#times_of_india

Nagpur's Children's Traffic Park Revives Road Safety Lessons for Students A few days after The Times of India (TOI) highlighted the deteriorating condition of the Children’s Traffic Park in Dharampeth, the venue in Nagpur regained its purpose on Tuesday as city-based NGO Janakrosh organized a road safety awareness program for school students. The initiative, which involved around 80 students from Mundle English Medium School, focused on interactive learning through miniature road intersections, traffic signals, zebra crossings, stop lines, and simulated accident scenarios. The event aimed to instill practical knowledge of traffic rules in a safe environment, addressing the city’s ongoing challenges with road accidents and traffic violations. The Children’s Traffic Park, originally developed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) in 2009 as an experiential learning space, had fallen into disrepair over the years due to poor maintenance, damaged infrastructure, and encroachments. TOI’s recent report had emphasized the urgent need to restore the park as a hub for road safety education. During the relaunch, Janakrosh president Prakash Khandekar stressed the importance of introducing road safety education at an early age, noting that hands-on demonstrations leave a lasting impression on children. He emphasized that the traffic model was designed to mirror real-life traffic situations, reviving the park’s original purpose. The program included a pledge-taking session where students committed to following traffic rules and participated in an interactive quiz titled “Kaun Banega Roadpati,” conducted by Dnyanesh Pahune.#nagpur #nitin_gadkari #times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #janakrosh

NMC Flags 78 More Coaching Centres For Fire Safety Deficiencies The Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Fire and Emergency Services Department has identified 78 additional coaching classes operating without mandatory fire safety measures, expanding its ongoing crackdown following last month’s fatal blaze at a coaching institute in Lucknow. The latest inspections, conducted across the jurisdictions of all 12 fire stations, revealed widespread violations, including institutes operating from residential buildings, shops repurposed as classrooms, and basements of commercial complexes designated solely for parking. These findings add to the 137 coaching classes already inspected earlier as part of a special drive ordered by municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar. Chief fire officer Tushar Barahate informed The Times of India that the inspections were expanded after officials discovered several institutes had been overlooked in the initial survey. The inspections uncovered serious deficiencies in fire safety preparedness, despite hundreds of students attending these institutes daily. Several buildings were found lacking basic firefighting equipment, emergency exits, and other life safety measures mandated under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. The department has issued notices under Section 6 of the Act to coaching institute operators for fire safety deficiencies and directed them to obtain mandatory clearances. Officials warned that institutes failing to address the issues could face action under Section 8(1), which allows authorities to declare a building unsafe for occupancy. Continued violations could also lead to recommendations for disconnection of electricity and water supply under Section 8(2).#times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #tushar_barahate

NMC Slaps Rs 5 Lakh Fine on Gujarat Firm Over Electrocuting Death Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has imposed a Rs 5 lakh penalty on Gujarat-based M/s Das Infrastructure Pvt Ltd for its alleged role in the electrocution death of 60-year-old Afroz Begum Azim Khan in Auliya Nagar. The decision follows a week of sustained reporting by The Times of India (TOI), which highlighted the incident and prompted the civic body to take punitive action. The contractor, accused of damaging an underground electric cable during sewer work, faces financial liability, though criminal charges will depend on findings from a high-level expert committee. Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar confirmed that an inquiry panel, led by an additional municipal commissioner, has been formed to conduct a technical and forensic investigation. The committee includes officials from the public health engineering (PHE) department, NMC’s electrical department, and forensic experts, with a deadline of 10 days to submit its report. Itankar emphasized that the findings must be conclusive and legally robust, with criminal responsibility determined only after the committee’s conclusions. The immediate penalty was based on an inspection by the NMC’s electrical department, which found that the Gujarat firm had damaged the underground power cable during excavation for sewerage works and failed to inform the civic body. Itankar stated that the department’s report clearly outlined the contractor’s negligence, leading to the imposition of the fine and efforts to recover losses. M/s Das Infrastructure Pvt Ltd is currently executing Package-4 of the AMRUT 2.0 sewerage project.#times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #amrut_2_0 #afroz_begum_azim_khan #m_s_das_infrastructure_pvt_ltd

