Budgam youth take up initiative to destroy cannabis plants

Srinagar, Aug 03: A group of youth from Batpora Kanihama area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district have taken up a voluntary initiative to remove and destroy thickets of wild bung that grows naturally in various areas in the district.
Interestingly, some 100 youth have volunteered and joined the cause as there is massive natural growth of the wild bung (charas).
Syed Tahir, a youth of Batpora village who heads the volunteer initiative said there has been widespread natural growth of cannabis plants on the banks of river Sukhnag and at several other places.
“The cannabis plants have grown naturally in the huge area. It also affects the fertility of soil and in the long run it can also affect the productivity,” he said.
Tahir said the youth took the initiative in removing the bung cultivation with the aim to keep the youth away from drugs and save their precious lives.
“Our aim is to eradicate the drug menace from society and want to save the lives of youth who are involved in the drugs. When there are thickets of cannabis plants it can also invite the wild animals and can trigger man-animal conflicts,” he said.
Drug menace has become a nuisance particularly in this area and he urged youth come forward and save the youth from this. “Government should come forward and also take note of this move so that we can remove the cannabis plants,” said Tahir.
“We want to appeal to people to be vigilant in their respective areas and if there are such naturally grown plants just destroy the same for the sake of humanity and so that youth do not get involved in drug addiction,” he said.
The volunteer group is planning to intensify the campaign in the district. The move has caught the attention of senior citizens, students and volunteers.