The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will launch the 'Drugs-Free Mumbai' campaign on July 30, with an aim to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse among children and young adults. The initiative will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the Worli Dome and marks the beginning of a year-long public awareness movement.
Ahead of the launch, BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directed civic officials to ensure maximum participation from students across Mumbai's municipal and private schools. During a coordination meeting at the BMC headquarters, she instructed the Education Department to encourage students to take the 'Drugs-Free Mumbai' pledge, both in person and through virtual participation. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) have also been asked to motivate parents and students to join the campaign.
🔹व्यसनांविषयी विद्यार्थ्यांमध्ये सातत्याने जनजागृती करण्याच्या उद्देशाने महाराष्ट्र शासनाच्या वतीने 'ड्रग्स फ्री मुंबई' या अभियानाचे आयोजन करण्यात आले आहे.
🔹महाराष्ट्राचे माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री. देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांच्या अध्यक्षतेखाली तसेच माननीय उपमुख्यमंत्री श्री. एकनाथ… pic.twitter.com/psMvaAEdPZ
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) July 29, 2026
The initiative focuses on preventing drug addiction through awareness, counselling, and early intervention among school and college students. It seeks to bring together educational institutions, parents, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to create a strong support system for young people.
The campaign has been organised under the leadership of Maharashtra's Minister for Skills, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Mumbai Suburban District Co-Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, who also chairs the state's high-level committee on de-addiction awareness.
Apart from Chief Minister Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar are expected to attend the launch event.
The programme will witness participation from students, teachers, doctors, medical officers from BMC hospitals, private healthcare professionals, public health agencies, nearly 150 NGOs, as well as office-bearers of Ganeshotsav and Navratri mandals. Students attending the event will take an anti-drug pledge, while a street play highlighting the harmful effects of substance abuse will be staged to spread awareness.
To ensure wider public outreach, the BMC will also promote the campaign through BEST buses, bus depots, and Metro stations across the city.
Residents can participate in the campaign by taking the online 'Drugs-Free Mumbai' pledge through the official portal, drugfreemumbai.org. Participants who complete the pledge and submit their details will receive an instant digital certificate.
In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has decided to extend the 'Drugs-Free Mumbai' model across the state. As part of this expansion, De-addiction Guidance and Counselling Committees will be established in all schools and colleges.
According to Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the decision was approved by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following a proposal submitted by the high-level committee on de-addiction awareness.
The committees will conduct regular awareness programmes on substance abuse, identify behavioural changes among students at an early stage, provide counselling, strengthen coordination between teachers and parents, and refer students to experts whenever professional support is required.
The initiative is expected to promote early intervention and provide a structured support system for students who may be vulnerable to drug addiction.
The campaign aligns with the Government of India's goal of making the country free from narcotic drugs by 2029. The Maharashtra government plans to strengthen preventive measures by combining awareness programmes, counselling, community participation, and coordinated action across multiple departments.
Educational institutions throughout the state will organise awareness drives, counselling sessions, interactive discussions, and guidance programmes throughout the year. The campaign will also involve psychologists, the National Service Scheme (NSS), the National Cadet Corps (NCC), voluntary organisations, and other community groups.
Appealing for widespread participation, Minister Lodha urged students, parents, teachers, voluntary organisations, and citizens to actively support the initiative, stating that sustained public involvement and early intervention are essential to building a drug-free Maharashtra.