Bitumen Spit & Polish On Cracked Cement Road The Nagpur-based Public Works Department (PWD) has undertaken a last-minute repair of a cracked stretch of cement concrete (CC) road on Wardha Road near Khapri, ahead of the BRICS Transport Ministers' Summit. The decision to lay layers of bitumen over the damaged pavement has sparked local skepticism, with residents questioning the rationale behind using temporary asphalt fixes for a road constructed at significant cost and intended to last decades. The work, carried out amid heavy monsoon rains, is part of a broader effort to prepare key roads leading to summit venues, including the approach road to a hotel in Khapri near Mihan, where several high-profile meetings are scheduled. According to officials from the National Highways Division of the PWD, the repair was an emergency measure undertaken just days before the summit, as the monsoon season intensified. The officials admitted that reconstructing the damaged concrete pavement during the rainy period was not feasible. A senior PWD official told The Times of India that the road’s deterioration stemmed from two primary challenges: the presence of black cotton soil beneath sections of the pavement, which compromises structural stability, and the absence of an effective drainage system, which allows water to accumulate beneath the road surface. The repair work has drawn criticism from locals, who argue that the road’s condition highlights systemic issues in infrastructure maintenance. The PWD’s decision to prioritize temporary fixes over long-term reconstruction has raised concerns about the durability of the solution.#nagpur #times_of_india #public_works_department #khapri #brics_transport_ministers_summit

CBSE Eases 3-Language Policy, Exempts Current Class 10 Batch Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday announced a relaxation of its three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, exempting the current Class 10 batch and sparing Classes 7, 8, and 9 from board examinations in the third language. This one-time adjustment formalized an assurance provided by Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan in an interview to The Times of India last week. The policy change, outlined in a June 29 circular, specifies that students in Class 10 during the 2026-27 academic year will continue with the existing two-language system. For Class 9 students in 2026-27, they must study three languages, with at least two being “Bhartiya Bhashas” (Indian languages). The third language will be assessed solely through internal school-based examinations, with no CBSE board examination for this batch when they reach Class 10 in 2027-28. A one-off relief was granted to students currently in Classes 7, 8, and 9 who have already opted for two foreign languages. These students are allowed to continue with their existing language combination and must add one Indian language as the third. The assessment of the third language for these batches will remain school-based, with no board examination. The full three-language mandate with board examinations will apply from Class 6 (2026-27) onwards. When this batch reaches Class 10, they will sit for the board exam in the third language as well. The relaxation followed a May circular mandating the three-language policy for Class 9 starting July 1. A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court challenging the circular, prompting the apex court to issue notices to the central government, CBSE, and NCERT.#times_of_india #supreme_court #central_board_of_secondary_education #national_education_policy #dharmendra_pradhan

HC asks NMC to decide Gorewada lake pollution plea in six weeks The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to examine and decide within six weeks a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging the discharge of untreated sewage into Gorewada Lake. The court, comprising Justices Anil S Kilor and Raj D Wakode, instructed the civic body to treat the petition as a representation and resolve the reliefs sought strictly in accordance with the law. The PIL, filed by corporator Shailesh Pande, claimed that untreated sewage was being released into the lake, causing irreversible environmental damage, harming aquatic life, and posing risks to public health. The petitioner sought immediate measures, including the installation of sewage treatment and pollution-control systems to protect the lake’s ecosystem. The court ordered the petitioner to submit copies of the PIL and the order to the NMC within a week, while the civic body was directed to communicate its final decision to the petitioner within two weeks. This directive comes amid ongoing concerns about the lake’s condition, which has been extensively reported by The Times of India (TOI) over the past two months. Investigations by TOI revealed that sewage-laden streams carrying plastic and domestic waste were entering the lake through a concealed route behind the Gorewada International Zoo, contradicting earlier claims that pollution originated from Dabha. TOI also reported that the NMC had extracted over 9,300 million litres of water from Gorewada in 2025 despite laboratory findings indicating bacteriological contamination. Civic officials defended the reservoir as an emergency backup source, asserting that water supplied to consumers undergoes treatment.#times_of_india #bombay_high_court #nagpur_municipal_corporation #gorewada_lake #shailesh_pande

