SHIMLA-10 March, 2026

Statewide special naka drive conducted under Anti-Chitta Campaign

· State Government intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking

The spokesperson of Himachal Pradesh Police today here informed that under the Anti-Chitta campaign started by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state police was continuously taking strict and effective action to curb drug trafficking and strengthen the resolve of making Himachal Pradesh a “Chitta-Free State”.

He said that as part of the second phase of this campaign, a special 24-hour Inter-State and Inter-District Naka (checking) drive was conducted across the state on 9th March, 2026. The state-level operation was carried out in a coordinated manner based on intelligence inputs and inter-district coordination. The main objective of the campaign was to dismantle drug trafficking networks and curb illegal activities related to narcotics.

During the special drive, District Police, STF and Police Battalions jointly established nakas at 176 identified locations across the state. In total, 20,230 vehicles were thoroughly checked during the operation to ensure strict vigilance and security.

As a result of the intensive checking, 05 cases were registered under the NDPS Act and 08 accused persons were arrested. The police also recovered 1.221 kilograms of charas and 07 grams of chitta (heroin) during the operation.

He said that apart from action against drug-related offences, the police also took strict action against traffic rule violations. 866 challans were issued under the Motor Vehicles Act and 12 challans under the COTPA Act. To ensure scientific investigation in suspicious cases, blood and urine samples of 21 suspected individuals were collected as per legal procedures for further examination.

The spokesperson further stated that the main aim of the campaign is to prevent youth from falling into the trap of drugs and to eliminate group-based drug activities that are developing in secluded places and attracting young people.

He has appealed to citizens, especially the youth, to support the Anti-Chitta movement. People were encouraged to immediately report any information related to drug trafficking by calling 112 or by informing the nearest police station. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

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ESOMSAto conduct free skill development courses

The spokesperson of the Empowerment of SCs, OBCs, Minorities & Specially Abled Department (ESOMSA) today here informed that the Department is implementing Skill Development Courses in collaboration with NIELIT, Shimla under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)” for the benefit of youth belonging to the Scheduled Caste category of the state.

He said that under this initiative, the courses Concepts of Artificial Intelligence Technology and Office Automation, Accounting and Publishing Assistant were proposed to be conducted. The programme aims to provide free skill development training to eligible scheduled caste youth of the State and during the training period the trainees would also be provided a monthly stipend of Rs. 2000 as per the provisions of the scheme.

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CM launches prepaid taxi service for 26 locations from ISBT Tutikandi

  • Will ensure transparency and safety of passengers

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today launched the prepaid taxi service for the State from ISBT Tutikandi, Shimla. Under this facility, passengers would have to book taxis from the prepaid taxi counter at ISBT Tutikandi. After making the payment at the counter, the customer will receive a payment slip which must be shown to the taxi driver. The driver would then drop the passenger at the designated destination. After returning to the station, the driver would submit the slip at the counter to receive payment for the journey.

Since the fare would be paid in advance, passengers would not face any inconvenience or disputes with drivers regarding fares. The prepaid taxi service would cover 26 locations within Shimla city along with two additional destinations, Chandigarh International Airport and Chandigarh city. A total of 115 vehicles would be part of this service and would be operated by the Taxi Union.

The Chief Minister said “The initiative would ensure transparency as the fare rates have been notified by the Transport Department, and it will also enhance passenger safety and will benefit both tourists and local residents.”

MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surender Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, DGP Ashok Tiwari, DC Anupam Kashyap, SP Gaurav Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.