The Odisha government on Saturday reviewed its ongoing measures to curb the illegal trade and use of narcotic substances, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg calling for stronger coordination, regular inspections and surprise raids to strengthen the state’s fight against drugs.
The 8th state-level Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD) review meeting, chaired by Garg, was held at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The meeting focused on reducing drug demand, strengthening de-addiction services, expanding public awareness and creating a drug-free environment in educational institutions.
Officials also discussed measures to prevent illegal cultivation of narcotic substances by promoting alternative crops and livelihood opportunities in vulnerable areas.
1,751 Awareness Programmes Reach 2.67 Lakh Students
The Special Task Force (STF) and NCORD presented details of expanded anti-drug awareness initiatives during the meeting.
As part of a special campaign conducted from August 16 to 31, as many as 1,751 awareness programmes were organised, reaching around 2,67,900 students.
The government also reviewed ongoing enforcement action against illegal drug trafficking. Six inter-state drug syndicates have been identified during state-level operations, with action initiated against those involved in the illegal trade.
Officials stressed that enforcement alone would not be sufficient to create a drug-free society. Awareness, rehabilitation services, youth participation, alternative livelihoods and community involvement were identified as equally important components of the strategy.
Focus on Alternative Livelihoods
The meeting placed particular emphasis on preventing illegal drug cultivation in vulnerable areas.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need for continuous awareness campaigns among communities in affected areas while ensuring that farmers have access to alternative crops and livelihood opportunities.
Officials discussed conducting awareness programmes and workshops at the village level to educate communities about alternative cultivation options and the legal consequences of illicit drug cultivation.
198 Villages Covered Under NDPS Awareness Drive
The government said extensive awareness activities on the NDPS Act are currently underway across 198 villages under 80 hotspot gram panchayats in 22 blocks.
Satellite imagery and remote-sensing technology are also being used to monitor areas where illegal cannabis cultivation may be taking place and to identify opportunities for alternative cultivation.
The meeting also discussed measures related to awareness campaigns, effective use of social media, perception management and systems to receive and respond to public feedback.
More Sports Activities for Youth
Garg stressed the need to keep young people engaged in sports and creative activities as part of efforts to prevent substance abuse.
She called for the preparation of annual sports calendars at the district level and more sports and creative programmes in vulnerable districts.
The Chief Secretary also advised authorities to work towards declaring educational institutions drug-free campuses.
Schools have been advised to form internal committees, maintain regular monitoring of students and increase awareness about the harmful effects of drugs.
The meeting also stressed the need for action to ensure that paan shops do not operate in the vicinity of educational institutions.
Joint Teams for Regular Checks and Raids
Garg directed departments to form joint teams to conduct regular inspections, surprise raids and monitoring operations to prevent the illegal trade and use of narcotic substances.
She also called for stronger district-level NCORD committees and more effective coordination among departments and enforcement agencies.
Particular emphasis was placed on regular monitoring and inter-departmental coordination to protect school and college students from the impact of drugs.
Foreign Nationals’ Cases Also Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed pending cases involving foreign nationals, including appeals against acquittal judgments and the implementation of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
The government said comprehensive measures were being taken to prevent illegal drug cultivation in identified areas and strengthen coordination among agencies involved in drug-control operations.
Senior officials from the Home, Information and Public Relations departments, Odisha Police, STF, Narcotics Control Bureau, Odisha Maritime Board, Navy, CISF, Bhubaneswar airport, Railways and Paradip Port, among others, attended the meeting.
