Chamba DC orders crackdown on drug hotspots in district

Chamba Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mukesh Repaswal has directed all departmental officers to ensure effective implementation of the ‘’Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’’ (Drug-Free India Campaign) and meet the mission’s targets.

Chairing a meeting of the District Coordination Committee and Drug-Free Campaign, the DC stressed the need to identify potential drug hotspots and take prompt action. He also highlighted the importance of awareness and information drives against substance abuse, particularly among students.

Repaswal instructed that by October, teachers in all government senior secondary schools must be given the necessary training. A special committee under the chairmanship of Additional Superintendent of Police Hitesh Lakhanpal, with officials from Health, Education and Social Justice Departments, will prepare awareness material.

Encouraging student involvement, the DC called for selecting youth who have overcome addiction as “Drug Champions” to spread the message. A WhatsApp group of all officers concerned will also be created for better coordination.

The DC further directed all Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to complete the registration of retailers selling cigarettes, bidis and other tobacco products under the Tobacco Control Act by October 15, and to enforce the ban on open sale of such products. He said punitive action must be taken against violators.

On infrastructure, Repaswal ordered repairs to the proposed de-addiction centre building in Bhattiyat subdivision.

State Taxes and Excise Officer Nutan Mahajan informed that 813 authorised and unauthorised premises had been inspected in the district, with fines totalling Rs 1.65 lakh imposed for violations. Measures are also being taken to curb illicit liquor trafficking and sales, she added. The meeting was attended by ASP Hitesh Lakhanpal, Chamba SDM Priyanshu Khati and District Health Programme Officer Dr Karan Hiteshi.