A suspected cannabis (ganja) plant was found inside a Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) garden at Gajanan Nagar and has triggered concerns over the security and maintenance of public parks. The residents and local public representatives have demanding a thorough investigation into the incident. The controversy surfaced after former corporator Munna Yadav claimed that a plant suspected to be of cannabis was discovered inside Gajanan Garden in Ajni locality. He alleged that it may have been deliberately planted by youths involved in drug abuse and said the matter had been brought to the notice of Dhantoli Police. However, there is no official confirmation that the plant is cannabis, nor have the police or NMC verified the allegations.

 

The issue gained further attention after local residents reportedly found more suspected cannabis plants concealed among ornamental shrubs and recorded videos of them. BJP corporator Laxmi Yadav alleged that residents had repeatedly complained about groups of teenagers and young adults gathering in the garden during late-night and early morning hours, allegedly to consume intoxicants, but no lasting action had been taken. Yadav urged the civic administration and police to identify those responsible for planting the suspected cannabis and strengthen surveillance in public gardens to prevent similar incidents.

 

The incident has also highlighted the absence of security arrangements in several civic parks. Ganesh Rathod, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Garden), said he had directed officials to inspect the garden after the video surfaced. He stated that appropriate action would be taken if any objectionable plants or lapses were found during inspection. He also acknowledged that while NMC maintains 204 public gardens, security guards are not deployed at all locations. NMC is preparing a policy to provide guards at gardens based on requirements and reports of anti-social activity. Meanwhile, Dhantoli Police said no formal complaint regarding the alleged cannabis plants or drug-related activities had been received. The findings of the official inspection are expected to determine the nature of the plants and whether any criminal offence has been committed.