Boudh, Odisha: In a significant community-led initiative against illegal drug-related activities, residents of Sigadi village in Boudh district have collectively declared their village “Ganja-Free” during an awareness programme organised by Manamunda Police under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The programme focused on educating villagers about the consequences of illegal ganja cultivation, transportation and trade, while encouraging the community to work closely with law-enforcement authorities and the civil administration to prevent such activities.

During the awareness session, police officials explained how illegal cultivation and transportation of ganja can affect families, local communities and the wider social environment. The villagers were also informed about the legal consequences associated with involvement in prohibited drug-related activities.

Officials urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities in their locality. They stressed that community cooperation is essential for preventing the cultivation, movement and illegal trade of narcotic substances, particularly in rural areas where collective vigilance can play an important role.

A major part of the programme was devoted to discussing lawful livelihood opportunities. Officials informed villagers about government welfare programmes and development-oriented schemes that can provide alternative sources of income. Residents were encouraged to explore legitimate employment and livelihood options rather than becoming dependent on illegal cultivation or drug-related activities.

The message was particularly aimed at creating awareness that sustainable economic development and the prevention of drug-related activities can go hand in hand. By making villagers aware of available government schemes, the programme sought to encourage legal and sustainable livelihood practices at the grassroots level.

Around 100 villagers, including women and children, participated in the programme. Their active participation gave the campaign a strong community dimension. At the conclusion of the awareness programme, residents voluntarily announced their collective decision to identify Sigadi as a “Ganja-Free Village.”

The villagers also took a collective pledge to cooperate with the police and civil administration in preventing illegal ganja cultivation, transportation and unlawful trade. The commitment was presented as a community effort rather than simply a law-enforcement initiative.

The programme was organised under the guidance of Boudh Superintendent of Police Shri Kuldeep Meena, IPS, and led by Boudh DSP Shri Ram Kumar Murmu. Manamunda Police Station IIC Shri Chiranjibi Behera and Sagada Outpost Officer Shri Narasingha Mahapatra also interacted with residents during the programme.

The police officials used the interaction to reinforce the importance of public cooperation in tackling drug-related activities. Direct engagement with villagers also provided an opportunity to discuss local concerns, legal awareness and the importance of maintaining a safe social environment.

The declaration by Sigadi residents marks a notable example of community participation in an anti-drug awareness campaign. While enforcement agencies play a central role in preventing illegal narcotics-related activities, sustained public cooperation can strengthen efforts at the village level.

The initiative also highlights the importance of combining awareness and enforcement with livelihood support. For communities facing economic challenges, access to legitimate employment and government development schemes can help create alternatives to unlawful activities.

The participation of women and children further broadened the reach of the awareness campaign. Educating different sections of the community can help spread information about the social and legal risks associated with drugs beyond the immediate participants.

The collective pledge is expected to encourage greater vigilance among residents and strengthen coordination between the village community, police and administration. It also reflects the broader objective of creating awareness about the harmful consequences of drug-related activities and encouraging communities to support a healthier and safer social environment.

Sigadi’s voluntary declaration therefore represents more than a symbolic statement. It demonstrates the willingness of local residents to participate in efforts aimed at preventing illegal ganja-related activities and promoting lawful livelihoods.

The campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is also a reminder that combating drug-related problems requires participation from multiple sections of society. Police action, administrative support, public awareness and access to legitimate livelihood opportunities can collectively contribute to long-term efforts against illegal drug activities.

With the villagers pledging their cooperation, Sigadi has taken a community-level step towards strengthening vigilance against illegal ganja cultivation and transportation. The success and sustainability of such an initiative will depend on continued cooperation between residents, law-enforcement agencies and the civil administration in the months ahead.

The programme ultimately conveyed a clear message: community awareness and collective responsibility can become important tools in preventing illegal drug activities and supporting the development of safer, healthier and more sustainable rural communities.