:45 IST

Chief Minister's Initiative Against Drug Abuse

On Tuesday evening, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led a meeting focused on the 'Khelo Himachal-Chitta Mukt Abhiyan.' This flagship program aims to tackle drug abuse through sports and youth engagement throughout the state. The Chief Minister reviewed the campaign's strategy and roadmap, which aims to redirect the youth's energy towards positive and healthy activities while fostering a robust social movement against the drug menace known as 'Chitta.'

A Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Drug Addiction

The Chief Minister voiced his concerns regarding the escalating issue of 'Chitta' and other narcotics, highlighting that drug addiction not only devastates the lives of young individuals but also negatively impacts families and society at large. The state government has implemented a comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse, combining strict enforcement against drug trafficking with preventive and rehabilitative initiatives.

Utilizing Sports for Social Change

Sukhu remarked that sports can be a significant catalyst for social change, fostering discipline, teamwork, confidence, and a spirit of healthy competition among youth. He stressed that the 'Khelo Himachal-Chitta Mukt Abhiyan' would promote youth involvement in sports at the grassroots level, offering a constructive alternative to substance abuse.

Awareness Campaign and Outreach Efforts

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of raising awareness about 'Chitta' among the youth across all 3,758 gram panchayats, eight municipal corporations, 29 municipal councils, and 39 Nagar Panchayats in the state. Special attention will be given to the 235 gram panchayats identified as highly affected, where intensive interventions will take place. Various sports competitions, awareness programs, community outreach activities, and youth engagement initiatives will be organized to spread awareness about the dangers of drug use.

State-Level Sports Competitions and Funding

He announced that sports competitions would be held at sub-divisional, district, and state levels. To ensure proper organization, monitoring, and supervision of these tournaments, a technical committee comprising referees from sports associations, youth services, education, and police departments will be established. A budget of Rs. 11.56 crore has been allocated for these competitions, with prize money awarded to winning and runner-up teams.

A Vision for a Drug-Free Himachal

Sukhu reiterated the government's commitment to fostering a healthy, disciplined, and empowered generation capable of steering Himachal towards a prosperous future. He noted that early intervention, awareness, and active community involvement are crucial in preventing addiction from taking hold among the youth.

The Chief Minister stated that the vision of a 'Nasha-Mukt Himachal' can only be achieved through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, educational institutions, sports organizations, local bodies, panchayati raj institutions, and civil society. He urged all stakeholders to actively support the campaign and ensure its success at the grassroots level.

Meeting Attendees

Present at the meeting were Secretary of Youth Services and Sports Priyanka Basu Ingty, Director Shivam Pratap Singh, Special Secretary Naveen Tanwar, and other senior officials.