Operation CHAITANYAM – Eradication of Ganja Cultivation

Operation CHAITANYAM is a flagship, long-term initiative aimed at eliminating illicit Ganja cultivation in the Agency and tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh, with primary focus on Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) District.

Operational Scale & Outcomes (2024–25) 

• 94.77 acres of illicit Ganja cultivation identified and eradicated
• 31,185 Ganja plants destroyed across multiple mandals
• Cultivation reduced to near-zero levels in identified hotspots
• ADRIN-supported technology and satellite inputs used for detection 

Sustainable Prevention Measures 

• 10,803.25 acres brought under alternative crop promotion
• 46.82 lakh horticultural and forest plants distributed
• Alternative livelihood programmes covering 1,631 villages
• Awareness programmes conducted in 245 educational institutions 

Operation CHAITANYAM combined enforcement with rehabilitation, ensuring that eradication efforts were reinforced by livelihood transition, welfare convergence and community participation.