Nagpur: From a British-era military outpost to a proud guardian of its own people, Kamptee’s transformation is a story that mirrors India’s journey from subjugation to self-governance. Once called ‘Camp-T’ for its T-shaped layout during the British Raj, the historic township will mark a new chapter next week when Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurates it as the headquarters of Zone 6 of the Nagpur Police Commissionerate — just days before the nation celebrates its 79th Independence Day.

Established in 1821 as a cantonment by the British, Kamptee was strategically positioned along the Kanhan River to serve as a key military garrison for controlling Central India. The iconic British-built Kanhan bridge, which has silently stood watch through two World Wars, Independence, pandemics, and decades of change, remains a living monument to its layered past.

Today, the reins are firmly in local hands. Carved out from Zone 5, the new Zone 6 will be led by DCP Niketan Kadam, who earlier headed Zone 5, sources confirmed. This marks a symbolic break from colonial policing, placing the responsibility of law, order, and community welfare with the people it serves.

Kamptee’s legacy, however, is not just military. It has long been celebrated as the ‘Mecca for Mushaira’, hosting legendary poets from across India and even Pakistan, and fostering a rich tradition of art, culture, and communal harmony. In times when other regions faced unrest — such as during the recent Mahal riots in Nagpur city — Kamptee remained peaceful, a testament to its unity and resilience.

From serving the colonial army to safeguarding its own citizens, Kamptee’s evolution reflects the very essence of India’s freedom struggle and its enduring spirit. This Independence Day, as the tricolour flutters over colonial bridges and through streets alive with culture, Kamptee stands tall — no longer ‘Camp-T’ of the British Raj, but a proud sentinel of peace, culture, and freedom.