VISHAKAHAPTANAM: In a major breakthrough, the Alluri Sitarama Raju district police uncovered nearly 3.5 acres of ganja cultivation in Degalarayi, a hamlet situated in the hilly terrain within the Shulbham panchayat of G Madugula mandal, Vishakhapatnam. This discovery was made through drone surveillance, showcasing the effective use of technology to monitor illegal activities in remote areas. Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate ganja cultivation, authorities report that some tribal communities have continued growing it in isolated forest regions. The police have identified 19 individuals connected to the cultivation of cannabis.
The land used for cultivation includes 1.20 acres of patta land managed by four individuals, 0.05 acres of government land by one individual, 1.95 acres of unsurveyed land by nine individuals, and 0.35 acres of forest land by five individuals. Superintendent of Police Bardar mentioned that initial information from local informants suggested only a small operation, estimating around 10 ganja plants. “The full extent of the cultivation was only revealed after deploying drones,” he said.
SP Bardar also highlighted that the tribal community in Degalarayi has received substantial support for alternative crops, such as silver oak, coffee, and sweet lime, as part of efforts to encourage lawful agriculture. “These alternative crops have been provided to the community, and they have been growing them,” Bardar explained. However, according to preliminary investigations, villagers believed that small, isolated ganja patches would remain undetected amidst dense tree cover and that the police would not monitor the area, given the presence of alternative crops.
Emphasizing the police’s commitment to eliminating ganja cultivation across the district, SP Bardar stated, “We want to send a clear message: no matter where people try to cultivate ganja, we will track and take action. This operation should also serve as a warning to those encouraging illegal activities among tribal communities.”
