PAMPORE: The revenue department in saffron town Pampore destroyed standing poppy on many kanals of land in a drive which is on for past two days. In a drive led by Tehsildar Pampore, Ishtiyaq Mohi-ud-Din standing poppy spreading over 83 kanals of land was destroyed. The drive was carried out in Samboora, Alchibagh, Karnabal, Patalbagh, Khrew and other areas of Pampore.

The drive was launched on the directions of DC Pulwama Raghav Langer. Tehsildar Pampore Ishtiyaq Mohi ud din told Kashmir Reader that they had issued notices to poppy growers for destroying the narcotic crop and given them ample time for this but many didn’t pay any heed. “We will take an action against them,” he said, adding the drive has been launched in every village of the tehsil. The cultivation of poppy crop has seen a decrease in Pampore after authorities adopted zero tolerance against this menace.

However, some farmers still continue to grow this narcotic crop in their courtyards and vegetable gardens. After a fresh warning by authorities, some farmers started destroying the poppy cultivation on their own. Revenue officials said that the drive will continue till this whole crop is wiped out.

BILAL HABIB