Bhubaneswar, May 13: Odisha has destroyed 27,721 acres of illegal cannabis cultivation in 2024–25, a major jump from 10,320 acres the previous year.
This was revealed at the 5th state-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting held in Lok Sabha Bhawan, Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
The meeting, held under the Ministry of Home Affairs, reviewed past decisions and discussed strategies to combat drug trafficking. Authorities also seized over 1.37 lakh kg of cannabis and 37 kg of heroin this year.
To strengthen enforcement, NDPS courts will be set up in the state. Over 62,000 citizens have pledged against drug use via the e-Govardhan portal. Colleges have been directed to hold pledge drives, while alternative livelihood and crop promotion in affected areas were emphasized.
DGP Y.B. Khurania praised the police excise coordination and outlined plans.
Senior officials from various central and state departments, enforcement agencies, and district administrations participated in the meeting.
