Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari (IPS: 1993: HP), has urged officers and employees of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) to actively participate in the state’s Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan, calling for a collective response to drug abuse and trafficking.
Addressing employees at SJVN headquarters during Vigilance Awareness Week 2026, Tewari emphasised that enforcement by the police alone would not be sufficient to address the problem. He highlighted the need for families, educational institutions, workplaces and local communities to work together to prevent substance abuse and support people affected by addiction.
The DGP also encouraged employees to raise awareness among young people, help individuals struggling with addiction and share information about suspected drug trafficking with the police.
Anti-Chitta Campaign Calls for Public Participation
Launched at Shimla’s Ridge on November 15, 2025, the Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan seeks to mobilise public participation in the fight against drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh.
The campaign focuses on making drug prevention a shared responsibility rather than relying solely on police action.
Tewari urged SJVN employees to contribute to the initiative by:
- Raising awareness among young people: Encouraging informed discussions about the risks associated with drug use.
- Engaging families and communities: Promoting collective responsibility for prevention.
- Supporting people affected by addiction: Encouraging assistance and support for those seeking to overcome substance dependence.
- Reporting drug trafficking: Sharing relevant information with law enforcement agencies.
- Promoting a drug-free environment: Using workplace and community networks to strengthen awareness.
His appeal highlighted the role that public-sector organisations and their employees can play in extending awareness efforts beyond government departments.
DGP Highlights Himachal Police’s ERSS-112 Performance
During the interaction, Tewari also referred to Himachal Pradesh’s performance under the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112).
According to the figures cited by the DGP, the state’s national ranking improved from 34th in November 2025 to first position.
ERSS-112 provides a common emergency response number through which people can seek assistance from emergency services, including the police. The system is intended to facilitate access to emergency support and improve response coordination.
The ranking improvement was highlighted as an indicator of the state’s progress under the emergency response framework.
Vigilance Awareness Week Emphasises Integrity and Transparency
Tewari’s address took place during Vigilance Awareness Week 2026, which is being observed from October 26 to November 1 under the theme “Probity for Prosperity.”
The annual observance promotes integrity, transparency, accountability and ethical conduct in public institutions.
Emphasising the theme, the DGP highlighted the importance of preventive vigilance, transparent working practices and ethical leadership.
The message linked institutional integrity with public responsibility, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct in workplaces and public administration.
SJVN Employees Encouraged to Support Wider Social Initiatives
The appeal to SJVN employees reflects an effort to involve public-sector workplaces in Himachal Pradesh’s broader campaign against drug abuse.
As a public-sector hydropower company, SJVN has a workforce that can help circulate awareness messages through professional and community networks. Tewari encouraged employees to use these connections to support prevention efforts and strengthen public cooperation with law enforcement.
The initiative places emphasis on awareness, early support for people affected by addiction and information-sharing with the police, alongside enforcement against drug trafficking.
The DGP’s message underscored that sustained public participation is an important part of efforts to address drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh.
About Ashok Tewari
Ashok Tewari is a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Himachal Pradesh cadre. He holds an M.Tech and a Master’s in Personnel Management (MPM) from Osmania University.
Before taking additional charge as Director General of Police (DGP) of Himachal Pradesh in June 2025, he served as DGP of the state’s Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. He has also served on central deputation as an Inspector General with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and previously held the position of Managing Director of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). As DGP, he has highlighted the need for public participation in tackling drug abuse and strengthening public trust in policing.
