Drone surveillance launched in Bonai forests to detect illegal ganja and opium cultivation

Sundargarh, Nov 13: The Bonai Forest Division in Odisha's Sundargarh district has launched drone surveillance across remote forest areas to detect illegal ganja and opium cultivation.

The monitoring drive is being conducted across different locations in seven forest ranges to identify suspicious plantations in inaccessible and protected forest areas.

According to reports, illegal opium cultivation had previously been detected in parts of Lahunipada, Gurundia and Koida blocks, raising concerns among forest and law enforcement authorities.

Following these incidents, the Forest Department, police and Excise Department have intensified efforts to prevent illegal narcotics cultivation in the region.

The latest drone surveillance operation was launched under the direction of Bonai Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Jashabanta Sethi. The move comes amid allegations that drug mafias from outside the state are entering the region and encouraging local villagers to cultivate ganja and opium.

An Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) said drones are being operated across all seven forest ranges to monitor potential illegal plantations. Some suspicious locations have reportedly already been identified during the surveillance.

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Drone monitoring is expected to help officials cover dense and remote forest areas that are difficult to access through conventional patrolling.

Authorities are also focusing on identifying those involved in illegal cultivation and investigating the alleged role of outsiders in the activity.

The operation aims to curb illegal narcotics production, protect forest areas and prevent the region from becoming a hub for illicit drug cultivation.