LT. GEN VINOD KHANDARE (PRINCIPAL ADVISOR TO THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE)’S BRIEFING ON OPERATION SINDOOR AT CHITNAVIS CENTRE, NAGPUR (Sumukh Kulkarni) (400 words + pics)SPURT IN COVID CASES IN VIDARBHA: With Covid testing increasing across the state, the number of COVID cases are on rise. Health Administration is gearing up with genome sequencing of new cases. Nothing to worry about, said doctors. (400 words/points) CENTRAL INDIA’S FIRST CAR T-CELL THERAPY FOR LEUKEMIA SUCCESSFUL IN CITY HOSPITAL: In a significant medical breakthrough for Central India, CAR T-cell therapy—a cutting-edge form of immunotherapy for blood cancer—has been successfully administered to two patients in Nagpur. This marks the region’s first use of this highly specialized and innovative treatment that until recently was available only in major metro cities or abroad. (400 words/points) NITIN GADKARI URGES FARMERS TO ADOPT ORGANIC CARBON TECHNIQUES, MECHANISATION TO BOOST YIELDS AND CUT COSTS: Union Minister highlights innovations in farming technology at Dhapewada, promises to reduce input costs and improve incomes. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday called on farmers to embrace cutting-edge technology, organic practices, and mechanisation to boost yields, reduce input costs, and improve their livelihoods. Addressing a workshop at Dhapewada, Gadkari stressed the importance of soil testing for organic carbon, noting that healthy soil is as vital for crops as oxygen is for humans. Gadkari shared examples of farmers who have achieved remarkable results by enhancing the organic carbon content of their land. Citing Rajesh Bagal from Saoner, he said Bagal achieved sugarcane yields of up to 110 tonnes per acre by using compost-based fertilisers. “Organic carbon is critical. Test your land and improve it with compost,” he urged. Highlighting the role of new technologies, Gadkari said that drones spraying nano urea can reduce fertiliser waste from 75 percent (in manual methods) to just 25 percent. He mentioned Dilip Dhote’s experience with drone spraying and discussed solar-powered electric tractors, like the one developed by Kolba Swami, as game-changers for sustainable farming. (Vaibhav) 550 with picsPHYSIOTHERAPIST KILLS WIFE, FAKES ACCIDENTAL DEATH, AND GOES ON THE RUN: In a disturbing incident, a 46-year-old physiotherapist allegedly murdered his wife, Sheetal, on May 22 following a heated argument and fled a few days later. The couple had been married for over 16 years and had frequent domestic disputes. Initially, police registered the case as an accidental death, but following the medical report raised suspicions, it prompted authorities to file a murder case under BNS section 103 charging him for murder. The couple shared two children—a 13-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son. Investigations revealed that the husband was also involved in extramarital affairs, which police believe contributed to ongoing marital tensions. A manhunt is underway to locate and arrest the accused. More details are awaited. (Ved Ghulghule) (350 words)‘DIGITAL RISK ATLAS’ FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS LAUNCHED BY NMC COMMISSIONER: A comprehensive Multi-Hazard Risk Vulnerability Assessment (MHVA) report for Nagpur city was officially released by Abhijeet Chaudhari, municipal commissioner and administrator of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). A key outcome of the study is the creation of a ‘Digital Risk Atlas’, a web-based GIS portal that will allow civic officials, urban planners, disaster response teams, and related departments to access detailed information on hazard-prone areas, vulnerable zones, connectivity maps, and risk data for better disaster preparedness and response. The MHVA study was undertaken under the disaster risk management strengthening initiative led by the Disaster Management Unit of the Maharashtra State Relief and Rehabilitation Department, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The assessment aims to improve Nagpur’s resilience to natural, climate-induced, and man-made disasters. (Proshun) (350)FORMER BJP CORPORATOR BALYA BORKAR MORCHA TO NMC TO PRESS FOR VARIOUS DEMANDS. (Proshun) (300)ARCH BRIDGE OVER NAG RIVER READY IN RECORD TIME: In a remarkable feat, NMC has completed the city’s first-ever single-span arch bridge over the Nag river near Ambazari in just two months—well ahead of the 15-month deadline. Built at a cost of ₹3.08 crore, the 25-metre bridge features zero steel, ensuring no corrosion and minimal maintenance for its 125-year lifespan. The new 11-metre-wide bridge replaces the older structure, improving river flow and reducing flood risk. Only footpath and railing works remain, with traffic to be allowed within two days. The temporary diversion road created across the riverbed will be removed by Sunday. (Proshun) (500) + with picsWIDENED NAG RIVER FLOWS CLOSE TO METRO PILLARS NEAR KRAZY CASTLE; SAFETY MEASURES IN PLACE: As part of the Nag River widening project, Maha Metro has expanded the riverbed to 18 meters near the former Krazy Castle amusement park. In one stretch, the river now flows closely between Metro Pillars 176 and 177. While this presented technical challenges, officials say safety measures have been fully implemented. Reinforced piling has been done to protect the structure, and a retaining wall has been completed on one side, with work ongoing on the other. When TOI visited the spot, the side of the pillar where the wall is yet to be constructed was found to be in direct contact with the widened riverbed, with one face of the pillar fully exposed to open flow. Metro engineers have assured that the viaduct’s stability remains intact and is being closely monitored. The widening, aimed at improving flood capacity, was completed a month ahead of schedule with infrastructure safety as a key focus. (Ved Ghulghule) (400 words) (with pics)FLOODING PROBLEM NEAR PRATAP NAGAR AND NEARBY AREAS FINALLY RESOLVED: After years of battling severe monsoon flooding, residents and commuters in Pratap Nagar and nearby areas can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The much-awaited drainage reconstruction project along the Inner Ring Road, stretching from Raje Sambhaji Square to Narendra Nagar Nalah, has been successfully completed. Undertaken under the World Bank Project Division the ₹27.64 crore initiative has transformed the inner ringh road’s flood management system. The project, initially tendered at ₹22.20 crore with an additional ₹3.78 crore allocated for a specialized pump house, addressed the long-standing issue of waterlogging that had plagued key intersections like Padole Hospital Square and Radhe Mangalam Hall for years. (Viraj) 450 words + picsMSEDCL TO CELEBRATE 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FOCUS ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY : MSEDCK will be celebrating its 20th anniversary on June 6, 2025, and will observe Electrical Safety Week from June 1–6 across Maharashtra under the theme “Zero Accidents in MahaVitaran, Zero Accidents in Maharashtra.” The week will feature events like a ‘Run for Safety’ marathon, public awareness drives, essay and drawing competitions, safety quizzes, poster campaigns, and a rally on World Environment Day (June 5). SMS and emails will spread safety messages to employees and consumers. Viraj 400 wordsGADKARI’S BOOK RELEASE: Union minister Nitin Gadkari has written a book on human resource management in RSS. This book will be formally released today at Vanamati Hall at 7 pm. (350 words/picture) SUNIL KEDAR AND SHYAMKUMAR BARVE PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE NAGPUR RURAL CONGRESS COMMITTEE OFFICE (Vaibhav Ganjapure & Sumukh Kulkarni)(300 words + pics)CRIME DIGEST (Sumukh Kulkarni)POTHOLES AND PIGS PLAGUE POLICE LINE TAKLI, CIVIC AUTHORITIES TURN A BLIND EYE: Tucked between the lush, upscale areas of Civil Lines and Seminary Hills lies Police Line Takli—the city’s old police headquarters and residence for hundreds of constables. In sharp contrast to its surroundings, the area is in a state of neglect, characterised by crumbling buildings, algae-stained walls, pothole-ridden roads, and open dumping grounds teeming with pigs. Despite multiple requests, letters and requisitons, the PWD has, reportedly, always turned a blind eye here. (Sumukh Kulkarni)(400 words + pics) MSEDCL’S DHAPEWADA SUBSTATION EARNS ISO CERTIFICATION: Under MSEDCL’S extensive strengthening and modernization efforts to ensure high-quality and uninterrupted service to customers, the 33/11 kV Dhapewada power substation under the Kalmeshwar sub-division has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification. Notably, Dhapewada has become the first substation in Nagpur district to receive this recognition. The certification covers 24×7 electricity distribution, management, and maintenance of the 33/11 kV substation, high-voltage and low-voltage lines, and distribution transformers serving all customers under the Saoner division. Viraj 350 wordsWORLD NO TOBACCO DAY NEWS: World No Tobacco day will be observed on May 31. We have local data about the Oral and head and neck cancer that causes due to Tobacco use. (400words/points) WEATHER UPDATE: in case it rains again. ₹4.54 CRORE FRAUD BUSTED IN NAGPUR CO-OP SOCIETY; 21 ACCUSED BOOKED, ONE ARRESTED: A massive financial fraud involving ₹4.54 crore has been uncovered at a Cooperative Credit Society in Indora, Nagpur. Police registered a case against 21 individuals for allegedly embezzling depositors’ money, forging financial records, and running an organized scam over five years. The complaint was filed by Narayan Dhrupatrao Gadhekar , a 57-year-old Special Auditor working with the Cooperative Society, Nagpur. Gadhekar conducted a detailed audit of the society’s financial operations from April 2018 to March 2023. His findings revealed that the office bearers, including the manager, president, vice president, directors, and other officials, collectively misappropriated funds and duped depositors through a series of fraudulent practices. The accused allegedly lured the public into depositing money with the promise of safe returns, but failed to repay the deposits. Instead, they presented falsified financial statements to the government, hiding the true condition of the society. The audit also uncovered unauthorized disbursal of funds, illegal commissions paid to pygmy agents, and under-the-table payments made to recovery officers. (Ved Ghulghule) (300 words)OLD PLOT DISPUTE TURNS UGLY, MAN PULLS KNIFE OUTSIDE BAR, ARRESTED: A simmering land dispute flared up into a near-deadly showdown outside a Bar in Beltarodi late Tuesday night, when a 42-year-old man pulled a knife on two acquaintances