On Thursday, Governor Kavinder Gupta flagged off a mini marathon at the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla to celebrate World Environment Day. The event, themed ‘Clean Environment and Drug-Free Life’, was organized collaboratively by the state police, the department of environment, science, technology and climate change, and the census directorate. It saw enthusiastic participation from students, senior citizens, specially abled individuals, and members of the Central Armed Police Forces. In his address, Gupta highlighted Himachal Pradesh's natural beauty and the importance of maintaining a clean environment for public health. He stressed the need for sustainable development that does not compromise environmental integrity. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the increasing issue of drug abuse among youth, commending the state's awareness initiatives. The governor also administered a pledge to promote cleanliness and a drug-free lifestyle, while visiting an environmental awareness exhibition and signing the campaign wall for ‘Harit Himachal and Chitta-Mukt Himachal’.