GMR bets big on Nagpur, envisions India’s next Atlanta aviation hub Nagpur Airport is being positioned as a future “Atlanta of India,” with GMR Airports chairman GBS Raju envisioning the city as a major logistics and aviation hub. The company plans to take over the airport within about two weeks and launch a major expansion project. This includes renovating the existing terminal, constructing a new integrated domestic-cum-international terminal, and eventually adding a second runway to achieve an annual passenger capacity of 3 crore. Raju emphasized that Nagpur’s strategic location and logistical advantages will make it a critical node for both passenger and cargo traffic, similar to how FedEx transformed Dallas-Fort Worth into a U.S. logistics hub. The expansion roadmap, shared exclusively with The Times of India, outlines immediate steps such as renovating the current terminal, with designs already finalized. A team of 140 workers is on-site, and financial closure for the project has been secured. The new terminal, designed to be modular, will allow phased expansion as passenger numbers grow. Raju noted that the airport’s capacity will increase over time, with a second runway expected within eight years to meet future demand. Currently, Nagpur Airport handles 40 lakh passengers annually, with 25 lakh passengers recorded in FY26. It is connected to over 15 destinations and has handled more than eight million tonnes of cargo. The airport’s strategic importance is further highlighted by its role as a logistical hub, with existing infrastructure like the Indamer Technics MRO facility, recently acquired by Adani Group. Global aerospace and defense companies are also exploring opportunities in Nagpur, citing its growing ecosystem.#times_of_india #mihan #nagpur_airport #gmr_airports #gb_s_rajus

Roads flooded, Metro hit, traffic paralysed as fierce rain batters Bengaluru Bengaluru faced severe disruptions on Thursday evening as intense pre-monsoon thundershowers, accompanied by hail and gusty winds, swept through the city. The sudden downpour flooded roads, uprooted trees, disrupted Metro services, and left thousands of commuters stranded in chaotic traffic snarls. The weather event, which began in the late afternoon, transformed the city’s bright, sunny day into a gloomy scene as dark clouds blanketed the skyline. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Bengaluru around 6:20 pm, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. Within minutes, the central parts of the city were lashed by intense rainfall. Wind speeds reached up to 46 kmph in isolated areas between 6:30 pm and 7 pm. By 8:30 pm, Bengaluru had recorded 44.2 mm of rainfall, while the HAL area received only 3.8 mm, highlighting the localized nature of the event. The heavy rain caused significant disruptions to the Namma Metro system, particularly on the Purple and Green Lines. Metal sheets fell onto the tracks near Hoodi and Benniganahalli, forcing the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to operate short-loop services. This led to delays of 20-25 minutes. Commuters described the situation as extremely crowded, with security personnel pushing people into coaches to close doors. Interchange stations at Majestic and RV Road were packed, and trains stopped for 3-4 minutes at each station. Subramanya, a commuter, told The Times of India that the Metro trains were overcrowded, and people were jostling for space.#bengaluru #india_meteorological_department #times_of_india #greater_bengaluru_authority #bmrcl

Encroachment Waste Threatens Gorewada Forest Ecosystem The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has reportedly transformed the ecologically sensitive Gorewada forest belt into an informal dumping ground for materials seized during anti-encroachment operations, sparking alarm among residents and environmental activists. The controversy arises as the civic body intensifies its efforts to remove illegal structures and debris from public spaces, but instead of proper disposal, much of the waste is being dumped near the Gorewada forest and its adjacent lake. A visit by The Times of India (TOI) revealed large heaps of debris, torn banners, rusted metal structures, plastic waste, damaged kiosks, construction materials, and discarded furniture scattered across open land near the forest. Some of the waste lay dangerously close to dense vegetation and walking paths used by residents, raising fears of soil contamination and ecological damage. The issue is compounded by existing allegations that the NMC’s public health engineering department has been releasing untreated sewage into Gorewada Lake, further intensifying scrutiny of the corporation’s environmental practices. Congress corporator Shailesh Pande has submitted a memorandum to municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar, objecting to the dumping activity. He warned that continued waste disposal in the area could irreparably harm the fragile ecosystem surrounding Gorewada, which serves as a habitat for wildlife and is frequented by nature enthusiasts. Environmental experts have cautioned that non-biodegradable materials like plastic and flex banners could harm local biodiversity and contaminate water bodies during the monsoon season.#times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #gorewada_forest #shailesh_pande