in what police are calling a serious threat to life. It was around 10:30 PM when Shrikant Rangnath Bodkhe (37), a resident of Diwan Layout, Manewada, was standing outside the bar with his friend Gajanan Kadu. The evening took a sharp turn when Gaurav Vijay Shendurnikar, a familiar face with a not-so-friendly past, showed up. Shendurnikar, known to both men, exchanged a few words with Bodkhe before heading into the bar for a drink. That’s when Kadu mentioned that Shendurnikar still owed him money from a previous plot deal — money he’d been dodging for a while. (Ved Ghulghule) (250 words)NOTORIOUS GANGSTER TUSHAR ‘BHENDI’ KHOTE EXTERNED FROM NAGPUR FOR ONE YEAR: Notorious gangster Tushar alias Bhendi Anup Khote, 30, a resident of Lashkar Bagh under the jurisdiction of Pachpaoli Police Station, has been externed from both Nagpur city and Nagpur rural limits for a period of one year. Khote has several serious criminal cases registered against him at Pachpaoli Police Station. Despite repeated legal actions, authorities observed no change in his behavior. His continued presence was deemed a threat to the lives and property of residents in the area. To curb his activities and prevent further disruption, Pachpaoli Police prepared a formal externment proposal and submitted it to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Circle 03, Nagpur City. Acting on this, the DCP issued externment order dated 21.05.2025, directing that Khote be removed from city and rural Nagpur limits for a year. The externment was executed by the Pachpaoli Police, and the official order was served to Khote’s relatives in Wardha on 22.05.2025. (Ved Ghulghule) (150 words)NU PRESS MEET: The Nagpur University’s National Service Scheme (NSS) Department and Janakalyan Samiti have jointly announced the Vidarbha Water Council, to be held from June 7 to 9, 2025, at the Vanamati Main Auditorium in Dharampeth. To share detailed information about this significant event, a press conference has been scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025, at 4 pm in the Jamnalal Bajaj Administrative Building’s meeting hall at Nagpur University. The Vidarbha Water Council is expected to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable water practices, regional water resource issues, and innovative solutions. With Vidarbha’s recurring water challenges, the event is seen as a crucial step in fostering dialogue and implementing long-term solutions. Vaibhav (350 with pics) HOLDOVER STORIESPILOT DEADLINE MISSED, BUT IITMS SIGNAL INSTALLATION AT 10 JUNCTIONS TO BE COMPLETED IN TWO WEEKS: After missing multiple deadlines, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is now racing to complete the pilot phase of the ambitious Rs197 crore Intelligent and Integrated Traffic Management System (IITMS). At a review meeting held on Wednesday, Municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari directed the electrical department to ensure that smart signal installation at 10 key city junctions is completed by June 15, with software operations commencing simultaneously from NMC’s Command and Control Centre at Civil Lines headquarters. (Proshun) (400)WITH SC NOD FOR CIVIC POLLS, EX-CORPORATORS RE-ENTER FIELD: Camps, Outreach and Social Media in Full Swing: Following the Supreme Court’s directive to the Maharashtra government to conduct municipal elections within four months, former corporators of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) have begun intensifying their public engagement. While many had slipped into dormancy after the elected body was dissolved in March 2022, the poll announcement has revived political activity citywide. In the last general body, the BJP had a commanding majority with 108 corporators. Congress followed with 29 elected representatives, BSP held 10 seats, Shiv Sena had two, and NCP and independents had one each. (Proshun) (450)+ with picsGARBAGE WOES PLAGUE STRETCH FROM MATA MANDIR CHOWK TO JAITALA CHOWK: Residents and shopkeepers along the route from Mata Mandir Chowk to Jaitala Chowk are grappling with persistent garbage dumping, mainly by passing two- and four-wheeler drivers. Locals allege that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has long turned a blind eye to the issue, even allowing dead animals like pigs to rot at the site until someone raises a complaint. Wind frequently blows the garbage into nearby homes and shops, worsening the stench and creating serious health hazards. Residents say NMC workers merely push the trash aside to clear the roads but fail to remove it entirely. (Nehreen Ali)(400 words + pics)12 CITY POLICE STATIONS REPORT ZERO FEMALE ARRESTS IN 60 DAYS: A study of Maharashtra Police data has revealed that 12 out of 33 police stations in the city reported no female arrests between March 1 and April 30, 2025. In total, only 40 women were arrested during this period, a stark contrast to the 892 men arrested citywide. The trend has raised questions about gender-related crime patterns, enforcement practices, and possible underreporting across police stations. (Sumukh Kulkarni)(350 words + infographics)GERIATRIC CLINIC AT GMCH GETTING INCREASING RESPONSE: The figures at Geriatric clinic (senior citizens clinic) started at the GMCH Nagpur last year to mark its 75th anniversary has been receiving a good response from the patients. The figure was shared by Community Medicine Department on May 29. Chaitanya (400 words/points)TALE OF TUSKERS IN MATING SEASON: The two tuskers found roaming on the streets of Gadchiroli town have tough competition in the area and soon leave the district. Forest department officials say they have come from Chhattisgarh in search of a herds which have females. There is already a herd of 32 elephants led by a young male and entry may not be easy. There have been close encounters but no success of the herd and the two males. At present t he two are 40 kms away. If they don’t find females the lone tuskers would leave the area. Even last year a young male had strayed into Gadchiroli but could not find a herd and went back 400NU SETS UP VC LEVEL PANEL TO STUDY EXAM SECTION SHIFTING: The Nagpur University managment council has set up a VC-level panel to study the shifting of the crucial exam section building from LITU campus. Top officials from both the universities including VCs, Registrars, and managment council members would be holding discussion to chalk out plan for seamless shifting of the exam section. After becaming an independent university, LITU has expansion and infrastructure development plans. The NU had been running its exam section from the LITU campus which was earlier its conducted college LIT offering BTech and BE in chemical engineering. (sarfaraz) 300Nagpur Tops State in Social Justice Department’s 100-Day Action Plan: Nagpur (May 28, 2025): The Regional Deputy Commissioner, Social Welfare Department, Nagpur office, has secured the first rank in the state under the Social Justice Department’s 100-Day Action Plan. The recognition comes as part of a 100-day office reform program implemented across Maharashtra. The program involved a state-wide competition between revenue department-level and district-level offices. In the divisional-level category, the Nagpur office of the Social Welfare Department, under the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, was ranked first in the state.Degrees But not Dignity : the Struggles of Transgenders : Despite holding advanced degrees, many transgender individuals in Nagpur face workplace discrimination, social exclusion, and lack of basic amenities. Stories like Priyank’s and Sakshi’s reveal how education fails to protect against deep-rooted stigma. While initiatives like gender-specific toilets are steps forward, true change demands societal acceptance, inclusive policies, and recognition of transgender people as equal, dignified citizens. (N Soumya)(500 words)65% of EV Components Imported, Contributing to 20-25% of Vehicle Cost: Mahindra Expert: Nitin Vaidya, Plant Head of Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Division in Nagpur, stated that approximately 65% of the components used in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing are currently imported. This dependence on imports contributes to a 20-25% increase in the overall cost of EVs. Vaidya made these remarks while speaking at VISTAAR, an industry-academia collaboration event organized by Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT). He also noted that despite the central government’s ambitious goal to fully transition to EVs by 2030, the current reliance on imported parts remains a significant challenge for the industry. (Sumukh Kulkarni)(300 words)₹47.5 Cr, 3 CMPs: Nagpur’s Bike-Sharing Dream Still Stuck in First Gear: Over the past decade, Nagpur has proposed a Paris- or Amsterdam-style public bike-sharing system through three Comprehensive Mobility Plans, with ₹47.5 crore allocated for 283 docking stations—79 in 2013, 84 in 2018, and now again 120 in CMP 2025. Despite the repeated push and growing budgets, a fully functional system is still missing. Efforts like the MahaMetro–VIPL partnership also struggled to gain traction. While the vision of clean, sustainable transport is commendable, challenges around implementation, public participation, and long-term planning persist. (Ved Ghulghule) (420 words) (with infographics)Ajni and Nagpur railway redevelopment status. Work in progress, not long the wait would be now to see a world class station for Nagpur. — Soumitra 300MAHA EASES GREEN HYDROGEN POLICY: The state govt has further eased its green hydrogen policy, which now allows sale of captive power generated through renewable sources in the open market if the green hydrogen plant to which the power was supposed to be originally supplied runs below capacity or remains shut due to unforeseen reasons. Earlier the captive power had to be exclusively used for inhouse production of green hydrogen 300 to 350The national highways authority of India (NHAI) plans to prepare a detail project report for a new highway connecting Vizag on the east coast in Andhra through Chhattisgarh. The road starting from Nagpur will reach Kanker over 300 km away at the tip of Bastar region. This will further connect to Vizag through an existing highway from Raipur. Menahwile a DPR will also be made for a road leading from Gadchiroli to Hyderabad. This will start from Durg town in Chhattisgarh and taking a shorter route to Telangana Capital from Gachirolri. — Shishir Arya 400Constitution reading world record done in city: In a remarkable feat, Nagpur has successfully concluded its ambitious 75-hour non-stop reading marathon of the Constitution of India. The event, which commenced on May 23 at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Convention