India’s Legacy of Resilience and Collective Spirit India, a land of extraordinary diversity and deeprooted traditions, has long been celebrated for its resilience and unity in the face of adversity. From the snow-capped Himalayas to the coastal shores, the strength of the Bharatiya spirit is reflected in every village, town, and city. Our farmers, soldiers, educators, scientists, and entrepreneurs form the lifeblood of a nation that thrives on collective wisdom and progress. Amidst commendable progress in holistic development and innovation, India continues to navigate the complex challenge of drug abuse and trafficking. In fact, drug menace does not discriminate — it affects cities and villages, the affluent and the poor, the educated and the vulnerable alike. It fractures families, undermines productivity, and the future of our youth becomes at stake. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Government of India, under the sagacious leadership of Shri Amit Shah, has launched a comprehensive, multipronged war against drugs. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the approach reflects a national resolve to protect our communities, uphold our values, and build a healthier, drug-free India to actualise PM Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. A National Crisis Demands a National Strategy Drug abuse is no longer a regional issue it is a national concern that spans from the border districts of Punjab and Manipur to metropolitan centres like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. Traffickers exploit porous borders, digital platforms, and inter-state transport to fuel a trade that thrives on addiction and despair. The MHA’s national strategy tackles this challenge on multiple fronts: intelligence-led policing, cross-agency coordination, public participation, technological intervention, and international cooperation. The establishment of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) has significantly improved the synergy between central and state governments, ensuring that no agency works in isolation. Similarly, the formation of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs) in every state has allowed for focused, targeted actions against drug trafficking networks.
Unprecedented Drug Seizures: A Sign of Strengthened Enforcement
In 2024, India achieved a record milestone with drug seizures worth approximately Rs 25,330 crores — the largest in its history. This figure reflects more than just operational success; it is proof of a system working in sync to dismantle a dangerous ecosystem. These seizures occurred across India, with significant busts in Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and the Northeast. The nationwide ‘Drug Disposal Fortnight’, coordinated by the MHA, led to the destruction of over one lakh kg of seized narcotics valued at Rs 8,600 crores. Such efforts signal India’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on drugs. These operations were not limited to a few hot spots; rather, they represent a shift toward all-India vigilance, ensuring every state is both protected and empowered to act.
Strengthening Borders, Protecting the Nation
India’s geographical and geopolitical realities make some regions particularly vulnerable to cross-border drug smuggling. Punjab, for instance, shares a sensitive international border with Pakistan, making it a frequent entry point for narcotics. Similarly, the Northeast, with its proximity to the Death Triangle (formerly known as the Golden Triangle), faces unique challenges. To counter these threats, the MHA has bolstered border security infrastructure. The use of drones, smart fencing, thermal sensors, and AI-powered surveillance systems has significantly reduced infiltration. The Border Security Force and other paramilitary agencies, empowered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, have become formidable deterrents, intercepting contraband and arresting traffickers with increased efficiency.
