Bhubaneswar: Odisha will further intensify measures to curb illicit trafficking and consumption of narcotics, with emphasis on public awareness, de-addiction services, youth engagement and alternative livelihood opportunities in vulnerable areas, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said on Saturday.
Chairing the 8th state-level review meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) at Lok Seva Bhawan here, Garg stressed the need for coordinated efforts among departments to build a drug-free society.
During a special anti-drug awareness drive from August 16 to 31, around 2.68 lakh students were sensitised through 1,751 programmes across the state, the meeting was informed.
The State STF and NCORD also presented details of ongoing enforcement and awareness measures. A state-level campaign has identified six inter-state drug syndicates, with action initiated against their illegal operations.
The meeting reviewed measures to reduce drug demand, strengthen de-addiction centres, engage young people in sports and creative activities and transform educational institutions into drug-free zones.
Garg directed officials to prepare annual district-level sports calendars and organise more sports and creative activities in vulnerable districts to keep youth away from substance abuse.
He also advised authorities to declare educational institutions as drug-free zones, maintain regular monitoring of students and create awareness about the adverse effects of substance abuse. Steps were also directed to ensure that paan shops do not operate in the vicinity of educational institutions.
The meeting discussed measures to curb illegal narcotics cultivation through awareness and alternative farming opportunities for affected communities. Awareness programmes on the NDPS Act are being conducted in 198 villages across 80 hotspot Gram Panchayats in 22 blocks.
Satellite imagery and remote sensing technology will be used to monitor areas vulnerable to illegal cannabis cultivation and identify possibilities for alternative farming, officials said.
The Chief Secretary also called for village-level awareness programmes and workshops on alternative cultivation practices and livelihood opportunities.
He directed joint teams of various departments to conduct regular inspections, surprise raids and monitoring to check the illegal trade and consumption of narcotics. District-level NCORD committees will also be strengthened to ensure regular and effective inter-departmental coordination.
The meeting further reviewed pending cases involving foreign nationals, appeals against acquittals and implementation of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. Discussions were also held on social media outreach, perception management and public feedback mechanisms.
Among those present were Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Information & Public Relations departments Hemant Sharma, DGP Vinayotosh Mishra, IG (STF) Himanshu Lal, DIG (STF) Dr K.V. Singh, senior officials of various departments, the DDG and Zonal Director of NCB, Bhubaneswar, Head of the Odisha Maritime Board and representatives of the Navy, CISF, Bhubaneswar Airport, Railways and Paradip Port.