Centre, concluded on the evening of May 26, achieving its goal of a continuous 75-hour reading. — Chaitanya Deshpande (300 words/photo)BHILGAON ROAD IN PATHETIC STATE, RIDDLED WITH CRATERS: Bhilgaon Road is in a severely crumbling state, riddled with massive craters that make commuting a nightmare. The narrow stretch is unfit for four-wheelers, as the passage of even one vehicle causes complete traffic blockage, leaving no room for two-way movement. Motorists, especially two-wheeler riders, face serious risks daily. Citizens have raised concerns over the lack of maintenance and demanded urgent repairs, warning that the deteriorating road condition could lead to major accidents and traffic chaos. Viraj & Sumukh (350 words + pics)MIHAN Housing Society Powers Up Sustainability with New EV Charging Station: In a bold move toward eco-friendly living, a residential society in MIHAN has launched its own electric vehicle (EV) charging hub — marking a major milestone for a region that, until recently, struggled with basic infrastructure. Residents of a housing society in MIHAN now have access to a dedicated EV charging station, underscoring the community’s push for sustainable mobility. The newly launched facility features both DC fast chargers and standard AC outlets, providing flexibility for different vehicle types and charging needs. Whether residents need a quick boost or prefer overnight charging, the station is equipped to handle it all. It’s a practical step that not only supports green transportation but also reflects the area’s rapid transformation — from battling civic shortcomings to embracing smart, sustainable solutions. By investing in EV infrastructure, the society is setting a forward-thinking example for other communities in and around MIHAN. — Ved Ghulghule) (300 words) (with pics)NEARLY 400 REUNITED IN A MONTH: NAGPUR POLICE’S ‘OPERATION SHODH’ DELIVERS RESULTS: In just under a month, Nagpur City Police traced and reunited 392 missing persons with their families through “Operation Shodh,” a targeted campaign focused on recovering long-missing women and children. The campaign ran from April 17 to May 15, 2025, following a directive issued at the March 2025 executive conference of senior police officers. There, it was decided that special attention must be given to cases involving women and children missing for over a year. Commissioner of Police. Ravinder Kumar Singal, led the initiative with a clear goal: to bring that number down to zero. — Ved Ghulghule) (300 words)New National Guidelines Aim to Curb Vision Loss from Diabetes: Nagpur’s Dr Bawankule Plays Key Role: In a significant step towards reducing diabetes-related blindness, the Vitreo Retinal Society of India (VRSI) and the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) have released the country’s first-ever screening guidelines for diabetic retinopathy (DR). These landmark recommendations are expected to benefit millions of Indians living with diabetes by promoting early detection and timely eye care. (400 words/points)Nagpur Pediatrician’s Oration Sparks Historic Shift in Global Emergency Medicine Policy: His powerful advocacy by Dr Vasant Khalatkar, IAP National president, who is from Nagpur, led to an unprecedented decision: the official inclusion of Pediatric Emergency Medicine as a recognized specialty within the World Academic Council of Emergency Medicine (WACEM) — a historic moment for global pediatric healthcare. Dr. Khalatkar attended International Critical Emergency Medicine Conference (ICEMC) held in Antalya, Turkey. Speaking on the overlooked but critical issue of “Skin as an Alarming Organ in Pediatric Emergencies,” Dr. Khalatkar urged the global medical fraternity to treat pediatric emergencies with the same priority and specialization as adult cases. (400 words/points)5cm Metal Shard Pierced His Lung — SSH Doctors Save Sculptor in Daring Surgery: A young sculptor working in a metal smelting unit had a miraculous escape after a sharp, fast-moving 5×3 cm triangular metal fragment shot into his chest and embedded itself deep in his left lung. What could have been a fatal workplace accident turned into a dramatic, life-saving surgical triumph at Super Specialty Hospital, Nagpur, where a team of doctors successfully removed the foreign object in a complex and rare procedure. (400 words/photos/points)Every expecting mother must undergo psychiatric evaluation, says IPS Nagpur chief: Senior psychiatrist Dr Priti Bhute, who took over as president of the Indian Psychiatric Society Nagpur recently, has presented a research analysis on importance of psychiatric counselling and evaluation of expectant mothers. She said that the present lifestyle and social scenario has made it mandatory for the young girls to get psychiatric evaluation before motherhood responsibility. (400 words/photo)STUDENTS DEMAND CET AGAIN FOR BBA, BCA COURSES: Students have demanded fresh CET for BBA and BCA courses alleging due to insufficient promotion of the CET exam introduced last year for admission to the first year to these courses, many students were unaware of the exam and did not apply. As a result, these students will not be able to secure admission to the first year of courses like BBA and BCCA according to the rules, leading to only 10 or 20% admissions. Sarfaraz 150SC SAYS ZUDPI LAND DWELLERS CAN’T BE EVICTED, FARMERS MUST RETAIN LIVELIHOOD: In a major relief to thousands of residents and farmers, the Supreme Court on Friday ruled that citizens living for decades on Zudpi Jungle lands cannot be evicted, and farmers cultivating such lands must not be deprived of their livelihoods without due process and constitutional safeguards. A bench headed by CJI BR Gavai rejected the Central Empowered Committee’s (CEC) 2025 recommendation permitting diversion of Zudpi lands for compensatory afforestation without state-level certification. The apex court held that only the Maharashtra Chief Secretary is competent to certify the unavailability of alternative lands before any such diversion under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Vaibhav (500)SAND DEPOT MANAGERS SEEK PERMISSION FOR SAND TRANSPORTATION: Sand depot managers today requested district collector Vipin Itankar to allow them to transport excavated Sand. There are restrictions in place on Sand transportation after MoS Ashish Jaiswal alleged that the Sand mafia is dominating the entire process in Nagpur. Abhishek 300 wordsFRUSTRATION MOUNTS AS SUYOG NAGAR ROAD WORK DRAGS ON: The Suyog Nagar Road construction, ongoing since mid-2024, has sparked frustration among residents and shop owners. Some express concerns over the road being dug up over and over for drainage pipes and electrical wires, adding to the ongoing chaos. Others point out that height mismanagement in the construction raises fears of rainwater flooding verandas. Complaints have been made through personal contacts and by visiting the office. When contacted, officials insisted the project is near completion, assuring that they haven’t received complaints, but if they had they would’ve rectified them. (Ved Ghulghule & Litishka Jagdeo)(350 words + pics)KATOL MLA FLAGS LACK OF COORDINATION IN IMPLEMENTING NEW SAND POLICY: At a recent Janta Darbar, Katol MLA Charansingh Thakur raised concerns over the slow implementation of the newly announced state sand policy. While welcoming the initiative introduced by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule—especially its provision allowing the use of artificial land for Gharkul and other government schemes—Thakur pointed out that the SDO and Tehsildar have yet to begin groundwork. He noted that the delay stems not from opposition but from a lack of coordination between bureaucracy, local administration, and the government. Thakur emphasized the need for better alignment across departments to ensure timely and effective execution of the policy on the ground. — Ved Ghulghule) (250 words)NAGPUR POLICE ISSUE SOP TO ADDRESS RISING HEINOUS CRIMES BY JUVENILES, ALLOWING TREATMENT AS ADULTS: In response to a surge in heinous crimes committed by minors, the Nagpur City Police have introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the process of treating juvenile offenders as adults in specific cases. Issued on April 22, 2025, by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rahul Maknikar under the guidance of Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal, the SOP aligns with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, aiming to balance juvenile rehabilitation with public safety.The SOP outlines a structured approach for handling juveniles aged 16 and above accused of heinous offenses—crimes carrying a minimum punishment of seven years or more, such as murder, rape, or terrorism-related acts. According to the guidelines, within 10 days of a juvenile being presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the investigating officer must coordinate with the JJB to determine whether the juvenile should be tried as an adult. This decision hinges on a preliminary assessment under Section 15 of the Act, evaluating the juvenile’s mental and physical capacity, awareness of consequences, and the circumstances of the offence. Soumitra 450FARMERS IN MAOIST-AFFECTED GADCHROLI DISTRICT ARE FINDING PROFIT IN MAIZE FARMING. Braving attacks by wildboars and even elephants the area under maize has doubled in gadchiroli. This comes at a time when a recent demand of maize by ethanol makers has taken it’s price up. — Shishir Arya 400NAGPUR LEADS CENTRAL RAILWAY’S DRIVE AGAINST UNAUTHORISED HAWKERS: The Nagpur Division of Central Railway has emerged as the top performer in the year-long crackdown on unauthorised hawkers across the railway network. Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, Nagpur alone accounted for 4,365 cases—nearly 70% of the total 6,266 unauthorised hawking cases detected by Central Railway. The drive, launched to ensure passenger safety and a cleaner, obstruction-free railway environment, saw coordinated efforts by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and commercial departments. (Soumitra Bpse)(350 words)NMC SANCTIONS NEW HEALTH CLINIC AT SALFIYABAD OFF KORADI ROAD: Following demands from local residents and intervention of city MP Nitin Gadkari, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation health department has sanctioned a new clinic at Salfiyabad Colony off Koradi Road. The local residents had to travel to Zingabai Takli or Nara Urban Primary health centres for treatment as no govt facility was availbable close by. The groundbreaking ceremony of the clinic was held on Wednesday. sarfaraz 300+picREVENUE DEPT TOP THE LISTS IN CORRUPTION, FOLLOWED BY POLICE AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT (Soumitra) 350 words‘GO GREEN’ APPROACH HELPS POWER CONSUMER TO SAVE RS23L IN A YEAR IN CITY: Due to an eco-friendly approach and an attractive scheme by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), electricity consumers in Nagpur and Wardha districts are going for digital billing. This ‘Go Green’ initiative has enabled alert consumers in Nagpur district to save a staggering Rs23.24 lakh annually, while consumers in Wardha district have saved Rs3 89 lakh. As MSEDCL launched the ‘Go Green’ service in the new year with an instant Rs120 discount on the first bill, there has been a surge in customer participation over the past four months. (Viraj) 350 wordsBJP TO BREACH KEDAR BASTION IN LOCAL BODY POLLS, STARTING FROM GROUND LEVEL TO ZP: ASHISH DESHMUKH SHARES BJP PLAN: BJP has decided to come out all guns blazing for the local body polls and Saoner MLA Ashish Deshmukh said they are starting from ground level to establish their base. “For years Kedar enjoyed dominance because his father started the cooperative movement here. Hence that family holds sway over market committees and the connected influence over farmers. But it’s changing, especially after his conviction in the bank scam case,” said Deshmukh. (Abhishek) 350 words +pic of deshmukhALLEGATIONS OF FOREST LAND GRAB/ENCROACHMENT IN DISTRICT, REVENUE DEPT TO PROBE: There are allegations of forest land being grabbed/encroached upon in Nagpur district. The revenue dept is said to have ordered a probe into it. (Abhishek) 200 wordsCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS FROM VIDARBHA NAMED TO ICAI’S NATIONAL CPE COMMITTEE: In a significant recognition of Vidarbha’s contribution to the accounting profession, five senior Chartered Accountants from the region have been nominated to the National Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the 2025–26 term. The nominated members include CA Dinesh Dadriwal from Gondia, CA Swapnil Mukund Agrawal, former chairman of the Nagpur Branch of WIRC of ICAI, CA Ashwini Suresh Agrawal, CA Sandeep Wasudev Jotwani, and CA Umang Vijay Agrawal. Their inclusion is aimed at enhancing the functioning of the CPE Committee, which plays a central role in upskilling and maintaining ethical standards among practicing CAs. CPE is a mandatory professional requirement for chartered accountants, designed to keep members updated with evolving knowledge in core competencies and emerging areas. The committee also focuses on aligning the profession with the future needs of society and related sectors. (Vaibhav) (300)NMC Launches Paperless Pilot in General Administration Dept: Taking a step towards digitization and efficiency, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has introduced a paperless work system in its General Administration Department (GAD), marking the first implementation of the e-office concept within the civic body. All files related to civic administrative communications will now be processed online through a newly launched internal portal. (Proshun) (300) + with picsCOUNTRY’S TOP MINING REGULATOR INDIAN BUREAU OF MINES WHICH HAS ITS HEAD OFFICE AT NAGPUR HAS COLLECTED 2000 SAMPLE OF VARIOUS CRITICAL MINERAL FOUND FORM THE WASTE DUMPS OF OTHER OPERATIONAL LIKE BAUXITE, TIN, COPPER. The mines minerals which can be taken as a byproduct of were generally not known to be found in India or the deposits are very low. This includes Lithium molybdenum gallium and even potash. This gives hope for taking up mining of these critical minerals also. A conference was held with stakeholder on Friday. Shishir 400PREPAID AUTO BOOTH AT RAILWAY STATION MARKS 23 YEARS; DR. BHUSHAN KUMAR UPADHYAY FELICITATED: The prepaid auto-rickshaw booth at Nagpur Railway Station, a long-standing initiative to streamline passenger transport and ensure fair fares, completed 23 years of service this year. To mark the occasion, the Lok Seva Prepaid Auto Driver-Owner Association, operated by the Nagrik Vikas Samiti, along with the Railway Station Porter-Taxi Driver Association, honoured retired Director General of Police Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay in a special ceremony held at the station. Upadhyay, who served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) when the prepaid booth was inaugurated, was instrumental in its establishment and initial success. (Proshun) (250)NAGPUR METRO AND THE BANNER: A NOT-SO-LOVE STORY REKINDLED NEAR WARDHAMAN NAGAR: In what has become a strangely familiar tale, a Nagpur Metro train on the Aqua Line found itself face-to-face once again with its old nemesis — a fluttering banner. On Friday evening, at Wardhaman Nagar between Vaishnodevi metro station and Ambedkar metro station at P-26, the metro came to a brief halt as something resembling a flex or cloth banner dangled dangerously close to the track. The scene, caught on video by a commuter, may have lasted only a few minutes, but it revived a long-running saga — the city’s curious history of banners crashing the metro’s smooth journey. (Ved Ghulghule) (400 words)GANESHPETH ROUNDABOUT SPARKS OUTRAGE AMONG LOCALS OVER TRAFFIC CHAOS: A temporary roundabout made using water drums at Ganeshpeth Chowk has come under fire from commuters and residents, who say the arrangement has worsened traffic congestion instead of improving it. Installed nearly three to four months ago, the makeshift rotary was likely introduced as a short-term solution to regulate traffic, but locals argue it has only led to confusion and delays. “Earlier, traffic used to move more freely through this junction,” said a vendor who has been operating near the chowk for years. “Now, we see long traffic jams almost every afternoon. The roundabout has created more chaos than order.” (Ved Ghulghule) (350 words) (with pics)COURT SEEKS DHARIWAL’S RESPONSE ON ₹4,444 PER METRE COMPENSATION FOR PIPELINE-AFFECTED FARMERS: Petition alleges land misuse and underreporting of crop damage in pipeline project for Tadali power plant. The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has sought a reply from Dhariwal Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and the Chandrapur district collector on whether affected farmers are entitled to compensation at the rate of ₹4,444 per metre for agricultural land used to lay a water pipeline connected to the company’s power plant at Tadali MIDC. The court directed the respondents to submit their response by June 17. Vaibhav 350NGO VAJAHA FOUNDATION SET UP HELP DESK FOR CHILDREN IN CONFLICT WITH LAW AT THE GOVERNMENT BOYS OBSERVATION HOME, PATANKAR CHOWK, ON FRIDAY. This initiative, led by Vajaha (Vana Jana Hakka) Foundation, is established under the aegis of Resource Cell for Juvenile Justice (RCJJ) (FAP) of School of Social Work of Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai and the Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Government of Maharashtra (GoM), with the support of the Azim Premji Foundation, Bangalore. (Sarfaraz) 300 wordsNEARLY 400 TREES FACE AXE OR RELOCATION IN NAGPUR, CIVIC BODY PROMISES 7,700+ COMPENSATORY PLANTATIONS: In an affidavit to the High Court, NMC defends clearances citing structural needs and Tree Authority nod. A total of 396 heritage and non-heritage trees are proposed to be felled or transplanted across multiple govt project sites in Nagpur, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) informed the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Wednesday. In return, the civic body has mandated compensatory plantation of 7,717 trees. Vaibhav (400 with infographics)SHITALAMATA MANDIR SQUARE A POTHOLES RIDE FOR COMMUTERS, ONGOING CONSTRUCTION FUELS CHAOS: The pothole scarred and bumpy road from the Shitalamata Mandir Chowk to Hasanbagh chowk has repeatedly come under the radar for its shoddy upkeep and commuter Woes. The chowk, where the pillars of a flyover extension are being constructed, becomes a mess, especially in the evening, when the only lighting in the area is provided by the on site construction. (Viraj) 350 words + picsPANCHAVATI LIBRARY STUCK IN NIT REDTAPE, STUDENTS DEMAND PLACE TO STUDY: The NIT library in Panchavati Nagar, built over a decade ago, still remains un-opened, barred by the red tape of the Nagpur Improvement Trust. Despite officials giving assurances that a solution would come up soon, the NIT does not seem to have a plan in place. Viraj 300 words + picsEXCLUSIVE: LAKE CLEANING HARMS NATURAL HABITAT IN BHANDARA SAY EXPERTS: As lake cleaning and desilting in areas like Bhandara starts, the migratory Sarus cranes habitat is also getting disrupted unintentionally. Many people who had land near water bodies are constructing farm houses and putting up boundary walls which, though legal, is also disturbing the habitat. …… Abhishek 200 words“RURAL POLITICS KING” SUNIL KEDAR READIES HIS FOOT SOLDIERS IN EFFORT TO RETAIN BASTION: Sunil Kedar’s bastion has always been rural politics. Last year he managed to ensure victory of his Ramtek Lok Sabha candidate, but failed to help his wife secure the Saoner MLA seat. Now with local body polls due this year, Kedar is busy drawing up the battle plan to ensure that he retains his bastion. If he fails to secure ZP Nagpur, then it will be a big jolt to his political career. ….. Abhishek 250 wordsHC’S CONTEMPT NOTICES TO MEMBERS OF CHANDRAPUR ST CASTE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court issued contempt notices to three members of the Scheduled Tribe Caste Certificate Scrutiny Committee, Chandrapur, last week for allegedly disregarding a binding judgment of the court and failing to issue a caste validity certificate as directed. — Vaibhav (350)ADVOCATES NATIONWIDE PUSH FOR PROTECTION ACT AHEAD OF DELHI CONVENTION. FORUM LEADERS SAY LEGISLATION IS ESSENTIAL AS THREATS AGAINST LAWYERS RISE, WITH A FINAL CALL EXPECTED ON MAY 31: The demand for an Advocate Protection Act surged to the forefront of legal discourse ahead of a national convention scheduled in Delhi on May 31. During a recent high-level review meeting of the All India Joint Advocates Forum India held at Ravi Bhavan in Nagpur, lawyers from across Maharashtra reaffirmed their call for legislative safeguards in response to growing threats and violence faced by members of the legal fraternity. Presiding over the meeting, the Forum’s National bench of the Bombay High Court, stressed that this was more than a professional concern. — Vaibhav (250 with pic)MOVE TO OFFLOAD SOYBEAN STOCK BY THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE MARKETING FEDERATION OF INDIA LIMITED (NAFED) HAS LEFT FARMERS AND TRADERS IN THE REGION WORRIED: NAFED, which purchased large quantities of soybean at the minimum support price (MSP) during the harvest season, is now selling the stock in the open market. This is a part of its operational