State launches statewide drive to tackle rising ‘chitta’ menace

Unemployment, peer pressure and curiosity have emerged as key factors driving youth in the state towards drug addiction, particularly to ‘chitta’ (a synthetic heroin-based drug), police officials said on Friday.

Interstate trafficking routes from neighbouring states, along with low-cost and easy availability in small packets and the promotion of the drug on social media platforms, have worsened the problem. Authorities say ‘chitta’ is now easily accessible even in rural areas.

According to police data, the districts of Shimla, Kangra, Una, Solan and Mandi have shown the highest vulnerability among youth. In an alarming trend, Himachal Pradesh has recorded a 9 per cent rise in ‘chitta’-related cases this year compared with last year. The state has also seen an increase in overdose deaths, particularly among young men.

Citing data from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), police said that Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra are among the states most affected by heroin and synthetic drugs.

To combat the growing menace, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a state-level anti-‘chitta’ rally to be held on November 15 at The Ridge in Shimla. The rally would see participation from cabinet ministers, MLAs, government officials, students, volunteers, NGOs and members of the public.

Officials said the rally would mark the beginning of a wider awareness drive, with similar events planned in all districts under the supervision of Superintendents of Police and District Administrations. Police preparations for the event are already under way.

Director General of Police Ashok Tewari said Himachal Pradesh Police, under its ongoing “Nasha Nivaran Abhiyan” (anti-drug campaign), has intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking and consumption. “During 2024–2025, over 1,300 cases under the NDPS Act were registered, many of them related to ‘chitta’. The police, in coordination with other departments, are actively working to arrest drug peddlers, dismantle networks and raise public awareness,” he said.

He added the police are working in collaboration with the Excise and Narcotics Department, the Education Department and NGOs to combine law enforcement with public education.

Additional Superintendent of Police (State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau) Narvir Singh Rathour detailed the legal provisions under the NDPS Act, 1985. “Punishments vary according to the quantity involved,” he said. “For possession of up to 5 grams, imprisonment may extend to one year or a fine up to Rs 10,000, or both. Possession of an intermediate quantity carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to Rs 1 lakh, while for commercial quantities of 250 gm or more, imprisonment ranges from 10 to 20 years and a fine between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, which may be increased by the court.”

He added even possession of small amounts is punishable, though individuals who voluntarily seek medical treatment may be granted rehabilitation relief under Section 64A of the Act.