New Delhi, Oct. 14 -- In Himachal Pradesh's Parvati Valley, a picturesque tourist destination in Kullu district, a multi-agency operation is underway against illicit cannabis cultivation. Parvati Valley has become infamous for the production and trafficking of high-quality hashish (hash). An NCB officer said the crackdown aims not only to nip the problem in the bud by targeting cultivation at its source, but also to address the issue of drugs sourced from elsewhere being sold or marketed as originating from this region in North India. Hashish (and marijuana) are sold at several times the normal street price after being tagged as products of the sacred Parvati Valley. Officials believe sustained action against illicit cultivation across the valley, which lies beside the Parvati River, is crucial to prevent its exploitation as a narcotics trade hub. An NCB spokesperson said that at least 592 acres of illicit cannabis cultivation have been destroyed in Kullu over the last two months. The teams used current and historical satellite images to track and destroy the crop by burning it. "The joint operation was carried out by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Himachal Pradesh Police, and the state forest department. The teams climbed steep forested slopes at 2,100-3,050 metres near Tosh to reach heights inaccessible by road. The teams cut and burned the illicit crop on site, capturing geo-tagged photographs. Teams are now moving to Kasol for the next phase," the spokesperson added. Officials said the drive is part of the Centre's war on drugs, which aims to dismantle drug networks by December 31, 2029, a target announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah last month. HT has seen a government plan to achieve zero illicit cultivation in known areas (hotspots) by December 2027. The valley in HP's Kullu district is often in the news due to tourists, including many foreigners, using and smuggling Parvati Valley hashish. In recent years, it has also been in the news for holding rave and drug parties. Earlier this year, Russian psytrance and dark electronic DJ DashAlien Dazura, born Daria Kuzminykh-a Moscow-born artist also known online as Dasha and Dishaleen-died from a suspected drug overdose in a hotel in Kasol. On June 6, the Himachal Pradesh High Court directed the police and the administration to investigate complaints about rave parties. The Himalayan Environment Protection Society, Kullu, had earlier complained to the court about 'rave parties' in Kasol, Jibhi, Manali, and other parts of Kullu. The court was also informed that entry tickets to these parties ranged from Rs.5,000 to Rs.7,00,000, videos of these parties were available online, and drugs were openly available at such events. About the demand for cannabis from Parvati Valley, an NCB officer said, "It is said that the temperature, water, air, and altitude of the valley make it the best place across India for cannabis cultivation. This is why the hash that comes from the cannabis plant of Parvati Valley is in high demand." "This region in Kullu is a historical and spiritual place, but it is often in the news for the wrong reasons. Ninety percent of tourists come here for spiritual tourism, meditation, and trekking to places such as Kheerganga and Tosh. The 10% are the reason why the valley has gained notoriety," the officer added....