Aerial survey finds extensive poppy cultivation
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 13 2023:
The state government on Friday detected extensive cultivation of poppy in three hill districts during an aerial survey conducted by a team led by CAF&PD minister L Susindro Meitei.
During the aerial survey which was carried out as part of the "War on Drugs" campaign, mass poppy plantations were spotted in Thangjing, Chakpikarong and Saikul hill ranges in Churachandpur, Chandel and Kangpokpi districts respectively.
Speaking to media persons at Imphal Airport after the survey, minister Susindro expressed discontentment and disbelief over the manner in which poppy plantations were found cultivated in such a large scale, and said that the government will take up all measures necessary to halt plantation of poppy and initiate exemplary action against those involved in the poppy cultivation.
The survey will be conducted again for which drones have been arranged.
All necessary equipment will be used for destroying the poppy cultivation.
Helicopter will also be used if needed for spraying pesticides over the cultivated area and destroying the poppies, the minister said while adding that the report of the survey will be submitted to the chief minister.
While highlighting the measures to be taken up by the state to control poppy plantations in the state, minister Susindro informed that the government will be submitting representations to the ministry of food and civil supplies pressing for cancellation of ration cards of around 30 villages where poppy plantations are being carried out in large scale.
"The villagers cannot simply remain silent and play innocence when poppy cultivations are being carried out right under their noses despite the government's repeated appeals to desist from it".
The minister further stated that due to cutting down of trees in Saikul hill range for poppy cultivation, the source of water from Kangchup area to different parts of Imphal West district as well as rivers originating from the hills has almost dried up thereby creating water scarcity in the plains.
Therefore, we need to stop poppy plantations so that we get enough water for survival, he said.
The minister also informed that the government will be opening pumping stations to solve the problem of water scarcity at least to some extent and confided that the PHE department will also complete the construction of check dams and provide water to the people.
The pipelines of the water supply scheme at Chingkhei Ching in Imphal East will also be completed very soon and provide water to the pumping stations, he assured.
Friday's aerial survey was also participated by DGP P Doungel, forest and environment additional chief secretary MH Khan, additional DGP (Int/NAB) Ashutosh Kumar Sinha, NAB SP K Meghachandra, Churachandpur SP Shivananda Surve and Kangpokpi SP Th Vikramjit.
Meanwhile, Kangpokpi district police and department officials destroyed poppy cultivation in around 7 acres of land along Koubru hill range of Kolpechang area.
A case has also been registered in this regard by Sapermeina police station.