Poppy over 1015 Kanals of land destroyed in south Kashmir: Official

Kulgam, June 12: The authorities in south Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopain and Pulwama have been successful in eradicating the illicit poppy spread over hundreds of Kanals of land.
A revenue official said that many local residents voluntarily eradicated poppy crops from their own lands, with the administration offering cash crops as an alternative. This proactive approach aims to prevent the spread of narcotics in the area and has garnered praise from both officials and locals.
Officials said that the Revenue, Excise, and Police departments in south Kashmir worked together to destroy a vast poppy plantation and clear land from illicit crops.
“Around 1015 Kanals have been freed from illegal crops in south Kashmir this year so far. In the month of May alone, 416 Kanals and 16 Marlas were freed from Kulgam district only,” officials said.
Abass Rather, District Development Council (DDC) Member, Qaimoh – B and District Secretary CPIM told Rising Kashmir that poppy eradication in the region has several benefits and would assist to ensure that illegal substances do not spread in the area.
“This year’s massive campaign against illicit drug cultivation in Kulgam has been a great boon to the people. The area has been at the top of the rankings in terms of illicit drug usage, and this step would go a long way towards helping in the battle against narcotics,” he added.
Hamid Ganie, Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO), Excise Ranger South Kashmir told Rising Kashmir that under the dynamic leadership of Excise Commissioner, Mr Pankaj Sharma (JKAS) and , the department with the coordinated efforts from Police and Revenue has been successful in eradicating the menace of drugs in south Kashmir which has been the main contributor of drugs cultivation.
“The Excise Department has organised over 100 major and minor drives in South Kashmir during which illicit poppy spread over 1015 Kanals of land were destroyed from April 1st to June 10 this year so far. The multipronged strategy has helped us in the fight against the drugs,” he said.
He said, during the drives, the department have ensured and booked cultivators under NDPS Act 1985.
“More such drives in South Kashmir will follow and the mission is to eradicate the poppy cultivation menace completely from the society,” he added.