cycle, however a surge of supply, with tenders floated almost daily, has brought down the rates substantially. ShishirVIDARBHA SHOWS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER SICKLE CELL AND THALASSEMIA CARRIER RATES COMPARED TO NATIONAL AND GLOBAL AVERAGES: Data emerging from an extensive screening initiative by Lok Kalyan Diagnostics in nine districts of Vidarbha reveals a strikingly high carrier rate of sickle cell and thalassemia at 5.93%. This figure significantly surpasses the estimated national average of hemoglobinopathy carriers in India, which ranges between 3-4% for beta-thalassemia alone, and a sickle cell gene prevalence that varies from 1-44% in different regions. Chaitanya 400RAJIV NAGAR UNDERPASS IN LIMBO, CITIZENS OUTCRY OVER MISUSE OF PUBLIC MONEY: The construction of a railway underpass in Rajiv Nagar has been stalled for over a month, with both ends dug up and the basic structure left incomplete. Following recent unseasonal rains, the excavated areas have filled with stagnant water, raising health and safety concerns. Locals allege that the project is on hold due to the Railways’ denial of necessary permissions. Angry residents have criticized the authorities for wasting public funds and leaving the area in disarray. They are demanding swift action and transparency, stating that their tax money is being misused without accountability or results. (Viraj 400 words + pics)NIT DIGS UP ENTIRE ROAD IN SAMARTH NAGAR, NO ROUTE FOR FOUR-WHEELERS: The Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has completely dug up a road in Samarth Nagar on Nari Road for concrete resurfacing, leaving no space for four-wheeler movement. Typically, road concretization is done in phases, allowing one side to remain open for commuters. However, officials have excavated the entire stretch, citing the need to remove large rocks and black soil beneath the surface. The move has frustrated residents and drivers due to the lack of alternative routes. Locals demand better planning and traffic management to avoid such complete blockades in residential areas. (Viraj 350 words + pics)“WE’RE FORCED TO BURN WASTE BECAUSE THERE’S NO SUPPORT,” SAYS SANITATION WORKER AT POLLUTION AWARENESS MEET: “Residents throw diapers on the streets. There’s too much burning happening. Sometimes, we’re forced to burn waste ourselves — the garbage becomes too heavy after sweeping, and NMC doesn’t provide vehicles to collect it,” said Kalabai Meshram, a sanitation worker from Dhantoli Zone. Her candid admission drew silence at Rajabhaksha Hall, where over 230 sanitary workers had gathered for an awareness session on air pollution and the dangers of garbage burning. Organized by the Centre for Sustainable Development (CFSD) in coordination with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), the program revealed the frontline workers’ lack of awareness — and the system’s failure to support them. (Proshun) (350)+ with picsCRUMBLING ROAD UNDER KALAMNA-KAWRAPETH ROB A DAILY HAZARD: The road beneath the Kalamna-Kawrapeth railway overbridge extension has turned into a serious hazard for daily commuters. With large potholes, crumbling gravel, and loose stones around the twin railway tracks, the area poses a constant risk—especially for school vans and buses that frequent the stretch. Despite heavy daily traffic, no maintenance has been carried out, leaving the road in a severely degraded state. The loose gravel and uneven surface make it difficult to navigate, raising concerns over vehicle damage and potential accidents. Residents are demanding immediate repairs and stricter safety oversight. (Viraj)(400 words + pics)NMC BEGINS 2025-26 DEVELOPMENT BUDGET EXECUTION: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) began executing its Rs5,438.61 crore budget for 2025-26, with financial planning for key development and infrastructure works starting April 24. Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari cleared the way for implementation from April 1, paving the path for major civic projects, a senior NMC official confirmed. (Proshun) (400)PACHPAOLI TRAFFIC MESS EASES AFTER MULTIPLE STEPS: Ongoing traffic issue near the Pachpaoli bridge, which is being razed to build a new one, has eased to an extent following many steps by the traffic department. These steps include tarring of road sides which has increased the width of the road, which is currently accommodating two-way traffic. (Viraj) 450 words + picsPACHPAOLI FLYOVER’S RUBBLE DISPOSAL A MAJOR TASK FOR NHAI: With the demolition of Pachpaoli Flyover, tons of rubble is being created at the spot posing a major challenge for NHAI to dispose it off. Viraj 400 words + picsSEWAGE LINE WORK IN RAVI NAGAR CAUSES DISRUPTION, RESIDENTS DIVIDED: Ongoing sewage line work near Dada Dham in Ravi Nagar has sparked inconvenience among locals, with residents reporting delays, poor road conditions, and a lack of timely updates. The dug-up stretch has become difficult to navigate, raising safety concerns, especially for senior citizens and two-wheeler riders. While some residents acknowledge that such development work is necessary and are willing to be patient, others criticise the prolonged timeline and lack of coordination. Police officials stated they instructed the agency on April 15 to level the road as a precaution, but civic authorities have yet to address the public’s complaints or provide a clear completion schedule. (Proshun Chakraborty & Tanushka Sharma)(300 words + pics)THE CANAL THAT BROUGHT HOPE BACK TO PARCHED VIDARBHA AREAS: In drought-hit Maharashtra, a corporate-backed water revival project is quietly transforming thousands of rural lives: In Vidarbha’s harsh, dust-blown fields, water has always been the cruel decider — of harvests, of livelihoods, and sometimes, of lives. Yet, in the village of Sawangi Tehsil, the story is changing. Where dry furrows once cracked under the weight of failed monsoons, water now trickles with quiet resilience, thanks to an ambitious restoration of the Sawangi Canal by a pvt company’s CSR wing, Avashya Foundation. Stretching across 4.11 kilometres, the canal’s widening, deepening, and desilting has breathed new life into the region’s fragile agricultural backbone. Executed alongside Sadbhavana Gramin Vikas Sanstha and Purti Sinchan Samruddhi Kalyankari Sanstha, the project has created 100,000 cubic meters of surface water capacity and recharged 225,000 cubic meters of groundwater annually. More than 400 hectares of farmland are flourishing again. Crops once left parched now stand green; cattle drink freely; families harvest hope with their wheat. 450 with picsMAHARASHTRA APPROVES AGGREGATORS POLICY FOR APP-BASED VEHICLES: In a major development, the Maharashtra government has approved the implementation of an Aggregators Policy for app-based vehicles, following a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The policy comes in response to a directive from the Supreme Court and was developed by a committee headed by Sudhir Kumar Srivastav. The committee’s report, along with relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act, has paved the way for the policy’s enforcement in the state. It mandates that vehicle owners wishing to operate app-based services must comply with stringent safety standards, ensuring greater passenger security. Notably, the policy introduces measures for women passengers, offering them the option to travel only with female drivers or other women passengers in carpooling services. The policy also requires app-based aggregators to adhere to the Information Technology Act, 2000, and ensures that these platforms meet safety criteria including real-time GPS tracking, emergency contact numbers, and character verification of drivers. Additionally, drivers must undergo training at recognized institutions, and both passengers and drivers will be required to have insurance coverage. 250 wordsMAHARASHTRA LAUNCHES TARGETED WELFARE PROGRAMME FOR GOWARI COMMUNITY: A comprehensive state-backed initiative promises educational, housing, employment and entrepreneurship support to uplift the Gowari population in Vidarbha. In a landmark move aimed at addressing longstanding demands of the Gowari community, the Maharashtra Cabinet on Monday approved a multi-sectoral welfare programme designed on the lines of schemes available to Scheduled Tribes. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and is expected to benefit the community concentrated in Vidarbha, which accounts for nearly 1.5 million Gowaris. (350MAHARASHTRA LAUNCHES COUNTRY’S FIRST INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT TRUST TO FUND ROAD PROJECTS; CABINET APPROVES ‘MAHA INVIT’ TO ATTRACT LONG-TERM CAPITAL AND FAST-TRACK KEY PUBLIC WORKS: Maharashtra has become the first state in India to set up its own Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) with the aim of mobilizing funds and accelerating execution of road, bridge, and related infrastructure projects. The decision was approved during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The trust, titled ‘Maha InvIT,’ will function under Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) guidelines and involve a sponsor, investment manager, and project manager. It will serve as a new funding mechanism offering stable returns to both private and public investors. Selected assets from the Public Works Department, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, and Maharashtra Infrastructure Development Corporation will be transferred to the trust. By monetizing future revenue upfront, the trust will generate capital for new infrastructure initiatives. The cabinet also granted in-principle approval to create a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to operationalize the trust. — 350HC SEEKS RESPONSE ON ENCROACHMENTS ON PANCHSHEEL SQ-MEHADIA ROAD: The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Monday verbally directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the collector to respond to allegations of growing encroachments between Panchsheel Square and Mehadia Square, a vital stretch in the heart of the city. The direction came during the hearing of PIL (No. 65/2012) filed by Dhantoli Nagrik Mandal, whose counsel, Ashwin Deshpande, drew the court’s attention to a previous order mandating the removal of all encroachments along the same corridor. The bench, comprising Justices Nitin Sambre and Vrushali Joshi, orally asked the authorities to file their replies addressing the concerns raised. The PIL highlights extensive disruption caused by road work and the misuse of designated parking areas by private hospitals and commercial establishments, in violation of approved building regulations. Parking spaces and basements meant for public use were allegedly