Satellite monitoring to curb illegal opium, cannabis cultivation

Patna: State chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Monday directed that satellite data from Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG) and Advanced Data Processing Research Institute (ADRIN) be utilised to identify and ensure the timely destruction of illegal opium and cannabis cultivation.The directions were issued during the 9th Apex Committee meeting of the state-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), held at the auditorium of the main secretariat under the chairmanship of the chief secretary. The home department made a detailed presentation on the prevailing narcotics situation in Bihar and reviewed compliance with decisions taken at the previous NCORD meeting held on July 1, 2024.The chief secretary ordered that NCORD meetings be conducted mandatorily every quarter at the state level and every month at the district level.

He directed all district magistrates to ensure timely uploading of meeting proceedings and action-taken reports on the NCORD portal.The meeting focused on strengthening enforcement and institutional mechanisms to curb narcotics-related activities. Emphasis was laid on capacity building of state-level drug law enforcement agencies to enhance the identification and arrest of drug syndicates. A decision was also taken to sign Memorandums of Understanding with major spiritual organisations to run large-scale awareness campaigns aimed at building social consciousness for de-addiction.

On legal measures, discussions were held in accordance with directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the establishment of special NDPS courts in the state and strengthening the system of presenting evidence through video conferencing in trial courts. The committee also stressed the need to establish and effectively operate de-addiction and rehabilitation centres at the district level.Regarding security arrangements, it was agreed to ensure deputation of Bihar Police personnel for the security of the Narcotics Control Bureau office.Officials said the meeting was aimed at enhancing coordination among various agencies to curb drug trafficking, illegal cultivation and substance abuse. The chief secretary reiterated the state govt’s zero-tolerance policy against the narcotics trade and underlined the need for stronger policy coordination and active cooperation of stakeholders at the ground level.