Kandhamal, Dec 12: Ganja cultivation continues to rise in various parts of Kandhamal district, with authorities taking strong action to combat it. Each day, the joint efforts of the Excise, Forest, and Police departments have led to the destruction of ganja plants worth crores of rupees.

Recently, in Raikia block, particularly in the Naudimahao area, a significant anti-ganja operation was carried out. Ashutosh Paik, the Raikia Police Station Officer, along with officials from the Excise Department in Phulbani, led the crackdown on a 25-acre ganja plantation in a forest area. Over a lakh of ganja plants were destroyed, and the entire crop was uprooted, rendering it a massive blow to the illegal plantation.

According to preliminary reports, the estimated value of the destroyed crop is around 2 crore rupees. A case (No. 275/2025) has been filed at the Raikia police station, and an investigation has been initiated to identify the individuals involved in the cultivation and illegal trade.

The authorities have assured the public that efforts to eradicate illegal ganja plantations will continue across the district, with stricter monitoring and enforcement to curb this growing issue.