Crackdown on Ganja Cultivation

Paderu, News Today:
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said that the State Government is taking stringent action against the cultivation and transportation of ganja (cannabis).

On Tuesday, she participated in an awareness programme organised under the leadership of EAGLE IGP Ravi Krishna at Sappiputtu village under Salugu Panchayat in Paderu Mandal. Tribal Welfare Minister Gummidi Sandhya Rani also attended the programme.

The ministers travelled nearly eight kilometres through hilly terrain and dense forests to reach the village, where they received a grand traditional welcome from the local tribal people. They also joined the tribal women in performing the traditional Dhimsa dance.

Later, they planted various fruit saplings as an alternative to ganja cultivation and distributed saplings and Rajma (kidney bean) seeds to farmers. The ministers also interacted with the villagers.

Speaking on the occasion, Home Minister Anitha appreciated the tribal farmers for giving up ganja cultivation and adopting alternative crops.

Tribal Welfare Minister Sandhya Rani said that the government is committed to the welfare and development of tribal communities.

EAGLE IGP Ravi Krishna stated that significant progress has been made over the past two years in eradicating ganja cultivation in Alluri Sitharama Raju District.

District Collector Nishanthi, Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar, Joint Collector Sri Pooja, ITDA Project Officer Aditya Varsha, former MLA Eeswari, Jana Sena leader Gangulaiah, and several other officials and public representatives participated in the programme.