Odisha Intensifies Efforts Against Illegal Cannabis Cultivation

The Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department has ramped up efforts to combat illegal cannabis cultivation on government land. In a directive to officials in six districts, the department emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance, especially in areas known for ganja farming. With a significant area previously cleared of illegal crops, officials are tasked with monitoring these lands closely as the new crop season begins. The initiative includes maintaining detailed records and immediate reporting of any new illegal activities. A stern warning has been issued against any revenue officials found colluding with illegal cultivators, ensuring strict compliance with the law.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 14, 2026, 16:55 IST

Increased Vigilance Against Cannabis Cultivation

Representational Image

Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: The Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM) Department has instructed revenue officials in six districts to enhance their vigilance against the illegal cultivation of cannabis on government land, especially in regions known for ganja farming.

Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, the Additional Chief Secretary of the R&DM department, has communicated with the Collectors of Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Gajapati districts, urging them to raise awareness among field revenue personnel, including Tehsildars, Additional Tehsildars, Revenue Supervisors, and Revenue Inspectors.

In a letter dated August 10, Padhee highlighted that during the cannabis eradication initiative in the 2025-26 crop season, Odisha Police dismantled illegal cannabis farms covering 36,508.792 acres across 1,631 GPS-mapped plots in the six targeted districts. Notably, 6,632.197 acres of this area were identified as government or revenue land.

The Police Department has shared GPS coordinates of the sites where illicit cannabis was eradicated in the last crop season (November 2025 to March 2026). This data will facilitate systematic and ongoing monitoring of these land parcels. Dr. Padhee emphasized the need for vigilance, as individuals involved in illegal cannabis farming often return to the same government land each year, particularly in remote areas.

With the onset of the 2026-27 crop season, there is a risk of renewed illegal cannabis cultivation on previously cleared lands. Consequently, all field officials have been tasked with closely monitoring these areas. Tehsildars, Additional Tehsildars, Revenue Inspectors, and Revenue Supervisors are expected to collaborate effectively.

They are also required to maintain continuous oversight of all government revenue lands where illegal cannabis farming was previously identified and eradicated, ensuring that detailed records, including village and plot specifics along with GPS coordinates, are prepared in advance.

In the event that illegal cannabis cultivation is discovered again on government land, officials must promptly notify the relevant police station, the Special Task Force (STF), or the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), as mandated by Section 47 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Dr. Padhee has instructed the Collectors to establish an effective internal reporting system at the district level to ensure timely communication of such information to law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, officials are urged to maintain close cooperation with local police to thwart illegal cannabis cultivation and ensure adherence to these directives.

Padhee has issued a strong warning that any revenue official found aiding individuals or groups involved in illegal cannabis farming will face immediate disciplinary action.