Shimla, June 19 -- A comprehensive public awareness campaign will be launched in Shimla district to combat the growing menace of substance abuse, particularly 'chitta', an adulterated heroin variant that has gripped Himachal Pradesh, said Shimla deputy commissioner Anupam Kashyap.

This campaign will be implemented across all 441 panchayats of the district. Active participation from panchayat representatives, mahila mandals, yuvak mandals, self-help groups, educational institutions, and various government departments will be ensured.

The deputy commissioner stated that the police, health, education, and social justice and empowerment departments, along with other relevant agencies, would collaborate with public representatives to visit v...