Hidma Eulogy in Pune Hostel Event Sparks Concern Over Urban Naxal Influence on Tribals A Pune-based state social welfare department hostel recently became the center of controversy after students performed a dance to a song eulogizing slain Maoist commander Hidma. The event, part of a multi-day cultural festival, drew attention from authorities, including Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal, who oversees tribal-dominated Gadchiroli district. Jaiswal warned against the influence of "urban naxals" seeking to exploit tribal culture for political propaganda, emphasizing the need to protect "innocent minds" from Maoist narratives. According to sources, five of the students involved in the dance were from Gadchiroli, while one was from Chandrapur. Jaiswal stated that police would counsel the minors to distance them from Maoist influencers, who he claims weaponize tribal traditions to incite unrest. A senior official in the Maharashtra anti-Naxal apparatus confirmed that the event organizers are under police scrutiny. While Gadchiroli has been declared Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-free, Jaiswal highlighted lingering threats from "destructive forces" attempting to destabilize the region. The incident has reignited discussions about the broader challenge of Maoist influence in rural and tribal areas. Jaiswal, alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has been tasked with addressing the legacy of Maoist activity in Gadchiroli, which was once a hotbed of insurgency. He urged tribal communities to resist "false narratives" that could lead to self-destruction, stressing that the government has enacted legal measures to combat urban naxals.#devendra_fadnavis #gadchiroli #ashish_jaiswal #maoist_commander_hidma #maharashtra_anti_naxal_apparatus
Ramtek Tourism Circuit: State Ministers Inspect Bird Park and Recreation Centre Nagpur: State revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and minister of state (MoS) Ashish Jaiswal conducted an inspection of a bird park and a recreation centre near Khindsi Lake on Saturday, marking a renewed push for the development of the Ramtek-Khindsi-Mansar tourism circuit. The visit followed discussions on expanding the region’s appeal as a tourist destination, with officials emphasizing the integration of natural attractions, cultural landmarks, and modern infrastructure to sustain visitor interest. Jaiswal highlighted the broader vision for Ramtek’s tourism sector, which includes linking multiple attractions such as the Film City, seaplane connectivity, and recreational sites. He stated that these initiatives aim to create a cohesive experience for tourists, ensuring steady footfalls and long-term economic benefits. The minister also reiterated the importance of the seaplane project, which has received approval under the central government’s Udaan scheme, as a key component of the region’s growth strategy. Bawankule praised the bird park for offering a unique experience, noting its diverse collection of rare and beautiful bird species and the natural surroundings that enhance its appeal as a tourist spot. He emphasized the role of such projects in promoting eco-tourism and creating opportunities for local businesses. Chandrapal Chouksey, director of the projects, underscored the significance of tourism as a driver of economic activity, stating that it generates revenue across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and retail.#chandrashekhar_bawankule #ashish_jaiswal #udaan_scheme #ramtek_khindsi_mansar #seaplane_project
MoS Jaiswal Reviews Rising Tiger Movement and Attack Incidents in Pench Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal directed authorities to take immediate action against the rising incidents of tiger movement and attacks in the Pench region during a review meeting held in Sillari, Ramtek. The meeting, chaired by Jaiswal, emphasized the urgent need to enhance protective measures for communities living near forest areas. He instructed officials to install protective fencing in vulnerable zones and develop green zones where necessary to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Jaiswal also ordered the deployment of dedicated mobile and medical units to ensure rapid response to emergencies, including tiger attacks. The minister highlighted the importance of a high-level meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to finalize comprehensive strategies for addressing the growing threat posed by tigers. This meeting is expected to focus on long-term solutions to balance conservation efforts with the safety of local residents. Jaiswal assured the public that their safety remains a top priority, promising swift implementation of protective measures. To aid in monitoring and reporting incidents, he announced the launch of a toll-free helpline for residents to report tiger sightings or attacks and seek assistance. AI-enabled cameras have already been installed in select villages, and officials were directed to expand this network to cover more areas. The technology is intended to track tiger movements and provide real-time data to authorities. Jaiswal also emphasized the need for improved coordination between forest departments and local communities to prevent conflicts.#chief_minister #devendra_fadnavis #ashish_jaiswal #minister_of_state #forest_development_corporation_of_maharashtra
Nagpur Set to Become National Hub for Seaplane Ecosystem A survey to finalize seaplane routes originating from Khindsi Lake is underway, positioning Nagpur as the national hub for an amphibious aviation network. The initiative, supported by the government under the Udaan scheme, aims to establish a comprehensive seaplane ecosystem encompassing aircraft, training facilities, and maintenance operations. Minister of State Ashish Jaiswal confirmed to The Times of India that the project is at an advanced stage, with trials already completed. "The government has cleared the scheme, and surveys are currently being conducted with teams scouting locations on boats in Khindsi. It won’t be long before you can land directly at Khindsi Lake and check into a houseboat," Jaiswal stated. The project envisions houseboats with seven rooms, with the first boat to be procured from an Indian firm. Future specialized houseboats will be imported to enhance the experience. Jaiswal emphasized the transformative potential of seaplanes for regional connectivity, stating, "The seaplanes will revolutionize air traffic in Vidarbha and bring more tourists to this region. We are following up with various authorities, and things are moving ahead in a positive way." Mumbai-based entrepreneur Siddharth Verma, spearheading the seaplane project, highlighted Nagpur’s strategic location as the key factor. "Nagpur’s central position makes it the natural choice for anchoring the national seaplane ecosystem. Planes will be stored here, and training and maintenance will be conducted from this hub," Verma explained. He noted that the company already operates similar services in Konkan, Mumbai, and Nashik, with strong demand in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.#nagpur #ashish_jaiswal #khindsi_lake #udaan_scheme #siddharth_verma
4L River Prawn Seed Stocking Undertaken in Khindsi Lake Nagpur: Minister of State and Ramtek MLA Ashish Jaiswal recently initiated the stocking of nearly four lakh river prawn seeds in Khindsi Lake at Ramtek. The move marks a strategic shift from traditional fishery practices, focusing on high-value species to enhance productivity and fishermen’s incomes. The initiative aligns with the natural breeding and egg-laying cycle of river prawns, a phase that improves survival rates and supports sustainable propagation within the reservoir ecosystem. Fisheries officials emphasized that such scientifically timed interventions are crucial for long-term growth and resource management. Jaiswal highlighted the reliance of Vidarbha’s fisheries sector, particularly in Nagpur district, on Indian major carps like Rohu, Catla, and Mrigal, which account for 80-85% of total production. While these species remain vital for local consumption and affordability, overdependence has led to limitations in output and seasonal price volatility, affecting fishermen’s earnings. He noted that freshwater prawns, with market prices ranging between Rs400 and Rs800 per kilogram, offer a more stable and lucrative alternative. Assistant commissioner of fisheries, Shubham Komrewar, confirmed plans to expand similar prawn seed-stocking efforts to the Pench reservoir in the coming weeks. The project underscores efforts to diversify aquatic resources and mitigate the risks associated with over-reliance on a single species. By integrating high-value species into existing ecosystems, authorities aim to create a more resilient and profitable fisheries sector while ensuring environmental sustainability.#ramtek #pench_reservoir #ashish_jaiswal #khindsi_lake #shubham_komrewar
