Nagpur: In a bold and visionary step against drug abuse, the Nagpur City Police launched Operation Thunder 2025 — a city-wide anti-narcotics campaign that united citizens, law enforcement, civil society, and national-level stakeholders in a week-long mission from June 20 to 26.

Spearheaded by Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal the campaign coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. With the theme “Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, the initiative marked a transformative moment in Nagpur’s public safety narrative.

Meticulous Planning and Multi-Stakeholder Engagement:

The scale and impact of Operation Thunder 2025 were unprecedented. Planning began weeks in advance, involving coordination between police departments, NGOs, educational institutions, civic bodies, religious leaders, and elected representatives. Dedicated teams were formed under the leadership of senior officers to manage logistics, event execution, volunteer mobilization, and digital outreach.

Over 50 major events were meticulously organized across the city. Strategic planning ensured seamless integration of awareness, enforcement, education, and rehabilitation under a single coordinated platform.

Key Highlights of Operation Thunder 2025:

• Mass Participation: More than 50,000 citizens participated in physical events, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal.
• Digital Outreach: The campaign’s digital efforts reached over 15 lakh citizens, amplifying the anti-drug message across Maharashtra and beyond.
• School & College Rallies: Anti-drug pledges, rallies, and awareness sessions were held in educational institutions, driving home the importance of prevention among youth.
• Cultural Engagements: Nukkad Nataks, sports competitions, essay writing, poster design, and reel-making contests attracted wide participation, particularly from students.
• Real-Life Testimonies: Survivors from Muktangan Pune and Maitri Foundation Nagpur shared powerful experiences, offering a raw and emotional perspective on addiction recovery.
• Law Enforcement Training: A special workshop on the NDPS Act provided updated legal tools and rehabilitation frameworks for police officers.
• Offender Counseling: 123 repeat offenders underwent structured counseling; their data is now integrated with the SIMBA app for continued monitoring and rehabilitation.
• Drug Destruction Drive: A major milestone was the destruction of ₹27 crore worth of seized narcotics (NDPS muddemal), underscoring the campaign’s enforcement strength.

National Conference on Drug Abuse Prevention: A Landmark Gathering

Culminating the week was a National Conference on June 25–26, featuring over 30 expert panelists — including retired judges, senior bureaucrats, law enforcement officials, mental health professionals, and educators. Over 10,000 attendees, both online and offline, participated in discussions around prevention strategies, policy reform, rehabilitation models, and youth engagement.

The conference served as a platform for idea exchange and actionable solutions, further positioning Nagpur as a national model in the war against drugs.

A Lasting Impact and the Road Ahead:

Operation Thunder 2025 wasn’t just a campaign — it was a people’s movement. Under the visionary leadership of CP Ravinder Singal and with the tireless coordination by DCP Niketan Kadam and the entire city police team, Nagpur demonstrated how community engagement, inter-agency synergy, and unwavering resolve can combat one of society’s gravest threats.

The success of this campaign has laid the foundation for a sustained, year-round anti-drug strategy in Nagpur. Future plans include:

• Continued partnerships with educational institutions.
• Community-led rehabilitation and counseling models.
• Institutionalization of digital tracking and support systems.
• Recurring awareness drives and legal training programs.

Nagpur Sets National Example in Drug Abuse Prevention:

With Operation Thunder 2025, Nagpur has firmly established itself as a model city in drug abuse prevention. The initiative offers a replicable blueprint for cities across India seeking to tackle the drug menace through community-driven, enforcement-supported, and digitally empowered interventions.

As the city looks beyond the success of this week, the message is clear: a united front can change lives, restore families, and build a drug-free future.