converted into canteens and service facilities, leading to congestion and safety hazards. — Vaibhav (300)EDU DEPT DIRECTS APPOINTMENT OF SPL EDU TEACHERS WITHIN CITY LIMITS: State education department has directed that transfer / reassignment of special educators (those who teach differently abled kids) must be done within the same municipal corporation area. Earlier a city-based teacher would be sent to remote rural parts. — Abhishek 200 wordsOPEN GROUND NEAR VASUDEV NAGAR METRO STATION HUB FOR NIGHT-TIME DRINKING: An open ground near Vasudev Nagar Metro Station has become a late-night drinking hub, drawing crowds due to the presence of multiple liquor shops and food stalls nearby. People often buy alcohol and snacks, then gather in the area to drink, either in the open or inside parked vehicles. A shed on the ground, used for parking buses and trucks, has also become an informal party zone. The location is surrounded by student hostels and residential complexes, including women’s hostels, raising serious safety concerns. While the cops claim to conduct nighttime patrols and shut down shots after 10.30 pm, no action seems to be taking place here. (Ved Ghulghule) (350 words) (With pics)HAPPY REUNION BY RPF: 260+ CHILDREN RESCUED IN 16 MONTHS: Under Operation Nanhe Farishte, the Nagpur division of the Railway Police Force (RPF) has successfully rescued and reunited over 260 lost or separated children with their families in the past 16 months. The RPF’s proactive efforts include dedicated help desks and an active social media coordination group to streamline communication and accelerate the search and rescue process. (Ved Ghulghule) (300 words)CONSTRUCTION MOVES AHEAD, MUD AND MESS FOLLOW BEHIND: Nagpur is building fast—flyovers, new drains, commercial blocks—but in the rush to rise, the streets below are bearing the brunt. Across the city, from B-Mall in Mahal to Town Hall Square to MHADA Colony near Cotton Market, roads are being left behind in mud, rubble, and risk. The construction crews come and go. But what they leave—clumps of hardened soil, slippery muck, narrow lanes—stays. Especially in places like MHADA, where work continues and the cleanup doesn’t. In dry weather, it’s an obstacle course. When the rains arrive, it will be a hazard zone. Locals say they’re forced to choose between swerving and skidding. “This isn’t just poor maintenance. It’s neglect,” says Nilesh Deshmukh, a resident near MHADA Colony. “Every rain turns the road into a skating rink. And nothing changes.” Civic rules exist. Contractors are supposed to clean up, control spillage, and keep roads usable. But enforcement is nowhere to be seen. (Ved Ghulghule) (400 words) (with pics)BHANDARA VILLAGES TO CREATE COMPOST, AS PART OF CLEAN VILLAGE INITIATIVE: From May 1 onwards, all villages in Bhandara will attempt to create compost from dry and wet waste, at household and community levels. The govt initiated campaign will launch at the gram panchayat level and run till end of September. — Abhishek 150 wordsFADNAVIS CALLS FOR COMPREHENSIVE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION STRATEGY FOR MAHARASHTRA; THE STATE IS TO FOCUS ON DATA-DRIVEN, ACCOUNTABLE WATER MANAGEMENT UNDER NEW DIRECTIVES: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday directed the Soil and Water Conservation Department to prepare a comprehensive soil and water conservation plan for the entire state. This plan will utilise watershed maps from the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) and data from the Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA). The plan will adopt a ‘top to bottom’ approach, ensuring that works are based on detailed water accounting and executed at appropriate locations with suitable construction types. Fadnavis issued the directives during a review meeting of the Water Conservation Corporation held in Mumbai. Vaibhav (350 with pic)NAGPUR’S IITMS PILOT DELAYED, BUT INSTALLATION TO FINISH IN TWO WEEKS: Nagpur Municipal Corporation has missed the April 30 deadline for its Rs197 crore Intelligent and Integrated Traffic Management System (IITMS) pilot, but officials now say installation at 10 key junctions will be completed within a fortnight. Delays were due to pending permissions for underground utility work. The pilot covers junctions like Alankar Talkies, Deekshabhoomi, Bajaj Nagar, and LAD Square. Civil work and cable laying are nearly done. The AI-based system will include adaptive signals, speed radars, and LED signages. Once the pilot ends, full-scale upgradation of 161 city signals under the Keltron-led project will begin. (Proshun) (400)+ with picsGMCH’S SKYWALK NOW OPEN FOR PATIENTS, CEMENT ROADS AND LANDSCAPING WORK STARTS: The much awaited skywalk joining the trauma centre and the GMCH main building which is very important for the critically ill patients has finally started. GMCH Dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye told TOI that they have started using the skywalk without any formal inauguration of fanfare, because the patients need it the most. — Chaitanya Deshpande 300 words/points)5CM METAL SHARD PIERCED HIS LUNG: SSH Doctors Save Sculptor in Daring Surgery: A young sculptor working in a metal smelting unit had a miraculous escape after a sharp, fast-moving 5×3 cm triangular metal fragment shot into his chest and embedded itself deep in his left lung. What could have been a fatal workplace accident turned into a dramatic, life-saving surgical triumph at Super Specialty Hospital, Nagpur, where a team of doctors successfully removed the foreign object in a complex and rare procedure. — Chaitanya Deshpande 400 words/photos/points)EVERY EXPECTING MOTHER MUST UNDERGO PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION, SAYS IPS NAGPUR CHIEF: Senior psychiatrist Dr Priti Bhute, who took over as president of the Indian Psychiatric Society Nagpur recently, has presented a research analysis on importance of psychiatric counselling and evaluation of expectant mothers. She said that the present lifestyle and social scenario has made it mandatory for the young girls to get psychiatric evaluation before motherhood responsibility. — Chaitanya Deshpande 300 words/photo)MARATHWADA AGRI UNIVERSITY’S PROJECT TO ASSESS CROP HEALTH USING SATELLITE IMAGERY GETS GOVT GRANT: All India Coordinated Research Project on Agrometeorology at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University in Parbhani, will leverage high-resolution satellite data to monitor crop conditions across the state, for which Maharashtra has given a grant of Rs 1 crore. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The NDVI is a widely recognized metric, measures vegetation health by analyzing the difference between near-infrared and red light reflected by plants. By integrating this with satellite imagery, the project will provide real-time insights into crop conditions at the district, taluka, and farm levels. The system will enable authorities to assess damage caused by natural disasters, facilitating swift compensation and support for affected farmers. — Abhishek 300 wordsSTUDENTS DEVELOP WEBSITE TO TRACE FAKE THREAT MESSAGES: Three students from the GH Raisoni College in Nagpur have developed Alikdech, a website to help police trace the exact location of individuals sending fake threat messages. Created for the Cyber Hack 2025 competition by the Nagpur Police, the tool identifies email senders, bypasses VPNS, and provides detailed data on message origins. The initiative addresses the rising number of hoax bomb threats in public spaces. Police commissioner Ravinder Singal and DCP Lohit Matani attended the demonstration and praised the innovation. The website could soon aid law enforcement in streamlining cyber investigations and ensuring faster, more accurate responses. (Soumitra Bose & Sumukh Kulkarni)(350 words+ pics)HURDLES CLEARED FOR DHANORA BARRAGE; WORK SET TO GAIN MOMENTUM: In a significant breakthrough for the long-pending Dhanora Barrage project in Chandrapur, key hurdles have been cleared and the project is now poised to gain momentum. A decisive meeting, held following the initiative by Chandrapur’s MLA Kishore Jorgewar, was recently held in Nagpur under the aegis of the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC). — Mazhar 300HCBA DEMANDS ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR LIBRARY, WRITES TO PRINCIPAL SECRETARY: The High Court Bar Association (HCBA) of Nagpur has written to the Principal Secretary of the Law and Justice Department in Mumbai, highlighting the inadequacy of funds for procuring essential law books. The HCBA has requested an allocation of ₹10 lakh, to be distributed cumulatively among all HCBAs across the state, to strengthen their legal libraries. (Vaibhav Ganjapure and Sumukh Kulkarni)(250 word + pic)NMC TO STUDY POTENTIAL HURDLES IN DAHI BAZAAR REVAMP: COMM INSPECTS SITE: A week after Union Minister and city MP Nitin Gadkari conducted a review meeting on the redevelopment of city markets, municipal commissioner Abhijit Chaudhari on Saturday inspected the proposed Dahi Bazaar site — being developed by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) — and directed officials to study potential challenges in the planned redevelopment. He also reviewed various ongoing development works under the Smart City project in the Pardi area. (Proshun) (300)GONDIA MODEL OF PALLIATIVE CARE BECOMES A LIFELINE FOR HUNDREDS AMID SUMMER HEAT: As the summer heat peaks, the ongoing Palliative Care program under the National Health Mission (NHM) has emerged as a much-needed support system for chronically ill and bedridden patients in Gondia district. Launched recently, the program has already reached 116 patients through home visits and support services. (350 words/points/photos)COMHAD CHIEF UDAY BODHANKAR VISITS RMH: The Regional Mental Hospital in Mankapur, Nagpur—one of the oldest and largest mental healthcare institutions in Central India—continues to stand out as a model of compassionate and comprehensive care for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions. A recent visit by Dr. Uday Bodhankar, Executive Director of COMHAD (Commonwealth Association for Health and Disability), shed light on the institution’s ongoing efforts to blend clinical excellence with innovative rehabilitation practices. (400 words/photo)KAMPTEE ROAD SEES COMPLETION OF EHV LINE HEIGHT-RAISING FOR METRO PHASE-II: The Mahametro on Friday completed the height-raising of 400kv and 132kV EHV lines on Kamptee Road, a key milestone under Phase-II. Coordinated with MSETCL, the work involved design approvals, fabrication, and erection of three monopoles, along with conductor stringing across the highway. This crucial task ensures safe clearance for Metro alignment and marks significant progress