Shimla Hosts Workshop on Combating Drug Abuse with Governor's Call for Unity

Workshop Aims to Tackle Drug Issues in Himachal Pradesh

Shimla: A state-level workshop named “Chitta Par Chot” was held at the Willow Bank Hotel, organized by Sanjeevani – A Group of NGOs. The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who highlighted the critical need for collective action against the escalating drug crisis in Himachal Pradesh.

Governor Shukla remarked that the title “Chitta Par Chot” is particularly significant and will aid in the mission to eliminate synthetic drugs from the region. He emphasized that ensuring a safe future for Himachal necessitates awareness of such pressing issues. He commended all political factions for setting aside differences during the Assembly session to unite in the fight against drug abuse.

“Chitta is eroding the fabric of society and represents a serious threat to the nation. It is imperative for every community member to engage in this initiative,” the Governor stated.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Sanjeevani NGO for rallying 17 voluntary organizations from across the state and praised the women from the Arki area for their month-long campaign titled “Khel Khilao, Nasha Bhagao”, aimed at raising awareness. He urged families to initiate the battle against drugs at home and promote open discussions within society to safeguard future generations. He concluded with the slogan: “Na Nasha Karenge, Na Nasha Karne Denge” (We will not use drugs, nor permit others to do so).

Expert Insights on Drug Abuse

Expert Sessions

• Dr. Nidhi (IGMC Hospital): Discussed the influence of families and society in addressing drug addiction, focusing on the psychological effects and scientific aspects of dependency. She also responded to questions from attendees.


• DIG Arvind Negi (Himachal Police): Talked about the police's role and community involvement in combating drug issues, sharing insights into current police initiatives and technical strategies.


• Senior Advocate Piyush Verma: Explained the legal framework surrounding drug abuse under the NDPS Act, detailing the obligations of law enforcement, society, and families, along with the implementation of government regulations.

Collective Commitment to Drug Eradication

Participation and Pledge

The workshop saw the participation of approximately 205 representatives from 17 organizations statewide. During the closing session, all attendees collectively pledged to contribute to drug eradication efforts and support the “Chitta Par Chot” initiative.

Notable attendees included Mahendra Dharmani, O.P. Sharma, former IAS officer T.C. Kapoor, Surender Thakur, and many others.