Nagpur Municipal Corporation Faces Criticism for Dumping Waste Near Gorewada Forest The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has come under scrutiny for allegedly transforming the ecologically sensitive Gorewada forest belt into an informal dumping ground for materials seized during anti-encroachment operations. Residents and environmental activists have raised alarms over the practice, which they claim threatens the fragile ecosystem of the area. The controversy has intensified as the civic body continues its aggressive anti-encroachment drives across the city, leading to the removal of large quantities of confiscated items such as illegal hoardings, roadside stalls, tin sheds, kiosks, iron frames, and scrap. However, instead of being processed or disposed of through proper channels, much of this waste is reportedly being dumped near the Gorewada forest and its adjacent lake, sparking fears of environmental degradation. A ground visit by The Times of India (TOI) revealed extensive debris scattered across open land near the forest, including torn flex banners, rusted metal structures, plastic waste, damaged kiosks, construction debris, and discarded furniture. In several locations, the waste was found dangerously close to dense vegetation and walking paths used by residents. Some materials appeared to have remained in the area for days, raising concerns about soil contamination and the potential for long-term ecological damage. Environmental experts warned that non-biodegradable waste, such as plastic and flex materials, could harm local biodiversity and eventually pollute water bodies during the monsoon season. Activists also expressed fears that the dumping could encourage further illegal disposal of garbage, gradually turning the forest edge into a permanent waste site.#times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #vipin_itankar #gorewada_forest #shailesh_pande

Manual Scavenging Still Continues Across Maharashtra: Safai Panel Chief Admits After Butibori Deaths A day after two sanitation workers died while cleaning a sewage chamber in MIDC Butibori, Maharashtra, the state’s Safai Karmachari Commission president, Satish Dagor, admitted to The Times of India that manual scavenging persists despite a legal ban. Dagor, who holds the rank of minister of state (MoS), acknowledged the practice continues across the state, blaming private contractors and outsourcing agencies for violating safety norms. He emphasized that strict action would be taken in the Butibori case, though he admitted the issue remains unresolved. Dagor stated that ongoing discussions with government agencies at all levels are aimed at halting manual scavenging. He highlighted efforts to engage district collectors, municipal commissioners, and local councils to enforce the ban. “Authorities must ensure the safety of sanitation workers by providing proper gear,” he said. However, he acknowledged that enforcement remains a significant challenge, despite the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, being in effect. The Butibori incident has again exposed the gap between official claims of automated sewage cleaning and the reality on the ground. Multiple reports have documented manual cleaning of sewers, septic tanks, and drainage lines in urban and industrial areas, despite legal prohibitions. Dagor admitted that contractors often exploit vulnerable workers, forcing them to enter toxic chambers for minimal pay. “A private contractor can push a worker into such a dangerous job for as little as Rs2,000,” he said. Dagor noted that while fatalities have decreased compared to previous years, cases still occur in various districts.#maharashtra #times_of_india #butibori #safai_karmachari_commission #satish_dagor

HC Slams Nagpur University Over Botched Exam and Result Process The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday launched a sharp critique of Nagpur University, accusing it of widespread mismanagement in its examination and result processing systems. The court directed the university registrar to explain why an independent committee should not be appointed to investigate the alleged lapses. The proceedings were part of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by student activist Neeraj Dharashivkar, which highlighted systemic failures in the university’s administrative processes. During the hearing, vacation judge Justice Rajnish Vyas emphasized that the court could not remain passive when the issue affected students’ lives. He noted that newspaper reports and submitted evidence suggested serious flaws in the university’s examination administration. The PIL alleged that over 600 exams were conducted before Diwali 2025, but nearly 70% of results remained pending beyond the prescribed timeline, disrupting admissions, degree certifications, and placement opportunities. The university had previously claimed only 1.4% of results were delayed, a figure the court deemed inconsistent with the evidence. Amicus curiae Bhushan Mohta presented further discrepancies, citing glaring errors in marksheets issued by the university. He referenced reports from The Times of India and other media outlets, noting that "glaring mistakes were noted in the marks awarded column of the mark lists." The judge also raised concerns about allegations that the subject "audit" was incorrectly listed in the BSc eighth semester examination, despite not being part of the curriculum. Mohta argued that the scale of errors was so vast that listing them individually would require multiple pages.#times_of_india #bombay_high_court #nagpur_university #neeraj_dharashivkar #promarc_software_pvt_ltd

