CM inaugurates multipurpose sports stadium at Sanjauli

• Announces Rs. one crore for improvement of Sanjauli Ground

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated Multipurpose Sports Stadium at Sanjauli, Shimla today. Constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.18 crore, this stadium has been equipped with an open ground for sports events, hall an open hall and a kitchen besides other amenities facilities.

He also inaugurated Himachal Pradesh’s first Chitta Awareness Volleyball Tournament at Sanjauli, being organized as part of the International Summer Festival Shimla. He unveiled the tournament’s running trophy and announced that the winning team would be awarded a cash prize of Rs. one lakh.

The Chief Minister also took the salute of the march-past presented by 13 teams participating from across the state and administered an oath against drug abuse to all participants. On the occasion, he announced Rs. one crore for further improvement and development of the Sanjauli Ground, setting-up of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) and the upgradation of the Sanjauli Holi Fair to district-level status.

Sh. Sukhu said that the state government is making efforts to host ‘Khelo India’ competitions in Himachal Pradesh and necessary directions have already been issued to the concerned department. He said that the state government has enhanced the prize money of winners of international competitions and would soon introduce a policy to reward national-level sports winners in order to further promote sports in the state. He said that a stadium is being constructed at Ghatasani near Shimla at a cost of Rs. 10 crore.

Recalling his school days, the Chief Minister said, 'I used to participate in sports competitions during my school days and, therefore, understand the challenges faced by players. We have increased the diet money for sportspersons. He said that athletes participating in competitions within the state are being provided diet money of Rs. 400 per day, while those participating outside the State were receiving Rs. 500 per day. Air travel facilities are also being provided for journeys exceeding 200 kilometres, he added.

MLA Harish Janartha said that Sanjauli Ground is one of the oldest grounds in the area and a long-pending demand for developing a quality sports ground has now been fulfilled. He said that encouraging youth to take up sports and stay away from drugs reflects the vision of the Chief Minister. He said that several other sports grounds are also being developed in Shimla and extended his best wishes to all participating teams.

Mayor, MC Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, Director of Youth Services and Sports Shivam Pratap Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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CM inaugurates Himachal’s first women de-addiction and rehabilitation centre in Mashobra

• Second government-run centre to be established at Tanda

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday inaugurated the 'Nav Jeevan' Women’s De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre in Mashobra near Shimla. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the growing problem of drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh, particularly the use of chitta (heroin), was not merely a law-and-order issue but a serious social, family and humanitarian challenge. He said that the state government was addressing the problem at an early stage by creating public awareness and taking strict action against drug traffickers.

The Chief Minister said that this was the first specialized government facility of its kind in the state for women. The centre would not only provide treatment but also help women rebuild their lives with dignity. It would offer safe accommodation, medical care, psychological counselling, rehabilitation services, social reintegration support and family-based assistance.

He further said that a second government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centre would be established at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda in Kangra district.

Sh. Sukhu emphasized that young people and women who fall victim to addiction should not be viewed as criminals. In contrast, those who sell and traffic drugs were enemies of society and the government would show no leniency towards them. He said that the government's approach was based on compassion for victims and firmness against drug traffickers.

The Chief Minister said that when a woman or daughter gets trapped in addiction, the consequences extend far beyond the individual, affecting her family, children and future generations. Keeping this in view, the government was strengthening treatment, counselling, rehabilitation and social reintegration services, while simultaneously intensifying action against drug traffickers.

He said that the state government launched the Anti-Chitta Public Movement from Shimla on 15 November last year which now had evolved into a broad social campaign involving young people, panchayat representatives, teachers, voluntary organizations and ordinary citizens. He urged the public to participate actively in the fight against drug abuse so that this social evil could be eradicated.

Sh. Sukhu said that the government had launched a decisive campaign against drug trafficking. Preventive action was being taken under stringent legal provisions, including the PIT-NDPS Act and major drug networks were being dismantled. He said that the authorities were identifying properties linked to drug traffickers and warned that no individual involved in the illegal drug trade would be spared, regardless of their influence or status.

Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Himachal Pradesh Drug Prevention Board Co-Convenor Sanjay Bhardwaj, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, ESOMSA Director Sumit Kimta, DC Anupam Kashyap, SP Gaurav Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.