Ganja cultivators not to be covered under Rythu Bandhu, Bhima schemes: KCR

"Schemes like Rythu Bandhu, and Bhima would not be extended to those cultivating Ganja. Their permits would be canceled," KCR said.

The CM was chairing a meeting with top police and excise officials to devise a plan for ending Ganja cultivation in the state.

"Arrest those supplying the substance and break the Ganja supply chain," he said.

Excise and police officials told the CM that the Ganja is being cultivated in the Andhra-Odisha region and it is smuggled into Telangana from Chintur and Bhadrachalam. Later it is smuggled into Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Officials said coordination between the police forces of all states is key to smash these drug cartels. Officials informed the CM said that Ganja is also smuggled from Chhattishgarh.

"Those using Ganja include migrant laborers, youth, auto drivers, and hamalis," officials said.

It was also decided that besides police and excise departments, the forest department will also set up checks posts for surveillance.

Speaking on the occasion, DGP Mahender Reddy asked the officials to identify the hotspots and take stringent measures. "Steps will be taken to coordinate with Vizag and Malkangiri police," he said.

KCR said Gudumba is produced locally and the excise department should take measures to end this trade. The CM said collectors would be given clear-cut directions to rehabilitate people employed in Gudumba manufacturing units.

The CM said young tribal women are becoming widows because their husbands consume poisonous Gudumba. He said the ban on Gudumba should be implemented strictly. The CM instructed excise minister Srinivas Goud and commissioner Sarfraj Ahmed to be more alert.

The CM wanted the Intelligence department to play a key role in eradicating the malady. He said a special cell should be constituted to oversee the operation against Ganja smuggling.

KCR said Sarpanches should play a key role and inform the excise officials about the Ganja cultivation in their villages. He said special counsels should be appointed to bring criminals to justice.

The CM said programmes should be held to create awareness among the youth about drug abuse. He asked Chief Secretary to use the audio-video medium to create awareness. He also wanted the ill effects of drug abuse to be included in the school curriculum.

The CM instructed OSD Desapthy Srinivas to take measures to include chapters on the ill effects of drug abuse in school textbooks.