Nagpur: In a decisive humanitarian intervention amid rising heatwave fatalities, the Nagpur City Police has launched the third and most intensive phase of ‘Mission Mukti’ under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravindra Kumar Singal. The initiative aims to protect homeless, destitute, beggars, and mentally ill individuals from life-threatening heat conditions gripping the city.
Implemented since March 2025, Mission Mukti has already rescued and safeguarded 482 vulnerable individuals during its first two phases. With Nagpur witnessing nearly 25 heat-related deaths in recent days and ranking among the hottest cities globally, Phase III has been rolled out with renewed urgency and expanded operational focus.
The mission operates on a comprehensive “Three-R” framework — Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration — ensuring not only immediate relief but also long-term care and social inclusion. Rescued individuals are provided medical aid, shelter, food, clothing, and psychological support, with efforts made toward family reunification wherever possible.
The official launch of Phase III was marked by a high-level coordination meeting chaired by Commissioner Singal. The meeting saw participation from key stakeholders including senior journalist Surabhi Shirpurkar, medical experts such as Dr. Avinash Gawande from Government Medical College and Hospital and Dr. Nitin Shende from Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, along with psychiatrist Dr. Ashish Kute from Regional Mental Hospital.
Officials from various departments including the District Child Protection Unit, Women and Child Development Department, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, and Government Beggar Home also attended. Representatives from prominent NGOs such as Hitjyoti Foundation, Sahyadri Foundation, and Divyavandan Foundation actively contributed to the strategy discussions.
Phase III will focus on intensified patrolling across the city, on-the-spot medical screening of vulnerable individuals, and immediate relocation to safe shelters. Authorities have also prioritised mental health intervention, institutional care, and systematic rehabilitation.
Speaking on the initiative, Commissioner Singal emphasised that the mission goes beyond enforcement. “Mission Mukti is about saving lives and restoring dignity. Our goal is to ensure that no individual is left vulnerable on the streets during this extreme summer,” he said.
The initiative has also contributed to improved urban hygiene, reduced burden on emergency services, and strengthened coordination among multiple government and non-government agencies.
Nagpur Police has appealed to citizens to actively support the mission by reporting vulnerable individuals in distress and refraining from giving alms, which may perpetuate street begging. Authorities have assured that every rescued person will be treated with dignity and provided comprehensive care.
In a unique outreach effort, the police have also invited youth and students to participate in the initiative. Participants will be awarded certificates for their contribution to this social cause. Citizens can join or share information by contacting 8149063575.
With its compassionate and structured approach, Mission Mukti is emerging as a model for humanitarian policing, positioning Nagpur at the forefront of urban crisis management during extreme weather conditions.