in utility shifting for the ongoing metro expansion. (Ved Ghulghule)(350 words)C&D WASTE PROCESSING BEGINS AFTER 20 MONTHS; OVER 63,000 TONNES REMAIN UNTREATED: In a worrying revelation about the city’s construction and demolition (C&D) waste management, official data shows that Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) did not process a single tonne of C&D waste for nearly 20 months after starting collection in August 2022. Between August 2022 and March 2024, a staggering 64,858 tonnes of C&D waste was collected and transported but remained entirely unprocessed.Processing operations finally began in April 2024, with 3,721.25 tonnes processed in the first month. Since then, there has been some improvement, with processing figures closely matching monthly collections. However, the backlog from the earlier period remains a major environmental concern. (Proshun) (350)POLICY FOR MANAGEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE TO BE FRAMED SOON: A comprehensive policy for the disposal and recycling of debris generated from construction and demolition activities in the city will soon be framed, directed municipal commissioner and administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari to officials. On the occasion of World Earth Day, under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Nagpur Municipal Corporation organized a seminar on Sustainable Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management – Nagpur City at Vanamati auditorium. (Proshun) (350)KHADI AND VILLAGE INDUSTRIES ACHIEVE HISTORIC ₹1.7 LAKH CRORE TURNOVER IN FY 24-25: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) recorded a historic turnover of ₹1.70 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, with production and sales rising by 347% and 447% respectively over the last 11 years. Employment has also grown by 49.23%, now supporting 1.94 crore people. According to KVIC chairman Manoj Kumar, under schemes like PMEGP and Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, over 10 lakh units were established and 2.87 lakh toolkits distributed. Women comprise 80% of Khadi artisans and 57% of trainees. KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar credited the Central Government’s support and rural artisans for making Khadi a symbol of sustainability and self-reliance. (350 words)PUGLIA DEMANDS RS 300 CRORE FROM DMF FOR IRAI RIVER REJUVENATION: Former MP Naresh Puglia has demanded that Rs 300 crore from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) be immediately allocated for the deepening and rejuvenation of Irai River, citing its critical role in supplying water to Chandrapur city and the Chandrapur Thermal Power Station. — Mazhar Ali 300JIGAON PROJECT PUSHES FORWARD: RELIEF IN SIGHT FOR FARMER SUICIDE-PRONE SALT PAN BELT OF VIDARBHA: In a step toward reviving the stalled Jigaon irrigation project, a high-level review meeting was held in Nagpur on Wednesday, with Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announcing that all efforts will be made to remove obstacles and speed up completion. (Ved Ghulghule) (300 words) (with pics)Forest dept to formulate policy for protecting Devrai (sacred forests): Devrai – best defined as a sacred forest patch which is revered by local communities for centuries – is rich in biodiversity. The forest department has started the process of laying down guidelines for the protection of these Devrais, and its conservation as well. The responsibility for that is primarily on the State Biodiversity Board. — Abhishek 200 words27 BIKES, RECOVERED AS ABANDONED, HAVE KEPT MIDC COPS CLUELESS ABOUT THEIR OWNERS FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS. The RTO or the insurance company are clueless about their ownership while the cops are groping in the dark regarding 27 bikes Parked in their premises. (Soumitra) 250 + picsDAUGHTER OF FARM WIDOW MARRIED OFF WITH CROWD FUNDING: A daughter of Yavatmal farmer’s wife who died by suicide was married off through Rs 3 lakh generated through crowd funding including contributions from politicians. Farm activist Kishore Tiwari who arranged the marriage said Laxmi Chincholkar turned 21 and was married another farmer Kunal Wagdhane who has a 10 acre holding. Her farther who owned a three acre farm died by suicide in 2005. His farm still remains pledged to the lenders, claimed Tiwari. (Shishir) 250AJNI LOCO SHED INSTALLS WATERLESS URINALS IN WAG-9 LOCOMOTIVES TO IMPROVE CREW COMFORT AND SAFETY: In a significant step towards enhancing crew comfort and operational safety, the Electric Loco Shed, Ajni, under the Nagpur Division of Central Railway, has introduced unisex waterless urinal facilities in Ajni-based WAG-9 Goods Electric Locomotives. Loco Pilots operating freight trains often work continuously for 7–8 hours or more without access to basic sanitation. The lack of onboard toilet facilities has led to operational challenges, as crew members may be forced to disembark at remote or unscheduled locations, which can compromise train safety and punctuality. This issue is particularly sensitive for female loco pilots. — Soumitra 200PGRS ONLINE SYSTEM TO BE LAUNCHED AT CM’S SECRETARIAT FOR FASTER PUBLIC GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL: State govt is set to roll out a new Public Grievances Redressal System (PGRS) at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat here to streamline the handling of public applications and ensure timely action. The announcement came following a high-level presentation chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Hyderabad House, Civil Lines on Sunday. The PGRS system is designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in processing public complaints, applications, and representations received during the CM’s visits and public outreach programmes. The system will route submissions to relevant departments and keep applicants informed via SMS at every stage—from receipt to resolution. (Ved Ghulghule) (300 words)MAHA COTTON GROWERS OPPOSE IMPORT-DUTY WAIVER DEMAND BY SOUTH TEXTILE INDUSTRY: Vidarbha Cotton growers have redflagged the demand for an import duty waiver from April to October off season period by South India Mills Association. The cotton from foreign countries is available at aich lesser price even below the MSP and the 11pc duty still keeps the rate down, they said. In case the govt goes ahead and fulfill the demand by South, farmers feel it will break hacov for farmers especially in the cotton belt of Maharashtra. The acerage under cotton cultivation will drastically come down, they said. The ICAR -CICR toonhas written to the govt warning it against anymove to waive of import duty. (Sarfaraz)+ info.TECHNICAL ISSUE HALTS CRUSHING OF PACHPAOLI FLYOVER DEBRIS: The ongoing demolition of Pachpaoli flyover has created a big debris of demolished material, which has been kept at the spot and it has reduced the width of the already narrow road. The demolition of the flyover will create tons of debris and other material which needs to be crushed and shifted out of the site. However, a technical glitch in connecting the crusher with the demolition machinery has created a hurdle. For this, the NHAI has called a special ‘attachment part’ from Mumbai and will soon resume the crushing work which will be done on the site. The crushing will be done at night so the locals are likely to face the noise issue in the coming days. (Viraj) 450 words + pics + info on steps taken to reduce traffic congestionBJP STRENGTHENS ROOTS IN VIDARBHA: 313 MANDALS FORMED, 275 PRESIDENTS APPOINTED: In a major push toward grassroots mobilization, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its organizational expansion across Maharashtra, with Vidarbha emerging as a key focus area. Out of the 1,221 mandals established across the state, 313 are in Vidarbha—a clear indication of the region’s strategic importance in the party’s roadmap ahead of local self-government elections. Of these 313 mandals, 275 have already seen the appointment of mandal presidents. This expansion, led under the supervision of BJP Working President Ravindra Chavan, marks one of the most systematic and swift organizational overhauls undertaken by the party in recent years. Chavan’s leadership has emphasized discipline, speed, and precision—transforming internal structure-building into a core political strategy. (Ved Ghulghule) (320 words) (with infographics)TRADERS AT KALAMNA MARKET PLEDGE TO PREVENT HEATSTROKE AMID SOARING TEMPERATURES: With daytime temperatures hovering between 41°C and 42°C, the risk of heat-related illnesses is rising sharply across Nagpur. Among the worst affected are daily wagers and traders at Kalamna Market Yard, one of the city’s busiest hubs. On Thursday, the Kalamna Market Traders’ Association took a significant step by pledging to adopt preventive measures against heatstroke following an awareness drive by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). (Proshun) 300 wordsRURAL POLICE LAUNCH QR CODE TO TRACK LICENSE APPLICATIONS UNDER 100-DAY INITIATIVE: Under the 100-day initiative of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Rural police under SP Harssh Poddar have initiated an important step towards transparency in operations and increasing convenience for citizens. A QR code scanning facility for file tracking of Petrol Pump License, Rally Permit, Firecracker Sale License, Arms License Renewal, and Sphotak Satha License will be introduced in 22 police stations of Nagpur Rural district in the preliminary phase. Soumitra (220 Words)ENHANCED MONITORING OF LOCOMOTIVES WITH ADVANCED CCTV SETUP AT ELECTRIC LOCO SHED AJNI: Central Railway’s Nagpur Division has successfully commissioned a comprehensive CCTV-based video monitoring system on its testing pits at Ajni-based electric loco shed this week. This modern surveillance system is considered an innvovative but cost-effective measure to monitor the maintenance work. The CCTV-enabled system allowed a detailed video recording of the roof, under-frame, and side equipment of locomotives before they are dispatched for traffic. Two testing pits at the electric loco shed at Ajni—where ‘Ready Locos’ are prepared for service—have been equipped with four strategically placed CCTV cameras on each pit. (Soumitra) 300 wordsHIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT: NARRATIVES OF VICTIMS OF EVE-TEASING – STUDENTS, COMMUTERS AND RESIDENTS RAISE ALARM AS EVE-TEASING INCIDENTS ESCALATE IN GANDHI NAGAR AND LAD METRO STATION VICINITY: A growing sense of insecurity has gripped parts of the city as multiple incidents of eve-teasing and harassment at the stretch of Gandhi Nagar Square and LAD metro station have left students, working women, and commuters distressed. Despite being a recurring