Bhubaneswar, June 24 (UDN): Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Tuesday underscored the urgent need for coordinated and sustained efforts among all enforcement and administrative agencies to eliminate the drug menace from the state, while chairing the seventh meeting of the State-Level Narcotics Coordination Centre (NCORD) at Lok Seva Bhawan.
The high-level meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency coordination, intensifying enforcement actions against drug trafficking networks, and expanding public awareness campaigns aimed at building a drug-free Odisha.
Reviewing the ongoing initiatives, the Chief Secretary directed officials to regularly monitor NCORD-related action plans during district collectors’ conferences and stressed the importance of effective coordination at the district level for better implementation of anti-narcotics strategies.
Garg also called for faster disposal of narcotics-related cases and emphasized the need for proactive enforcement by all concerned agencies. She highlighted that tackling the drug problem requires both strict policing and long-term preventive measures.
Addressing the root causes of illegal cannabis cultivation, she suggested promoting viable alternative agricultural practices and sustainable livelihood opportunities for affected communities, so that farmers can be gradually weaned away from illicit cultivation.
The Chief Secretary further urged departments to intensify awareness programmes, particularly targeting youth, to prevent drug abuse and promote a healthier society.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from various departments and enforcement agencies. Director General of Police CID-Crime Branch Binaytosh Mishra referred to the Union Home Minister’s vision of a “Drug-Free India” and stressed the need for a robust state-level action plan to dismantle drug supply chains. He also reviewed the progress made on decisions taken during the sixth NCORD meeting held on March 20.
Officials reiterated their commitment to strengthening enforcement mechanisms and ensuring sustained action against narcotics networks across Odisha.
