CM Sukhu inaugurates Himachal’s first Women’s De-Addiction Centre
Announces Second Facility at Tanda
Babushahi Bureau
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), June 8, 2026: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday inaugurated the state’s first government-run women’s de-addiction and rehabilitation centre, ‘Nav Jeevan’, at Mashobra near Shimla, marking a significant step in the fight against substance abuse among women.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said drug addiction, particularly the growing menace of chitta (heroin), was not merely a law-and-order issue but a serious social and humanitarian challenge affecting families and communities across the state.
Sukhu said the newly inaugurated centre would provide comprehensive support to women battling addiction, including safe accommodation, medical treatment, psychological counselling, rehabilitation services, social reintegration and family support.
Announcing further expansion of rehabilitation facilities, the Chief Minister said a second government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centre would soon be established at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, in Kangra district.
Emphasising a victim-centric approach, Sukhu said young people and women trapped in addiction should be treated with compassion and care rather than viewed as criminals. At the same time, he warned that drug traffickers would face strict action under the law.
“When a woman falls victim to addiction, the impact extends beyond the individual and affects entire families, children and future generations. Our government is committed to strengthening treatment, counselling and rehabilitation while taking decisive action against those involved in the drug trade,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the Anti-Chitta Public Movement launched by the state government in November last year, saying it had evolved into a broad social campaign involving youth, teachers, panchayat representatives, voluntary organisations and citizens.
He also reiterated the government’s crackdown on drug trafficking networks, stating that action was being taken under stringent legal provisions, including the PIT-NDPS Act. Authorities are identifying and targeting properties linked to drug traffickers, he added.
Among those present on the occasion were Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Himachal Pradesh Drug Prevention Board Co-Convenor Sanjay Bhardwaj, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, ESOMSA Director Sumit Kimta, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap and Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh.
The inauguration of the Nav Jeevan Centre marks a major milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to strengthen rehabilitation infrastructure and provide specialised support for women affected by substance abuse.