Illegal cannabis cultivation on about 592 acres destroyed in Kullu's Parvati Valley; now it's Kasol and Chamba's turn

Kullu (Himachal Pradesh). The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in coordination with the ITBP, Himachal Pradesh Police, and the Forest Department, has destroyed illegal cannabis crops being grown on about 592 acres in the Parvati Valley of Kullu district. This cultivation was being carried out in remote areas surrounded by forests at an altitude of 2,100 to 3,050 meters above sea level. The next phase of the operation is now moving towards Kasol, while another NCB team has reached Chamba district.

How the operation was conducted in remote areas

According to the NCB, the teams had to reach locations inaccessible by road. Amidst rain and dense fog, the personnel traversed steep, forested slopes. The crops were cut and burned on the spot. Geo-tagged photographs were taken to maintain a record of the operation.

According to reports, photo and video recordings of the entire operation are also being made to ensure the process remains transparent. Upon completion of the operation, the Forest Department will issue a certificate of destruction for the crops.

Scope and background of the campaign

This joint operation has been underway for some time in the high and remote mountainous regions of Kullu. Information about it emerged at the end of September, by which time crops on about 61 acres had already been destroyed. The total figure is now reported to be about 592 acres (approximately 240 hectares).

According to officials, this action is being taken under the "Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026-29". Its objective is to curb narcotics at the source—that is, at the level of illegal cultivation—through coordination between central and state agencies.

Further action

Reports state that once the individuals involved in the illegal cultivation are identified, legal action will be taken against them in accordance with the rules. As of the time of writing this report, information regarding the arrest of the cultivators or cases registered against them has not been made public.

Agencies have appealed to the general public to provide information related to drug trafficking on the National Narcotics Helpline (toll-free 1933). The identity of the informants will be kept confidential.