Health Update: Fitness Mantra Catches Cops as DGP Launches Wellness Initiative – What Experts Say

Shimla: 

Amid growing concern over rising stress levels, lifestyle diseases and visible fitness issues among police personnel, Director General of Police Ashok Tewari on Saturday launched a Health and Wellness Initiative aimed at improving the physical and mental well-being of Himachal Pradesh Police.

The initiative was launched at the Vigilance Headquarters in Shimla and has now been extended to the Police Headquarters, following encouraging feedback from officers.

The need for the programme was felt after several health-related incidents in the force and increasing concern that long duty hours, irregular schedules and high stress leave little room for police personnel to focus on their fitness.

 Senior officers privately admit that many personnel are often seen struggling with weight gain, fatigue and low energy levels during duty hours.

Addressing officers, the DGP said policing is a demanding profession requiring sustained physical endurance and mental resilience.

“Fitness is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” he said, stressing that preventive healthcare was the only way forward.

Under the initiative, police personnel are encouraged to voluntarily take part in yoga, meditation, gym workouts, aerobics and Zumba, with sessions being held for about 30 minutes during lunch breaks so that fitness does not become an added burden on duty.

The programme initially began with yoga and meditation sessions conducted under expert guidance at the Vigilance Headquarters.

The positive response led staff members themselves to initiate Zumba and aerobics classes, prompting the department to replicate the model at the Police Headquarters.

Early feedback, officials said, points to improved alertness, reduced stress and better energy levels among participants.

Concluding, the DGP said a healthy and motivated police force is essential for effective and citizen-centric policing, adding that the department remains committed to creating a more humane and progressive work environment for its personnel.