Cut Back in Gold Buying Could Impact Millions of Jobs, Trade Bodies Warn Surat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to Indians to halt gold purchases for a year to conserve foreign exchange has sparked concerns among industry stakeholders about its potential impact on employment and domestic trade. While trade bodies such as the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (AIGJDC) acknowledge the importance of the directive, they warn that a nationwide reduction in gold jewellery buying could affect approximately 1 crore jobs across the country. These groups are reportedly working with the government to mitigate the adverse effects on the gems and jewellery sector, which is a critical part of India’s economy. According to industry estimates, nearly 1 crore people are directly or indirectly reliant on the gems and jewellery sector for their livelihoods. A sharp decline in domestic jewellery consumption could disrupt workers, artisans, traders, polishers, small retailers, machinery manufacturers, and even banking and other ancillary sectors. Kirit Bhansali, chairman of the GJEPC, emphasized that the sector supports a vast sales and services network, including hospitality and logistics. “Around 1 crore people are dependent on the gems and jewellery sector, and we are collaborating with the government to find solutions,” Bhansali told The Times of India. The call to reduce gold buying comes amid a challenging global market for the industry. Weak demand in key export markets, including geopolitical tensions affecting China, has already strained the sector.#prime_minister_narendra_modi #times_of_india #surat #gem_and_jewellery_export_promotion_council #all_india_gem_and_jewellery_domestic_council

Census Duty: Teachers Form Legal Groups After School Management Fails To Support The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court recently granted interim relief from Census duty to the CBSE School Staff Welfare Association (CSSWA), sparking a wave of similar actions among private school teachers across the region. This development has led many educators, who were left without institutional support, to form informal groups and pool resources to hire legal representation. The move comes after the Sikh Education Society (SES) previously secured interim relief for its pharmacy college staff, highlighting a growing trend of teachers seeking judicial intervention to avoid mandatory Census duties. Teachers reported being left in a precarious situation as school management failed to advocate for their interests. "While the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is threatening us with FIRs for not reporting to Census duty, school owners are doing nothing to defend us," one teacher told The Times of India. Initially, many educators expected their school administrations to take similar steps after the SES case, but over a month of appeals to local authorities yielded no results. "Management of different schools did nothing beyond approaching local authorities with appeals," another teacher noted. Frustrated by the lack of support, teachers have now turned to legal avenues, with some stating, "We realised that interim relief is only for the petitioners. So, we too have decided to move the court." The stress on teachers has been immense, with many reporting a two-month ordeal since receiving Census duty letters. "We are running from pillar to post, asking why teachers from government and aided schools are not assigned Census duty first," a teacher explained.#times_of_india #bombay_high_court #nagpur_municipal_corporation #sikh_education_society #cbse_school_staff_welfare_association

