SWABI: Police destroyed poppy crop in various areas of mountainous Gadoon Amazai region and Narangi village here on Friday, according to district police officer Imran Shahid.

He said that poppy was cultivated over 200 kanals in Mangal Chayi, Chanai, Dalori, Golagar,Gambela, Panjo, Kandaw, Shahtoot, Dehro and various other small villages in Gadoon Amazai and in Naranji village.

He said that they had destroyed poppy over 150 kanals in Gadoon Amazai and 55 kanals in Narangi area.

Answering a question, he said that in various areas the land on which poppy was grown was shared by different farmers. He said that they would register cases against them in Utla and Kalu Khan police stations after confirming their names.

Officials recalled that in 1983, the Gadoon Amazai area was known for poppy cultivation. Later, Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate was established to provide alternative sources of livelihood to poppy growers who in turn had pledged to give up growing the crop.

SAFETY MEASURES: The district administration officials on Friday advised the people to strictly follow precautionary measures and avoid gatherings in view of coronavirus threat.

Deputy commissioner Shahid Mehmood said that the spread of coronavirus could be effectively checked with the cooperation of people.

Meanwhile, district health officer Dr Mohammad Tariq said that they had taken extraordinary safety measures.

Answering a question, he said that tests of suspected patients in the district had turned out to be negative. He said that at present only one suspected patient was admitted to Chota Lahor tehsil headquarters hospital and results of his test had been awaited.

Published in Dawn, March 21st, 2020