Leveraging Technology: A Modern Weapon in the Drug War
Modern problems require modern solutions and the Government of India is embracing technology as a powerful ally. The MANAS Helpline (1933), a toll-free, 24×7 service, allows citizens across India to report drugrelated crimes, seek help, and get guidance. It ensures accessibility, anonymity, and a quick response — three crucial components in effective intervention. Additionally, the NIDAAN portal, a national database of NDPS offenders, is now integrated with the Interoperable Criminal Justice System. This allows law enforcement agencies across states to track habitual offenders, analyze trends, and dismantle trafficking rings with precision. These tools transform drug control from a reactive exercise into a proactive, data-driven mission.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Empowering India’s People
India’s anti-drug movement is not limited to police stations and courtrooms it thrives in communities, schools, and homes. The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is one of the largest social campaigns ever launched to combat substance abuse. Initially rolled out in 272 high-risk districts including those in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and the Northeast it has now expanded its reach nationally. NMBA uses community engagement, school interventions, awareness drives, and partnerships with faith-based and civil society organizations to change mindsets and prevent addiction. In Punjab, for example, institutions like Art of Living, DJJS, ISKCON, and Brahma Kumaris have been instrumental in spreading awareness and offering holistic support. The campaign is reshaping how India addresses drug abuse — moving from silence and stigma to solidarity and support. Healing the Nation: Rehabilitation and Reintegration Stopping the supply of drugs is only one side of the coin. India is also focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration for those affected. New de-addiction centres, peer-led counselling programs, mobile treatment vans, and family support systems are being developed across states to provide accessible, compassionate care. Punjab’s experience offers a template. Faced with a severe crisis, the state has expanded its de-addiction infrastructure, improved counselling availability, and introduced vocational training to support recovery and reintegration. Similar efforts are now being mirrored in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. Families are central to this process. Across India, parents and spouses play a vital role in recovery. Their resilience, hope, and commitment are the emotional scaffolding upon which successful rehabilitation is built.
Leadership That Listens and Acts
A campaign of this scale requires strong leadership. At the national level, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah has been pivotal in unifying enforcement agencies, improving legal frameworks, and boosting international cooperation against drug cartels. His vision underlines the importance of a people-first, data-informed, and zerotolerance approach. At the state level, governors and chief ministers are playing transformative roles. In Punjab, Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria has emphasized early intervention, unity, and cultural engagement. His initiatives under the Punjab Against Drugs Movement have encouraged grassroots action — from religious leaders and educators to students and small business owners.
A Pan-India Movement: From Crisis to Cultural Shift
India is witnessing a remarkable shift. What was once considered a law enforcement issue is now recognized as a public health emergency and social challenge. From border villages in Punjab and Arunachal Pradesh to schools in Goa and Bihar, the national dialogue around drugs has matured. Digital platforms are amplifying awareness campaigns, while youthled groups are launching street plays, podcasts, and art competitions focused on prevention. The cultural narrative is changing: from shame to support, from helplessness to hope.
Reclaiming India’s Future, Together
India stands at a critical juncture — where the deep scars of addiction meet the unyielding force of national resolve. The drug menace has infiltrated every corner of our nation, transcending caste, creed, class, and geography. It has tested our families, burdened our institutions, and threatened the potential of our youth. And yet, even in this challenge, India’s greatest strength shines through — its unity, its resilience, and its collective will to rise. This battle is no longer confined to police stations or courtrooms. It is being fought in classrooms where teachers inspire awareness, in playgrounds where children learn resilience, in panchayat halls where communities discuss prevention, and in places of worship where spiritual leaders guide recovery. From the slums of metro cities to the border villages of the Northeast and Punjab, this movement pulses with the energy of everyday citizens — parents, volunteers, doctors, educators, and young change makers — all choosing hope over despair, and healing over silence. At the forefront of this national mission stands Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, whose resolute leadership has transformed India’s fight against drugs into a robust, multi-layered war against one of our gravest social threats. Under his direction, the Ministry of Home Affairs has redefined the contours of antidrug policy — integrating cutting-edge surveillance technology, empowering law enforcement, strengthening international cooperation, and most importantly, putting people at the centre of the response. His vision has not only galvanized a national movement but has also instilled a sense of urgency, purpose, and unity across all states and sectors. India’s approach today is a global model in the making — a rare fusion of enforcement and empathy, data and dignity, policy and participation, science, and soul. With national vision, state-driven action, and community-rooted resolve, the goal is no longer just to contain the problem — it is to eliminate it. The journey ahead is long, but the direction is clear. With Shri Amit Shah’s steadfast leadership, the tireless commitment of our agencies, and the indomitable spirit of our people, India is charting a bold path forward — one that leads not just to recovery, but to renewal. Together, we rise — for a drug-free India, for a stronger, healthier tomorrow. The author is Vice Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