Bawankule Slams MSEDCL for Power Cuts Amid Nagpur Outages Nagpur: Revenue and former energy minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has launched a sharp critique of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (MSEDCL), accusing the utility of systemic failures that have led to frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations across the city. Speaking on Monday, Bawankule emphasized that the state does not face an electricity shortage but is grappling with unreliable distribution, which he attributed to lapses at multiple levels within the organization. The minister highlighted that the root of the problem lies in administrative inefficiencies, pointing to shortcomings among wiremen, technical staff, deputy engineers, and executive engineers. He described the current situation as "unacceptable," stressing that the fault for repeated disruptions lies with the system rather than a lack of generation capacity. Bawankule noted that while the state has sufficient power generation, the distribution network is failing to deliver electricity reliably to consumers. The criticism comes amid heightened demand during the peak summer season, which has placed immense pressure on an already strained infrastructure. Reports of recurring outages and voltage fluctuations have emerged from several regions, including Nagpur, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents. The Times of India has previously flagged the growing strain on aging infrastructure, which has exposed vulnerabilities in MSEDCL’s network and triggered frequent tripping incidents. Bawankule, who also serves as the guardian minister for Nagpur and Amravati, announced that a high-level meeting of power utility officials and engineers has been convened to address the crisis.#nagpur #times_of_india #devendra_fadnavis #chandrashekhar_bawankule

Nagpur to Implement GIS-Based System to Address Repeated Road Digging Nagpur’s civic administration is set to launch a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS)-based overhaul to tackle the persistent issue of repeated road excavations and poor infrastructure restoration. Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar, during an exclusive interview with The Times of India, emphasized the need for coordinated planning, technological integration, and financial discipline to address systemic challenges in urban governance. The initiative aims to align with the vision of senior officials, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, to ensure sustainable development and improved citizen services. Itankar highlighted that the recurring problem of road digging stems from fragmented operations among multiple agencies, which lack a unified system to track underground utilities. This results in roads being repeatedly excavated, causing inconvenience to residents and weakening road structures. “Repeated excavation without proper coordination is the root cause,” he said. “Poor restoration further exacerbates the issue, making roads more vulnerable to damage.” He stressed that addressing this cycle is critical, as standalone pothole repairs will not resolve the underlying problems. The long-term solution, according to Itankar, involves creating a centralized GIS platform that will map all underground utilities, including roads, pipelines, sewer networks, electrical lines, and telecom cables. This system will provide real-time visibility of infrastructure, minimizing unnecessary digging and enabling scientific restoration. The platform is also expected to support future projects such as gas pipeline installations and smart city expansion.#nagpur #municipal_commissioner #times_of_india #devendra_fadnavis #vipin_itankar

Nagpur Collector Caps School Timings Amid Severe Heatwave Nagpur: Following persistent advocacy by The Times of India (TOI) highlighting the lack of action on school timings during a severe heatwave, the Nagpur district collector’s office issued an order on Tuesday to cap school hours at 10:30 am. This directive applies to all schools, regardless of their educational board affiliations. Education department officials warned that schools failing to comply with the guidelines will face consequences. The decision came hours after TOI reported that Nagpur schools continued with regular timings despite temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius on certain days. In contrast, Chandrapur district collector Vasumana Pant had already ordered schools to close by 11 am once temperatures surpassed 44 degrees. Zafar Khan, a senior academic, praised the collector’s decision as a positive step for students but emphasized the need for an annual, well-planned adjustment to avoid disruptions to academic schedules. Schools welcomed the order, though concerns were raised about its impact on learning. Vipin Taksale, director of St Paul International School, noted that while shorter hours provide relief, they risk leaving the syllabus incomplete. He questioned the feasibility of half-hour classes and the need for tiffin breaks, suggesting the curtailed timing would apply only for the remaining days of April. Parents expressed frustration, arguing that the shortened hours would not allow meaningful learning. Rahul Srivastava, a parent, criticized the government for not declaring holidays, stating that three hours of schooling offers little educational value. He suggested shifting to online classes, as was done during the pandemic, to mitigate the heat’s impact.#times_of_india #nagpur_collector #chandrapur_district_collector #zafar_khan #vinita_bower

