Odisha Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Ganja Cultivation Across Six Districts

The Odisha government has stepped up its campaign against illegal ganja cultivation on government land, targeting six districts — Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Gajapati.

In the 2025–26 crop season, police destroyed more than 36,500 acres of illicit plantations, including 6,600 acres on government revenue land.

To prevent recurrence, GPS coordinates of destroyed plots have been shared for systematic monitoring, and officials have been directed to maintain detailed records at the plot and village level.

Revenue officials, including Tahasildars and Revenue Inspectors, have been instructed to remain vigilant in remote areas where repeat cultivation is likely.

Any fresh instances must be reported immediately to local police, the Special Task Force (STF), or the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF).

The government has warned of strict action against officials found colluding with ganja mafias.

This coordinated effort aims to ensure government land is not misused again for illegal cultivation and to strengthen collaboration between the Revenue Department and law enforcement agencies.