problem, victims often choose silence over reporting due to fear, social stigma, and lack of confidence in redressal mechanisms. In a series of interactions conducted by The Times of India, young women recounted harrowing experiences that shed light on the unchecked misconduct in the area. A 19-year-old college student narrated how a stranger initially asked for directions but soon began pressuring her for personal details and insisted she accompany him. “I somehow managed to get away, but the encounter was frightening and completely unexpected,” she said. (Intern/ Sukirti Kapgate) (450 words) (with pics)IN SECOND MEETING, TASK FORCE STEPS UP EFFORTS TO COMBAT STUDENT SUICIDES IN HIGHER EDUCATION: The National Task Force on Mental Health Concerns of Students and Prevention of Suicides in Higher Educational Institutions convened its second meeting in New Delhi on Saturday, pushing forward initiatives to address mental health challenges among students. Chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, the task force aims to tackle the rising issue of suicides in higher education institutions. — Abhishek 250 words50 NMC VEHICLES, 80 TONNES OF SCRAP TO BE AUCTIONED SOON: FUNDS TO HELP NMC PURCHASE THREE NEW TRUCKS FOR CITY OPERATIONS: In a major clean-up and resource optimization drive, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is set to auction 50 decommissioned vehicles and a whopping 80 tonnes of assorted scrap—ranging from rusting furniture to obsolete machinery. The move is part of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’ 100-day action plan and promises to bring both space and funds back into circulation. The special committee formed by the NMC, headed by additional municipal commissioner Vasumana Pant, has greenlit the auction plan. The proceeds from the online sale will go toward purchasing one truck for the garden department and two trucks for the enforcement department—signaling a full-circle moment of waste being turned into utility. (Proshun) (400)+ with infoboxDOCTORS SHARE CUTTING-EDGE ADVANCES IN PEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE: A high-impact Continuing Medical Education (CME) event was held on Sunday brought together some of the leading minds in pediatric neurology, organ transplant, and intensive care. The scientific deliberations began with an insightful keynote by Dr. Lokesh Lingappa, renowned pediatric neurologist, who shed light on “Newer Frontiers in Pediatric Neurocritical Care.” (400 words/points)INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS IN VIDARBHA SEEK DIVISIONAL-LEVEL INDUSTRY COMMITTEE, RAISE ISSUES OF ENCROACHMENT: Representatives of various industrial associations from Vidarbha have demanded the formation of a divisional-level committee on the lines of the Zilla Udyog Mitra Samiti to address the problems faced by industries in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) areas. The demand was raised during a meeting with Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari on Tuesday, where encroachment on industrial land and other local issues dominated the discussion. The industrialists urged that such a committee at the divisional level would help in faster resolution of long-pending issues, improve coordination with government departments, and give industries a stronger voice in policy decisions. (Ved Ghulghule) (350 words)AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP VILLAGE PLAN FOR FARMERS’ GROWTH: Agriculture department will prepare a special development plan for every village in Nagpur district under the Pokhara Scheme. District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar has instructed officials to work closely with each Gram Panchayat to create these plans with farmers’ direct participation. The goal is to tackle issues like drought, soil erosion, and climate change, while improving farm productivity. A Village Agricultural Development Committee, led by the Sarpanch, will oversee the planning and execution. Covering 321 Gram Panchayats and 563 villages, the scheme focuses on people’s participation for long-term rural development. The Collector also directed speedy registration of farmers under the Agristack scheme to ensure maximum benefits reach farmers across Nagpur district. (Ved Ghulghule) (300 words)RESIDENTS CRY FOUL AS NMC STARTS GARBAGE COLLECTION POINT NEAR PASSPORT SEVA KENDRA: Posh residential locality of Sadiqabad Colony in Mankapur is bracing a foul stench round the clock after the solid waste and management department started a garbage collection point near Passport Seva Kendra recently. Residents said despite stiff opposition and multiple letters to the NMC, big trucks are parked in the vicinity to lift solid waste from many areas in West Nagpur. The spillover has given the area a dirt look and attracted dumping by all and sundry. Residents said the recent unseasonal rains have only made matters worse while rising temperature too has increased the foul stench. (Sarfaraz) 350 + pics‘RECKLESS DEVP’ IMPACTING NAGPUR’S ENVIRONMENT: HC SEEKS PWD’S REPLY: The Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Monday instructed public works department (PWD) to explain reckless development without adherence to statutory environmental norms throughout the city that is adversely impacting residents’ lives. Vaibhav (345)OVER 71K NEW POWER SUBSCRIBERS JOINED MSEDCL LAST FISCAL: MSEDCL has granted over 71,000 new power connections in the last fiscal in the Nagpur zone, which include Nagpur and Wardha districts. Out of the total new connections, over 57,000 were the household ones. (Viraj) 400 wordsLIQUOR BEING SOLD ILLEGALLY IN DHABAS, RESTAURANTS: As hundreds of illegal liquor selling dhabas and restaurants in Nagpur city and outskirts are openly running, the state excise department is all set to renew its drive against these establishments. The month-long drive would be carried out following the recent directions of commissioner of state excise. Currently, several such establishments are operational on Wardha Road, Amravati Road and even in the parts of city including at Bajaj Nagar, which has now become a hub for such establishments. (Viraj) 450 wordsCLEAN WATER OVERFLOW ON MOUNT ROAD TRIGGERS CITIZEN OUTCRY AHEAD OF SUMMER: As the scorching summer intensifies, Mount Road in Sadar’s residents face persistent overflow of clean water onto the streets, leading to inconvenience and concerns over water wastage. Despite multiple complaints to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), residents allege that no corrective action has been taken so far. (Sumukh Kulkarni)(300 words + pics)TEMPLE ASSOCIATION DEMANDS STRONGER PROTECTION FOR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS: In a major gathering of over 300 temple trustees from across Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Mandir Nyas Parishad passed 11 key resolutions demanding legal protection for temple lands, financial independence, and the preservation of religious sites. (Chaitanya) 400 wordsWCL FORESEES SHARP DECLINE IN COAL PRODUCTION IN NEXT DECADE, WHILE DEMAND FOR POWER SECTOR WILL RISE: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) — Nagpur-based public sector undertaking, which has mines spread across Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh foresees a decline in production from the next decade. WCL is one of the five subsidiaries of Coal India Limited (CIL), a navratna govt company. Power stations in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh largely depend on WCL for coal supply. As against this the demand of coal from power sector will only increase. Coal reserves in mines of two states will dip below economic viability level leading to the decline. This means WCL will also have to look for mines in other states, if the level of output has to be maintained. From 70 million tonnes, coal production would slip to 50 million tonnes a year after 10 years. (Shishir) 450 wordsPWD-RAILWAY JURISDICTION CLASH LEAVES NARENDRA NAGAR UNDERPASS IN NEGLECT: A lack of communication between the Public Works Department (PWD) and Central Railways has left the Narendra Nagar Underpass in a state of disrepair. While the railway authorities oversee the underpass itself, the PWD is responsible for maintaining the roads on either side. This divide has resulted in neglected, slippery potholes that pose a serious hazard to commuters. — Sumukh Kulkarni (350 words + pics)24 DOG BITE CASES BEING REPORTED EVERY 24 HOURS IN NAGPUR: In the last seven months, from April to October, at least 24 dog bite cases have been reported in city every day. The menace of stray dogs and their attack on citizens continues to take place in city but the civic body remains a mute spectator. Data from NMC’s health department showed that 5206 of dog bites were reported from April to October this year. While the NMC claims that it had been carrying sterilization drive to control the population of stray dogs in the city. Viraj (450 words)STATE LAUNCHES GURUSHALA TO FOSTER INTEREST IN LEARNING AMONG TRIBAL STUDENTS: The state tribal development department has initiated an innovative project called ‘Gurushala’ in collaboration with the Pratham Education Foundation in New Delhi. This initiative aims to foster a love for learning among students in govt-run residential schools, thereby enhancing educational quality. — Sarfaraz (250)HC SEEKS DATA ON DECLINING CASES IN INDUSTRIAL AND LABOUR COURTS: Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court has raised concerns over the decreasing number of cases being filed in industrial and labour courts while the staff strength remains high. During a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Vidarbha Labour Law Practitioners Association, the court noted the imbalance between workload and staffing in these courts. The PIL highlighted that although six positions have been sanctioned for the courts, the number of cases being registered is dropping. The court has now directed the petitioners to submit data on the number of cases filed annually in these courts within three weeks. (Vaibhav) 300 words80-BED REGIONAL OPHTHALMOLOGY INSTITUTE PLANNED AT GMCH: Grappling with decades old infrastructure despite drastic increase in patient load, the department of ophthalmology is set for an overhaul and infrastructural expansion to meet the growing needs and keep pace with advanced technology in eye care. On the eve of Eye Donation Forthnigght, the department professor and head Dr Nandkishor Raut said a five-storey building would soon come up in place of the old department building on the campus. Crucial surgeries for diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, DCT would be done on a bigger scale and laser and microscopic equipment would be used. — Sarfaraz#
