Bilal Habib
PAMPORE, June 12: In a concerted crackdown on narcotic cultivation, the Excise Department in collaboration with Pampore Police launched a major drive to destroy wild bhang (cannabis) in Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.
The joint operation targeted vast tracts of illicit cannabis plants growing along the banks of the river Jhelum in the Khankahbagh locality. Officials confirmed that dozens of kanals of wild bhang cultivation were cleared during the drive.
This marks the first such anti-bhung campaign of the year in Pampore, also known as the Saffron Town. Authorities have vowed to continue these operations throughout the summer to curb the spread and misuse of the plant.
An official from the Excise Department, speaking to Kashmir Convener, described the initiative as part of a long-term effort to eradicate narcotic cultivation in the region.
“We carry out this drive every year. It’s one of the biggest achievements of our department. We’ve already achieved 100% control over bhung cultivation in Anantnag and Shopian districts. What remains now is wild bhung, which naturally grows along riverbanks and on state land,” he said.
The official added that the department had received reports of the wild bhang being misused in certain areas of Pampore. “Today’s drive is the first of the season and was carried out in coordination with the police. We appeal to parents and community leaders to stay vigilant and help keep children away from such substances,” he added.
Officials assured that the anti-narcotics campaign will continue in the coming weeks with similar action planned in other vulnerable areas of south Kashmir.
