Crackdown on Cannabis Cultivation and Transportation

District Collector AS. Dinesh Kumar Advocates for Strict Measures Against Cannabis

“Promoting Alternative Crops Among Tribal Farmers

Collector AS Dinesh Kumar's Directive in Officers' Meeting

SP Tuhin Sinha's Special Measures to Eradicate Cannabis Cultivation"

*Paderu, July 9 (Andhra Jyoti)*: District Collector AS. Dinesh Kumar emphasized the need for rigorous enforcement against the cultivation and transportation of cannabis. Responding to a special article titled 'Ganja leaves the smell..?' published in 'Andhra Jyoti,' Collector Dinesh Kumar held a meeting on Tuesday with officials from various departments to discuss the eradication of cannabis in Manyam.

During the meeting, Collector Dinesh Kumar stressed the importance of maintaining strict vigilance at check posts to prevent the transportation of cannabis. He ordered the identification and cancellation of land titles where cannabis is cultivated. Additionally, farmers engaged in cannabis cultivation should be identified and encouraged to switch to alternative crops. The Collector emphasized the need to educate tribal farmers about the dangers of cannabis cultivation and to support them with fruit plants as part of a transition program. 

He also highlighted the importance of raising awareness among students in degree and polytechnic colleges about the dangers of cannabis use and suggested utilizing de-addiction centers and Manasina Vikasa Kendras to bring about change among those using cannabis. Furthermore, the Collector directed police and Special Enforcement Bureau officials to prepare profiles of individuals caught with cannabis.

Special Measures for Eradication of Cannabis Cultivation: SP

District SP Tuhin Sinha stated that special measures have been implemented to eradicate cannabis cultivation in the agency. Speaking virtually at the meeting organized by the Collector, he noted that 7,500 acres of cannabis were cultivated in nine mandals, excluding Koyyur and Anantgiri mandals. Due to the transformation program, this area has been reduced to 1,039 acres, and efforts are ongoing to further eliminate the crop. Tribals have been redirected from cannabis cultivation to alternative crops.

SP Sinha added that legal measures have been taken against farmers who cultivated cannabis and those associated with the land used for cultivation. Joint Collector Bhavana Vashishtha, ITDA PO V. Abhishek, DFO Vinodkumar, RDO B. Padmavathy, District SEB Officer Srinivasa Rao, and various district and division level officials participated in the program.