CM Sukhu launches Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme, forms Nasha Mukti Board, and announces Rs 3,000 crore disaster relief plan

CHANDIGARH: On the 79th Independence Day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a series of major initiatives, including the launch of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme , the formation of the Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board , and a 3,000 crore disaster mitigation and livelihood project. Addressing the state-level function at Sarkaghat in Mandi district after unfurling the national flag, the Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the growing problem of chitta (heroin) addiction among youth. Our government is committed to protecting the younger generation from the scourge of drugs, he said. He noted that under the PIT NDPS Act , property worth over 42 crore had been seized from drug mafias, and chitta testing has been made mandatory in police recruitment. Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme Sukhu announced the launch of the Anti-Chitta Volunteer Scheme , under which trained volunteers will act as a link between the public and police. These youth volunteers will aid in spreading awareness, gathering intelligence, and providing timely, confidential information to the authorities. Incentives will be provided for these volunteers, he said, adding that the scheme aims to create a grassroots-level response to drug trafficking. Nasha Mukti Board for Prevention and Rehabilitation The Chief Minister also announced the formation of the Nasha Mukti Roktham and Punarvas Board . This board will include representatives from departments such as Home, Health, Education, Social Justice, Youth Services, Panchayati Raj, and Prisons, along with NGOs and social scientists. The boards goal is twofold: to prevent substance abuse and to rehabilitate and reintegrate addicted youth into society. An action plan for de-addiction and rehabilitation will be jointly prepared by NITI Aayog, AIIMS, PGI, and the State Health Department. To strengthen the fight at the local level, anti-drug committees will be established in villages and panchayats. These will include the panchayat secretary, ASHA worker, Anganwadi worker, and a designated police constable. The committees will receive and share information, and police officers will be held accountable for regular meetings and monthly reporting. Disaster Relief and Climate Concerns Sukhu also raised alarm over the worsening impact of climate change on Himachal Pradesh, pointing to repeated natural disasters causing significant loss of life and property. Referring to the 2023 disaster where damages crossed 10,000 crore, he criticised the Centre for only releasing 1,500 crore, and that too after two years. He said this years disasters, particularly in Mandi district, have again resulted in heavy losses, with no financial aid received from the Centre so far. He stated that the state government has already disbursed 360.42 crore from its own resources for immediate relief and announced an additional 100 crore to support affected families. Sukhu also unveiled a 3,000 crore project aimed at disaster mitigation and safeguarding livelihoods in vulnerable areas. Paying tribute to the 222 people who lost their lives in this years disasters and the eight who died in the recent Maseran bus accident, he assured the government's full support to affected families. Under the Special Relief Package, compensation for fully damaged houses has been increased from 1.3 lakh to 7 lakh. For partially damaged houses, it has been raised from 12,500 to 1 lakh. Homes deemed uninhabitable will also be classified as fully damaged for compensation purposes.