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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
23 tonne of ganja destroyed, 2,000 arrested in one year: Andhra Home Minister Anitha
Amaravati, The Andhra Pradesh government, as part of its anti-drug operations, has arrested nearly 2,000 people and destroyed 23 tonne of ganja in one year, said state Home Minister V Anitha on Monday. 23 tonne of ganja destroyed, 2,000 arrested in one year: Andhra Home Minister Anitha As much as 27 litres of hashish oil and 290 vehicles were seized through consistent anti-drug operations, she added. The state government has intensified its anti-drug operations by establishing EAGLE in 2024. Also, drones are deployed to monitor and destroy illegal cannabis cultivation, the minister said at a press conferenence. "In the past one year, nearly 831 cases were booked. A total of 2,114 individuals were arrested. Also 23,770 kilograms of ganja and 27 liters of hashish oil were seized," she said. The government has formed a sub-committee with officials of education, health, excise, tribal welfare and home departments through the "Eagle Task Force" in Amaravati, Rajamahendravaram and Visakhapatnam to counter the menace of marijuana and other drugs. A total of 26 district-level "Eagle Cells" are operational across the state, the minister said. To prevent drug usage among the youth, around 40,000 "Eagle clubs" were established in various schools and colleges. The students are being sensitised against drug abuse, while initiatives such as intensified surveillance, financial investigations, strict prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act Act enforcement and advanced technology-driven tracking systems will be implemented, she said. The minister said seven kingpins' assets worth over ₹8 crore were seized while 150 illegal medical shops were raided as part of the anti drug operation. Anitha further claimed that Araku and Paderu, once notoriously known as drug hubs, have now transformed into global coffee growing centre. Moreover, 325 hotspot villages with regards to marijuana cultivation were cleared, with 40 lakh alternative crop saplings distributed to ensure financial support for tribal people, she said. As many as 8,200 awareness camps were organised to educate tribals about the dangers of drugs and government-led sustainable livelihood initiatives. Eagle Inspector General A Ravi Krishna said rehabilitation programmes and anti-drug campaigns like "Say No to Drugs Brother," aiming towards a drug-free Andhra Pradesh, are being undertaken. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Former ganja ryots given commercial crop seeds, plants
Visakhapatnam: State home minister V Anitha and women and child & tribal welfare minister Gummadi Sandhya Rani distributed plants and seeds—such as silver oak, coffee, jamun, and jackfruit—to tribal farmers previously engaged in ganja cultivation, offering them alternative livelihood options. Home minister Vangalapudi Anitha emphasised that tribals are synonymous with goodness and highlighted the uniqueness of the Paderu and Araku regions. She noted that since the formation of the NDA government, special attention has been given to eradicating cannabis cultivation. A large-scale anti-drug awareness programme titled Chaitanyam - 2025 was held on Friday at the Paderu Government Junior College grounds, aiming to build a cannabis-free society. The minister stated that awareness drives are being conducted statewide through the Eagle Team. tnn
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Govt. distributes 2 crore saplings in tribal regions to curb ganja cultivation
In a step to curb ganja cultivation in the tribal regions, Minister for Tribal Affairs Gummadi Sandhya Rani announced that the government will distribute nearly two crore horticulture plants to farmers in the Agency areas in Alluri Sitharama Raju district. The announcement was made during 'Chaitanyam 2025,' an awareness meet organised in Paderu The Minister said that the NDA government is committed to eradicating ganja from the State. As an alternative to ganja, tribal farmers will receive fruit-bearing plants such as silver oak, sapota, mango, guava, jamun, lemon, jackfruit, and custard apple. The Minister said: 'Almost 90% of ganja cultivation has already been eradicated in the district.' She highlighted how tribal-grown coffee has achieved international recognition and revealed that plans are underway to expand coffee plantations to one lakh acres. She further said that the government is making efforts to improve road infrastructure in remote tribal regions, with ₹1,000 crore earmarked for road construction over the next few years Home Minister V Anitha expressed concerns over tribal youth being exploited by ganja smugglers and middlemen. She said: 'Of the 900 ganja smugglers currently in Visakhapatnam Central Jail, nearly 700 are tribal youth misled by middlemen to illegally cultivate ganja.' The Home Minister also said that assets worth ₹3.73 crore have been seized from those involved in ganja-related crimes. District Collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar shared that fruit saplings are being planted across 35,000 acres through the NREGS scheme, with a budget of ₹54 crore. He said that, following Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's directives, coffee cultivation will be scaled up significantly in the next three to four years. District SP Amit Bardar said that around 93 acres of ganja crops have been identified and destroyed using drone surveillance. He stated that 325 families previously engaged in ganja farming are now being supported with alternate livelihoods. Awareness programs have been organised in over 1,600 villages to educate people on the dangers and legal consequences of ganja cultivation. Eagle IG Ravi Krishna urged citizens to report illegal activities through the toll-free number 1972, assuring confidentiality for informants. During the programme, the dignitaries distributed saplings and ragi seeds to farmers. Officials also launched the 'Swachha Sankalpam' poster.
Hans India
10-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Home minister presents awards to 158 meritorious students
Vizianagaram: Minister for Home Affairs V Anitha emphasised that while education, career, and family are essential, it is equally important to focus on discipline and character development. She said that the success of every child is built upon the sacrifices of their parents, highlighting that parents are a child's first and best friends. On Monday, Minister Anitha addressed the Shining Stars Awards ceremony in Vizianagaram, where she honored approximately 158 students who excelled in their 10th and Intermediate examinations across the district. She distributed awards and engaged with both the students and their families. 'Education is the real investment for the future,' she stated, urging students to set high goals and work diligently to achieve them. Minister Anitha encouraged students to draw inspiration from role models in their environment and to be mindful of the influences they encounter on their journey. She urged them to choose what is right and positive. The Minister praised the accomplishments of students from government schools, calling them 'hidden gems in the soil.' She acknowledged Education Minister Lokesh's commitment to valuing education and supporting talented students by providing these awards and cash incentives. As part of the recognition, each of the 158 students received a cheque for Rs 20,000, a certificate of appreciation, and a medal. Among the awardees were 106 girls and 52 boys, with 93 students from government institutions and 65 from private institutions.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh home minister Anitha launches 2047 vision offices in Vizianagaram
Visakhapatnam: Home minister V Anitha on Monday inaugurated the Swarna Andhra 2047 vision document implementation unit at the Vizianagaram district collectorate. Later, chief minister Chandrababu Naidu participated virtually in the event from Amaravati. Speaking to the media on this occasion, Anitha said that unit offices have been established in all constituencies to achieve the goals outlined in the Swarna Andhra 2047 vision document. She said this as a step forward across all sectors. "The vision documents have already been prepared at the district, constituency, mandal, and secretariat levels in every district. These documents outline the development to be achieved over the next five years as well as the long-term goals to be attained by 2047. The action plan includes increasing per capita income, creating employment opportunities, developing infrastructure, and other related aspects of growth. The foundation for this initiative was laid within a year. A team of five members has been appointed for each constituency to oversee the implantation of the vision plan. The P4 policy is one approach to eliminating inequalities. The government's goal is to identify about 20 lakh guides to support the identified families," said Anitha.
