THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec 20: Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari emphasized that all relevant departments should formulate strategies to curb drug-related activities. She directed strict monitoring of poppy cultivation, opium production from its crop, and its distribution channels.
Highlighting that the high income from poppy cultivation motivates people to engage in it, she noted that they are undeterred even by the threat of imprisonment. To address this, she stressed the need to discourage poppy cultivation and collaborate with the Agriculture Department to provide alternative sources of income.
She made these remarks while addressing a meeting organized by the Home Department on Friday at the Secretariat to discuss measures for preventing poppy cultivation.
Targeting networks and forested areas for action
She stated that alongside identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the drug trade, it is equally important to focus on ensuring their conviction. Complete success can only be achieved by dismantling the entire network associated with the drug trade.
She noted that most poppy cultivation occurs near water bodies in forested areas. The Forest Department, in coordination with the district administration, should identify such locations, destroy the crops, and ensure legal action against those involved in cultivation. Additionally, the Forest Department should discourage poppy cultivation by utilizing vacant forest lands for activities such as plantation drives.
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Awareness campaigns needed at every level
She stated that the drug trade can also be curbed through public awareness campaigns. Such campaigns should be conducted at every level, with a particular focus on involving the Panchayati Raj Department, as utilizing their resources could play a crucial role in these efforts.
Expressing concern over the rising drug addiction in certain cities, she stressed the need to involve the Education Department in awareness drives to create an anti-drug environment starting from schools. She underscored the importance of developing and implementing strategies to achieve this goal.
SPs, DCs provide updates on actions
Earlier in the meeting, the Superintendents of Police and Deputy Commissioners from districts affected by poppy cultivation, including Chatra, Khunti, Hazaribagh, Latehar, Palamu, Ranchi, Chaibasa, and Seraikela-Kharsawan, provided updates on actions taken to curb poppy farming and outlined future strategies.
The NDPS team delivered a detailed presentation on the drug trade and shared recommendations for its prevention.
Home Secretary Vandana Dadel and DGP Anurag Gupta issued several key directives during the meeting.
The Principal Secretary of the Panchayati Raj Department, Vinay Kumar Choubey, and the Secretary of the Forest Department, Abubakar Siddiqui, were also present.
