Odisha Launches “Operation Prahar” to Make Bhubaneswar Drug-Free

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced an intensified crackdown on drug trafficking and abuse with the launch of a special drive—Operation Prahar—from September 1. The initiative aims to make the capital city Bhubaneswar free from drugs and other intoxicants, with plans to expand the campaign across the state.

A high-level meeting chaired by State Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan on Friday finalised the strategy for the drive. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, senior police officials, Excise Department officials, and representatives of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

The Minister directed authorities to take stringent action against drug traffickers, including the use of the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act and CrPC 110 (BNSS-129) provisions. To strengthen enforcement, the government has decided to establish model drug control units in each district.

Harichandan underlined the urgency of the mission, stressing that drug abuse is not only destroying lives but also fueling crime and disrupting social order. He urged the use of technology-driven surveillance and targeted raids to identify and curb drug networks.

The Special Task Force (STF), Excise Department, NCB, and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will jointly spearhead the initiative. The Chief Secretary assured full administrative support to ensure the campaign’s success.

As part of the drive, authorities will tighten checks on smuggling routes and intensify raids in educational institutions in Bhubaneswar, which have been identified as vulnerable areas for drug peddling.

With Operation Prahar, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance approach towards drug abuse, positioning Odisha as a frontrunner in the fight against narcotics.