Chandigarh, 25th May, 2024: In adherence to the directives of the Hon’ble Punjab & Haryana High Court, the Engineering Department of the Chandigarh Administration has launched a comprehensive exercise to eradicate cannabis plants across the city. This initiative is being carried out in coordination with the Chandigarh Police and the Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh. The Engineering Department, in collaboration with the Horticulture Wing, has formed special teams comprising officers from the Public Health and Horticulture Wings to identify and remove cannabis plants from various open spaces, roads, and vacant plots under the jurisdiction of the Chandigarh Administration. These efforts are in strict accordance with the procedures outlined in the Drug Law Enforcement Field Officers’ Handbook issued by the Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. To ensure the enforcement of these norms, Police Department has been requested to deploy police representatives to assist the Horticulture Wing staff during the cannabis removal operations. This collaboration aims to facilitate the smooth and effective removal of cannabis plants and their subsequent destruction as per the stipulated guidelines. The proforma for the assessment and documentation of cannabis plant removal will be jointly signed by the area Junior Engineer and the designated Police Officers to ensure accountability and transparency in the process. The Horticulture Wing commenced the removal operations on May 23, 2024, and continued through May 24 and May 25, 2024. This exercise is set to persist until the complete eradication of cannabis plants from all Chandigarh Administration lands is achieved.