Pubdate: Mon, 25 May 2009
Source: Tribune, The (India)
Contact:  The Tribune Trust, 2009
Website: http://www.tribuneindia.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5042
Author: Pratibha Chuhan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

SATELLITE IMAGES SHOW MEGA RISE IN HP POPPY CULTIVATION

Satellite images passed on to the state police by the Narcotics Control
Bureau have set alarm bells ringing. The images indicate a growing number
of people in Himachal Pradesh, especially in Kullu valley, have succumbed
to the temptation of cultivating poppy.

The images, said ADGP ( CID) I.D. Bhandari, also mark an increasing shift
from the cultivation of cannabis to the cultivation of poppy. This is
obviously because a kilo of hashish made from cannabis fetches Rs. 20,000
but a Kg of heroin, made from poppy, could fetch up to Rs one crore in the
international market.

Bhandari admitted that the cultivation of poppy, despite the high risks
involved, has become organised and is being done even in apple orchards.
He also acknowledged that the cultivation is possibly done in connivance
with local officials of the Revenue, Forest and the Police departments.

The images have identified 52 panchayts in the districts of Kullu, Mandi,
Chamba and Shimla. The detailed report from the NCB pin pointing the exact
areas in the higher reaches not connected by road have been sent to the
respective SP's of the four districts. "The satellite images indicate an
increase in the area under cannabis and poppy for which we have to create
social awareness and offer attractive alternative farming options," said
Bhandari. The matter has also been taken up at the highest level in the
governemnt so that a changed strategy can be adopted.

The Ani, Banjar, Sainj, Seraj areas of Kullu district and Chuhar Valley in
Mandi district have gained notoriety for illegal cultivation of cannabis
and poppy which lures hordes of foreigners in search of narcotics to the
valley of Gods.

But he was candid in confessing that with the cultivation taking place in
remote and inaccessible parts, away from the roads, it was difficult for
the police to detect or monitor such activities.

"During the last two months cannabis and poppy cultivation over 3,000
bighas in Kullu has been destroyed but such campaigns cannot be successful
till people can be weaned from their illegal cultivation," says Bhandari.

The failure of the revenue and forest officials in reporting the illegal
cultivation on private as well as government land has compounded the
problem for the police.

The police has now decided to register cases against such erring officials
in case they fail to report such illegal cultivations to the police so
that people are discouraged from being in this illegal trade.

With their limited staff and infrastructure the police officials admit
they cannot tackle the problem without assistance from various agencies.
The recent example of Malana village where an alternative farming project
has been initiated will have to be replicated to wean away those engaged
in the drug trade as the efforts made in this direction so far have not
paid dividends.
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