In a decisive move against narcotics, the Odisha government has launched a comprehensive campaign aimed at eradicating ganja (cannabis) cultivation and trade across the state.
Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, while addressing the media on Thursday, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to making Odisha ganja-free, especially by targeting illegal cultivation in tribal-dominated regions.
Harichandan highlighted that tribal populations are often exploited by drug mafias, who lure them into cannabis farming with the promise of financial gain. In response, the government has initiated joint operations involving the Excise Department and police, resulting in record destruction of illegal crops this year. The plan also includes strict legal action, enhanced surveillance, and community sensitisation campaigns.
Importantly, the minister emphasised alternative livelihood support for tribal communities, aligning the drive not only with law enforcement but also with social rehabilitation and economic inclusion. Public awareness efforts will run alongside crackdown operations to educate communities about the legal, social, and health consequences of narcotic involvement.
This multi-pronged strategy reflects Odisha’s broader agenda of drug-free development, rooted in social responsibility, tribal protection, and sustainable rural upliftment.
