Govt committed to making Odisha ganja-free: Excise Minister

In a major step towards combating narcotics, the Odisha government has initiated a focused campaign to make the state completely ganja-free. Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Thursday announced that a structured process has already begun to eliminate ganja cultivation and its illegal trade across the state.

Addressing the media, the minister made a direct appeal to the public, especially in tribal-dominated regions, urging them to stay away from ganja farming. He expressed concern that members of tribal communities are often lured by drug mafias into cultivating the banned crop under the promise of financial gains.

He informed that several joint strategies have been discussed between the Excise Department and the Police, aimed at enforcing tighter surveillance, uprooting ganja cultivation, and taking strict action against offenders.

“Tribal people are often lured by drug mafias to cultivate ganja. We are also working on a plan to provide alternative livelihood plans for these communities. This year, we have destroyed the maximum of illegal ganja cultivation. We are committed to ending this illegal trade and protecting our tribal population from exploitation, making Odisha ganja-free,” Harichandan stated. 

Along with enforcement, the state government will launch awareness drives to educate tribal communities about the dangers of narcotic cultivation and the legal consequences involved. The focus will be on both curbing the supply chain and rehabilitating vulnerable communities.

The government will keep a sharp eye on drug mafias while sensitising local populations. This is not just a law enforcement issue, but a social responsibility, the minister informed.