Classrooms Turn Virtual Heat Traps: Why Are Nagpur Schools Still Open? Nagpur: With temperatures in the region hovering around 43°C, classrooms across the city have become virtual heat traps, yet children continue attending school during the peak hours of the day. This situation has sparked widespread criticism of the Maharashtra government’s inadequate response to the ongoing heatwave. Despite public health advisories urging people to stay indoors after noon, the education department has not issued any directives to close schools or adjust class timings. Parents and educators argue that this inaction puts children’s health at risk, highlighting a glaring disconnect between policy and ground realities. The lack of a statewide policy has left district administrations in Vidarbha to improvise, resulting in inconsistent and last-minute decisions. Wamanrao Chatap, head of the Vidarbha Rajya Andolan Samiti, accused policymakers of apathy, stating, “The chief minister is from Nagpur. If leaders here cannot recognize the severity of Vidarbha’s summers, who will? Schools should have been shut from April 1. This is sheer apathy. The least they can do is keep children in mind while planning the academic session.” Public frustration has grown after The Times of India highlighted the issue, with citizens criticizing the disconnect between policymakers and local conditions. One reader blamed bureaucrats for being “unfamiliar with Vidarbha’s summers” or forgetting them after transfers to Pune or Mumbai. A school principal echoed this sentiment, suggesting, “Make bureaucrats sit in classrooms after noon. Let them endure what children are forced to. Decisions will change overnight.” Another citizen called for direct accountability from the political class, urging, “Hold the assembly session here in peak summer.#times_of_india #maharashtra_government #vidarbha #wamanrao_chatap #yogesh_pathare

₹1.5 Crore Skill Development Centre Planned in Besa Nagpur: The Public Works Department (PWD) is set to establish a skill development centre in Besa with an estimated cost of ₹1.5 crore, aiming to enhance employment opportunities and strengthen the local MSME ecosystem. The initiative, backed by revenue minister and local MLA Chandrashekhar Bawankule, will focus on providing vocational and industry-relevant training to local youth and women, enabling them to pursue self-employment and small-scale entrepreneurship. A senior PWD official told The Times of India that the centre will prioritize practical, livelihood-oriented training. "The facility is being developed specifically to promote self-employment. There are several women-led self-help groups (bachat gats) in the area, and this centre will help them scale up their activities," the official said. Training modules are expected to include skills such as tailoring, incense stick making, and other small-scale business activities. Officials emphasized that the centre will also provide space and basic infrastructure for individuals lacking the resources to start or operate their businesses independently. "If someone has the skill but not the space to work, this centre will support them," the official added. Civic authorities believe the project will play a crucial role in nurturing grassroots entrepreneurship and generating sustainable livelihoods in Besa and surrounding areas. The chief officer of the Besa Nagar Panchayat, Bharat Nandanwar, highlighted the complementary role of the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM) initiatives in the region. "The skill development centre will host multiple training programmes and work in tandem with NULM schemes, which will soon be rolled out.#times_of_india #public_works_department #chandrashekhar_bawankule #besa_nagar_panchayat #national_urban_livelihood_mission

Plastic, sewage, and neglect: Gorewada Lake faces a hidden threat A recent ground investigation by The Times of India (TOI) revealed a concealed pollution route into Gorewada Lake in Nagpur, with untreated sewage flowing from the rear of Gorewada International Zoo. The stream, carrying plastic waste and urban debris, travels through the forest before entering the lake. Originating from the zoo’s forested backside, the sewage flows under Katol Road via a culvert and drains into the lake’s western edge. The discharge is continuous, grey, and foul-smelling, raising concerns about unmonitored sewage contaminating a critical water source for the city. Earlier claims by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation that sewage from the Dabha area was polluting Gorewada Lake were contradicted by TOI’s parallel visit to sewage treatment facilities in Dabha. The 5 MLD (million liters per day) plant operated by Vishwaraj Enviro Private Limited is currently treating only 1.5 MLD of sewage, diverting it into a nullah toward Friends Colony. At Hazaripahad, a 4 MLD facility further treats wastewater before releasing it into a channel that meets the Pili River near Vincent Pallotti School. Local corporator Shailesh Pandey, who accompanied the inspection, stated there is no direct flow of Dabha sewage into Gorewada, challenging the official narrative and shifting focus to an unidentified source within or around the forest zone. The discovery is alarming not only for the sewage itself but for the waste it carries. The stream winds through the forest, leaving behind a trail of plastic waste, polythene bags, torn clothes, and household debris.#times_of_india #nagpur_municipal_corporation #gorewada_international_zoo #vishwaraj_enviro_private_limited #shailesh_pandey