Shimla: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state government was pursuing a strict and sustained campaign against drug abuse, resulting in action against 123 government employees, including police personnel, found involved in drug-related activities. Of these, 10 government employees and 21 police personnel have been dismissed from service, said the CM.
Zero-Tolerance Approach
Addressing the closing ceremony of the Shimla Cricket Carnival at Bharari on Sunday evening, Sukhu said the government had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards the drug menace. He informed that over the last three and a half years, illegal properties worth nearly Rs 51 crore linked to drug trafficking had been confiscated, while stringent action had been taken against several traffickers and members of organised drug networks.
Sports as a Tool Against Drugs
The cricket championship, organised under the theme "Say No to Drugs, Embrace Sports", aimed to spread awareness among the youth. Sukhu said the campaign against drug abuse, particularly the growing threat of heroin, had transformed into a mass movement across Himachal Pradesh with active participation from all sections of society. Sukhu emphasised that sports played a vital role in promoting discipline, confidence and healthy lifestyles among young people. To encourage positive engagement, volleyball and cricket tournaments were also organised during the recently concluded International Shimla Summer Festival, he said.
School Visits for Awareness
The CM further said that senior district officials had been directed to visit schools regularly to educate students about the harmful effects of drug addiction and strengthen awareness efforts across the state.
