In Chamba, commercial vehicles to display anti-‘chitta’ messages

With an alarming spike in drug abuse in the state raising serious concerns among the authorities and people, the Chamba Transport Department is taking steps to address the menace.

The department has decided to raise awareness among the public by displaying messages on commercial vehicles, urging youth to stay away from drugs, particularly ‘chitta’ (heroin). The department in the region has issued guidelines to all commercial vehicle owners in this regard.

As part of these guidelines, vehicle owners have been instructed to ensure that a message against ‘chitta’ use is displayed on their vehicles.

Addressing the serious issue required collective effort, and awareness played a crucial role, said Regional Transport Officer Ram Prakash.

Commercial vehicles undergo regular fitness inspections. The Transport Department sets a schedule on regular intervals to check vehicles on specified dates. During these inspections, the fitness of the vehicles is assessed, and awareness messages are inscribed as part of the process.

Over time, the content of these messages has been updated to address current issues. Now, in light of the growing concern over ‘chitta’, the department has instructed that messages warning people against its use be prominently displayed. The RTO said vehicle owners would now be required to display a message discouraging ‘chitta’ use on their vehicles, and the same would be checked during the passing process.