The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, organized a Jan Samvad at Malana village in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh on October 6, 2026. This initiative was conducted as part of CBN's Preventive Outreach under Yuva Raksha initiatives and efforts to promote alternative development in illicit cannabis cultivation affected areas, in accordance with India's National Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) policy, 2012 and Vision document on Narcotics Control 2026–2029.
The event aimed to further Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) and contribute to the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan through sustained preventive awareness, youth engagement, and community participation. Malana village was specifically chosen due to its distinctive cultural heritage, traditional community institutions, and long-standing association with illicit cannabis cultivation areas.
During the Jan Samvad, CBN officers conducted awareness drives to sensitize rural youth and populations about the harmful impacts of cannabis consumption, including ganja, charas, and hashish oil. The bureau simultaneously encouraged villagers to adopt alternative development and cropping systems along with sustainable livelihood models supported by various government departments.
Discussions focused on practical challenges faced by the community in developing alternative livelihoods, including difficulties in apple cultivation, connectivity issues, market linkages, and obtaining fair prices for agricultural produce. The conversation also explored opportunities in apiculture, animal husbandry, dairy-related activities, tourism, and other locally suitable livelihood avenues. Environmental concerns were addressed, particularly the impact of illicit cannabis cultivation on local ecology, including reduction in grazing areas traditionally available for sheep and goats, and concerns relating to deforestation.
At the conclusion of the event, community members took a collective pledge to refrain from drug consumption and to discourage illicit cannabis cultivation in the coming cultivation season. They committed to working with CBN to explore alternative livelihood and crop-development opportunities. School children also participated by taking a pledge to remain drug-free and contribute toward building a healthy and drug-free community.
This Jan Samvad reflects CBN's continued emphasis on combining enforcement with preventive awareness, community participation, and promotion of sustainable alternatives to illicit cultivation as part of the government's broader narcotics control strategy.