Odisha Police launched a statewide crackdown on illegal ganja cultivation, destroying thousands of acres and registering hundreds of cases against traffickers.
The campaign aims to protect youth and strengthen public safety.
Police teams used drones, satellite imagery, and intelligence inputs to identify cultivation zones in remote districts. Special squads carried out raids and destroyed crops across Boudh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Koraput, Gajapati, Ganjam, and Nabarangpur.
Officials reported that more than 18,111 acres of ganja cultivation have been destroyed this year. By the end of November, police registered 473 cases against illegal trafficking. Boudh district recorded the highest number with 181 cases and destruction of over 7,757 acres, while Kandhamal followed with 132 cases and more than 9,313 acres.
Rayagada reported 33 cases with 114 acres destroyed, Malkangiri recorded 35 cases with 483 acres, Koraput reported 22 cases with 508 acres, Gajapati registered 45 cases with 650 acres, and Ganjam reported 21 cases with 162 acres. Keonjhar also reported the destruction of one acre.
Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania described the destruction of thousands of acres in a short span as a major success. He confirmed that the campaign will continue until March 2026. In 2024, police registered 594 cases and destroyed more than 20,803 acres of ganja cultivation.
Authorities warned cultivators that strict legal action will follow if they continue illegal practices. Police also launched awareness drives to discourage cultivation and highlight the risks of trafficking.
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