In a major crackdown on illegal narcotics cultivation, police forces across multiple districts in Jharkhand are leveraging drone technology to identify and eradicate poppy plantations. The coordinated effort spans the districts of Ranchi, Khunti, Chatra, and Palamu, combining aerial surveillance with extensive ground-level awareness campaigns to persuade farmers against the banned practice.
High-Tech Surveillance Takes to the Skies
Police stations with a history of poppy cultivation have been equipped with drones to conduct daily surveys. Khunti sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Varun Rajak explained that personnel are using these devices to monitor remote and otherwise inaccessible areas. This technological push is delivering concrete results.
In Chatra district, police have destroyed poppy plants covering many acres this year after drone-assisted detection. A significant operation in December led to the destruction of the illegal crop on over 220 acres. More recently, on Sunday, an additional 3 acres of poppy were eradicated in the Kunda region. Cumulatively, in the last plantation cycle, police action has wiped out poppy from a staggering 27,000 acres of land in the region.
Ground Campaigns and Crop Substitution
Beyond destruction, a crucial pillar of the strategy is prevention through awareness. Police are conducting drives across sensitive districts to educate communities about the ill-effects of poppy cultivation. In Khunti, the campaign employs banners, posters, and even traditional drum beats to capture public attention.
This outreach is yielding positive behavioural change. Khunti police reported that several villages under the Arki police station limits have now voluntarily decided to cultivate potato and oilseeds instead of poppy in their fields following the police initiative.
Expanding Vigilance Across Districts
The drone-led vigilance is proving effective in other districts as well. In Palamu, an extensive survey on Thursday led to the identification of poppy plants on approximately five acres of forest land within the Manatu police station limits. This follows an earlier detection in the same area on December 12.
Senior police officials have affirmed that the crackdown will intensify. Inspector General (South Chhotanagpur) and in-charge of the criminal investigation department, Manoj Kaushik, stated that police are implementing several measures to curb poppy cultivation and these efforts will be ramped up in the coming days.
The multi-pronged strategy of Jharkhand police—combining drone technology for detection, swift action for destruction, and community engagement for prevention—marks a significant step in dismantling the infrastructure of illegal drug cultivation in the state.
