Phulbani, Oct 20: Kandhamal district in Odisha has joined the state’s Drug-Free Odisha campaign, with the district administration stepping up efforts to curb cannabis cultivation and promote alternative livelihood opportunities for local residents.

Following the declaration of Kandhamal as a Maoist-free district, the administration is now focusing on making it a drug-free district. Officials from the block administration, police, Excise Department and Revenue Department are conducting awareness campaigns across villages, urging people to give up cannabis cultivation and join the mainstream.

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The administration has warned that strict action will be taken against those who continue illegal cannabis cultivation. Police and Excise Department officials are using drones to monitor cultivation and identify illegal plantations, which are subsequently destroyed.

Alongside enforcement measures, the administration is encouraging farmers to shift from cannabis cultivation to alternative and profitable livelihood options.

Residents are being advised to take up fruit cultivation, vegetable farming, fish farming, goat rearing, pig farming and dairy farming. The administration is also extending support through agricultural loans and subsidised fertilisers and seeds to help farmers establish sustainable sources of income.

As part of the campaign, a meeting was organised at the Sindrigaon Gram Panchayat premises under Baliguda police station limits in Kandhamal district.

Baliguda Block Development Officer Akshaya Kumar Mallik, Tehsildar Dipti Prakash Behera, Baliguda Range Officer D. Subash Chandra and Inspector-in-Charge Sameer Kumar Behera attended the meeting along with officials from the Excise Department, line departments, local representatives and residents.

During the meeting, participants collectively took an oath to work towards eliminating cannabis cultivation from the area.

To encourage youth participation and promote positive community engagement, a volleyball tournament was organised as part of the initiative. Prizes were also distributed to participants.

Through awareness drives, strict enforcement and support for alternative livelihoods, the district administration aims to discourage illegal cannabis cultivation and encourage residents to adopt sustainable income-generating activities.