By By Niketan B. Kadam on July 21, 2025
Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal, the Nagpur City Police launched Operation Thunder 2025 — a comprehensive, week-long anti drug campaign from 20th to 26th June. The initiative, themed “Evidence is clear: Incest in Prevention”, aligned with International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, witnessed extraordinary public participation, impactful events, and national-level dialogues, firmly placing Nagpur on the map as a model city in the fight against substance abuse.
Strategic Planning: A City-Wide Vision
It was a matter of great honor and responsibility for me to get the opportunity to plan and execute Operation Thunder 2025—a city-wide anti-drug campaign of this scale and impact. From conceptualization to on-ground execution, every step was a team effort. The success of the initiative was made possible by the unwavering dedication and coordination of the entire team—from senior officers, field officers and Constables, volunteers, and digital media handlers to administrative staff and partner organizations. Their collective energy, discipline, and passion truly brought the vision of a united, drug-free society to life. The campaign was meticulously planned with a focus on multi-stakeholder involvement. Days ahead of the awareness week, the Nagpur Police laid out a detailed blueprint involving schools, colleges, NGOs, civil society, media, and law enforcement agencies. Various committees led by DCPs were constituted to streamline logistics, permissions, and resource allocation, ensuring seamless coordination for over 50 large-scale physical events and a strong digital push.
Efficient Management and Inter-Departmental Synergy
What set Operation Thunder apart was the collaborative approach adopted by the city police. The planning involved coordination with the NGOs, education institutions, Volunteers, as well as with elected representatives and religious leaders. Dedicated teams were assigned for logistics, public communication, volunteer coordination, and digital media management, enabling the campaign to run without any operational setbacks.
Flawless Execution & Overwhelming Response
In terms of execution, Operation Thunder 2025 was a landmark success. Over 50,000 citizens participated in person, including Central Road and Transport Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Guardian Minister Mr. Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Minister of state MR Ashish Jaiswal, MP, MLAs, MLCs, and prominent religious and community leaders. The campaigns digital arm reached over 15 lakh citizens, amplifying the message far beyond city boundaries.
The campaign featured a wide variety of events:
● Awareness rallies and mass anti-drugs pledge across educational institutions and public places.
● Sports competitions promoting healthy lifestyles.
● Seminars and workshops on addiction prevention and legal awareness.
● Nukkad Nataks (street plays) by student groups and NGOs in high-risk areas.
● Survivor from Muktangan Pune and Maitri Foundation Nagpur, shared testimonies that moved audiences and highlighted the human side of addiction.
● Creative contests like reel-making, poster designing, and essay writing sparked enthusiastic youth participation.
● A special NDPS training workshop empowered law enforcement with updated legal and rehabilitation tools.
● Prepared Operation Thunder website to promote drug abuse prevention strategies
● Under Operation Thunder, 123 offenders with prior records related to narcotics have undergone structured counselling sessions. Their profiles are now systematically documented on the SIMBA app enhancing tracking and rehabilitation efforts.
A significant milestone was the destruction of NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) property worth approximately ₹27crore, sending a strong message of deterrence and transparency.
Crowning Event: The National Conference on 25–26 June
The highlight of the week was the National Conference on the Prevention of Drug Abuse held on 25th and 26th June. With over 30 esteemed panelists — including senior bureaucrats, Retired judges, educationists, NCB/Customs/Income Tax officials, psychologists, psychiatrists and survivors — the conference attracted more than 10,000 attendees (in-person and virtual). Discussions focused on enforcement, rehabilitation, education, community participation, and policy reforms. The event facilitated meaningful dialogue and presented actionable roadmaps for a drug-free India.
A Collective Triumph
Operation Thunder 2025 exemplified how collective will, inspired leadership, and community engagement can tackle even the gravest of societal threats. CP Dr. Ravinder Singal’s vision and commitment have set a new standard in drug abuse prevention campaigns. As Nagpur concludes this transformative week, the impact of the initiative promises to extend far beyond its seven days — in minds changed, lives saved, and a city united against addiction. Operation Thunder 2025 has laid a strong foundation for sustained anti-drug efforts in Nagpur. The next step is to institutionalize this momentum through year-round awareness programs, school and college partnerships, community-driven rehabilitation models, and strengthened enforcement. By continuing this multi-stakeholder approach, Nagpur can serve as a long-term model for drug abuse prevention across the country.
link: https://youtube.com/shorts/c3hTFwZu1iI
IPS, DCP Zone 5 Nagpur City
