Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has proposed the use of drone surveillance technology to detect and eliminate illegal cannabis cultivation in the state.
The announcement was made during a high-level review meeting of the state’s Task Monitoring System (TMS) held at the Secretariat’s video conference hall.
The meeting brought together senior bureaucrats, including Secretaries and Directors of various departments, while District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from all eight districts participated virtually.
Dr. Saha underlined that the use of drones could significantly enhance the state’s capability in monitoring hard-to-access forested areas, where illegal cannabis plantations are often concealed.
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader effort to combat narcotics under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and protect the youth from drug abuse.
The Chief Minister also conducted a wide-ranging review of key sectors including law and order, public infrastructure projects under the Public Works Department, health services, power supply, and the deteriorating traffic situation in Agartala city.
On traffic management, Dr. Saha suggested that vehicle owners in Agartala be required to maintain garage space to reduce roadside parking and ease urban congestion—an idea that may feed into future urban planning policies.
In the health sector, he directed the concerned officials to ensure that all oxygen generation plants and ventilator systems remain fully functional, highlighting the state’s preparedness for potential health emergencies and its continued investment in post-pandemic healthcare infrastructure.
Dr. Saha stressed that real-time data and feedback gathered through the Task Monitoring System will form the basis of future development planning in the state. He emphasized the need for strong inter-departmental coordination to address public grievances and accelerate the pace of governance and development.
The review meeting is part of a series of periodic evaluations initiated by the state government to promote transparency, accountability, and quick response mechanisms across departments.