Bhubaneswar, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has joined forces with the Odisha Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) to launch a significant initiative aimed at eradicating illegal cannabis cultivation in the Kandhamal and Boudh districts. This campaign, known as Mission Zero Cannabis Cultivation, is particularly focused on areas where illegal cannabis farming is most prevalent.
According to an NCB statement, the mission aligns with the Narcotics Control Vision Document (2026-29), which aims to eliminate illegal cannabis farming in both districts by March 2027. During the launch event in Kakendri village of Kandhamal, officials destroyed approximately 30 acres of illegal cannabis crops.
In a show of community support, around 500 local residents, including panchayat members, took an oath for a “drug-free” environment in Sudrukampa. Meanwhile, another 500 college students participated in a mini-marathon in Phulbani, promoting the campaign’s message.
Earlier, a similar operation took place in Rajasthan, where the NCB, in collaboration with the Rajasthan Police and the ANTF, uncovered large-scale illegal cannabis cultivation in Nayawas village of Udaipur district. Authorities identified and destroyed around 7,577 cannabis plants spread over 9.4 bighas of land, which could yield approximately 2,273 kilograms of cannabis valued at around ₹11.76 crore.
The NCB has registered a case in this matter, and investigations are ongoing. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal narcotic crop cultivation in the state, which is under strict surveillance.
The initiative is consistent with the national vision document on drug control, which aims to eliminate illegal cannabis and opium cultivation by December 2027 through coordinated efforts among central and state agencies, district administrations, and local communities. The NCB emphasized that Rajasthan has intensified its crackdown on illegal narcotic crops by enhancing monitoring, tightening reporting responsibilities for revenue officials, and accelerating enforcement campaigns in sensitive areas.
Under new directives, patwaris are instructed to regularly inspect their jurisdictions during land assessments and promptly report any suspicious cultivation of narcotic crops to the relevant authorities.
Leave a Comment