In a major anti-narcotics drive underOperation Neela Jahar, illegal ganja plantations worth more than Rs 45 lakh were destroyed in Kandhamal district on Wednesday. The operation was carried out jointly by the district police, excise department, forest officials and revenue authorities in forest areas under Tikabali police limits.
During the raid, cannabis plants grown across nearly 46 acres of land were identified and destroyed by burning. The plantations were located in forest patches near Padma, Landapaju and Sunapanga villages under Beheragaon panchayat.
Officials said Kandhamal continues to be a sensitive zone for illegal ganja cultivation, with drug networks exploiting remote forested areas despite repeated enforcement actions. To counter this, authorities have intensified both field operations and awareness campaigns.
As part of the preventive strategy, warning posters have been put up in villages highlighting the legal consequences of ganja cultivation. Officials confirmed that Operation Neela Jahar will continue in the coming days with more raids planned to curb illegal drug farming in the district.
