A major crackdown on illegal cannabis cultivation took place in Gajapati district, Odisha, on Monday, leading to the destruction of 45 acres of cannabis plantations estimated to be worth Rs 9 crore. This action is part of the ongoing “Green Clean Mission,” which aims to eliminate cannabis cultivation from the state by 2026.
Operation: Targeting Cannabis in Lakhari Valley
Acting on reliable intelligence, a joint task force, including police, excise, and forest department officials, raided the Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. The operation focused on areas near the Mahulmelani and Guburiguda villages in the Manikapur Panchayat of the Mohana police station.
“The task force acted on the provided inputs and completely destroyed about 45 acres of land being used for cannabis cultivation,” said Soumya Ranjan Baral, a sub-inspector at the Mohana police station.
Cannabis Worth Rs 9 Crore Destroyed
The operation led to the eradication of illegal cannabis crops valued at approximately Rs 9 crore. The cannabis was destroyed by burning the plants, which had been illegally cultivated inside the protected wildlife sanctuary.
This action is part of Odisha’s intensified efforts to curb illegal ganja cultivation, which has been flourishing in several districts, including Gajapati, Ganjam, Deogarh, and Subarnapur.
Green Clean Mission’s Ongoing Success
The “Green Clean Mission,” launched by the Odisha government, continues to make significant progress in its goal to eradicate cannabis cultivation across the state. Within the last month, multiple successful operations have been carried out.
Earlier in November, a Special Task Force (STF) seized over 1000 kg of ganja during a raid in Deogarh district, and cannabis crops were destroyed in several locations, including Ganjam and Subarnapur districts.
Government’s Persistent Crackdown
In the past 30 days alone, a joint team of police, excise, and forest department officials have destroyed several hectares of illegal cannabis plantations, including 87 acres in the Raipanka Panchayat region of Gajapati district, with crops valued at over Rs 17 crore. The Odisha government is determined to continue these efforts, ensuring that the state meets its 2026 goal to eradicate illegal cannabis farming.
