In a major push to eradicate illicit cannabis cultivation, the Andhra Pradesh EAGLE (Enforcement and Anti-Ganja Laws Enforcement) wing officially launched “Operation Chaitanya” in Korrai Kothavalasa village of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district on Monday.

The programme was inaugurated by the Inspector General of Police (EAGLE), A. Ravi Krishna. Aimed at achieving a “zero-ganja cultivation” status across the ASR district, the operation will be conducted between July 13 and August 20.

Highlighting the threats illicit cultivation of cannabis pose to the youth and the future of the region, Mr. Krishna said that public participation is critical to the success of the enforcement efforts, urging farmers, village elders, representatives, and all citizens to extend their full support to the police.

The operation includes a series of village-level awareness campaigns, including “Palle Nidra” (village sleepovers), where officials will engage directly with local communities to discuss the legal, social, and economic repercussions of drug abuse. Officials stated that the programme aims to make villages permanently free from ganja cultivation by ensuring public partnership and inter-departmental coordination among Police, Revenue, Forest, Agriculture, and Tribal Welfare Departments.

To ensure swift action, authorities have urged the public to report any information regarding the cultivation, storage, transport, or sale of narcotics by calling the dedicated ”Eagle 1972” helpline.