Governor for collective, coordinated battle to defeat drug menace

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today inaugurated a state-level workshop on the theme ‘War on drugs — Chitte Par Chot’, organised by the NGO consortium Sanjeevani, and underscored the urgent need for unified, determined and compassionate efforts to curb the drug crisis in Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing a gathering of social workers, activists and community leaders, the Governor said the war against drugs demands both firm policing and empathy for those trapped in addiction. Strict enforcement, he stressed, must go hand in hand with rehabilitation, awareness and support systems that prevent vulnerable youth from falling deeper into dependency. He also emphasised the role of religious institutions, noting that their moral influence and extensive community reach are vital to dismantling networks driven by foreign-backed drug cartels.

Praising the state government’s initiatives, he particularly lauded the rare and meaningful show of unity between the ruling and opposition parties on the issue in the Vidhan Sabha. “Without a collective political will, it is impossible to protect this Devbhoomi from the growing threat of synthetic drugs,” he remarked.

The Governor commended Sanjeevani for treating ‘Chitte Par Chot’ not merely as a campaign but as a social commitment. He expressed satisfaction that the organisation is moving beyond awareness drives to promote policy reforms, capacity building, research, counselling and community interventions. The platform, he said, effectively brings together diverse NGOs to work collaboratively with the government on prevention, rehabilitation, training and grassroots outreach.

He stressed that the success of ‘Chitte Par Chot’ hinges on organised strategies and widespread public participation. Meaningful change, he noted, will emerge only when society, media, religious bodies, sports groups, volunteer organizations and youth clubs speak in one voice.

The Governor highlighted the pivotal role of families, saying the first safeguard against addiction begins at home. Parents, he urged, must stay attentive to their children’s behaviour, company and daily habits, as early detection can prevent deeper harm. “Youth losing themselves to addiction is not only a personal tragedy but a collective societal failure,” he said.

Earlier, Sanjeevani president Mahendra Dharmani welcomed the Governor and said his guidance strengthens the resolve of NGOs working across seven districts. Formed on September 25, Sanjeevani has brought together 17 NGOs committed to a coordinated fight against drug abuse.