#vidarbha

Maha approves ₹6.25crore for Vidarbha disaster preparedness Maharashtra government has sanctioned ₹6.25 crore for disaster preparedness in Vidarbha, allocating funds to 11 districts across the region to enhance emergency response capabilities during 2026-27. The allocation is part of a broader ₹23-crore package approved for all 36 district disaster management authorities in the state. The funds are intended to support both post-disaster relief and proactive measures aimed at reducing risks, limiting damage, and improving district-level readiness before emergencies occur. The six districts under Nagpur division will receive ₹3.75 crore collectively, with Nagpur itself allocated ₹1 crore—the highest amount in Vidarbha. The five districts of Amravati division—Amravati, Akola, Washim, Buldhana, and Yavatmal—will each get ₹50 lakh, totaling ₹2.5 crore for the division. Chandrapur is allocated ₹75 lakh, while Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, and Gadchiroli will each receive ₹50 lakh. Other districts outside Vidarbha, such as Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune, Solapur, and Nashik, have also been granted ₹1 crore each. Mumbai city and suburban districts have been allocated ₹50 lakh each. The decision follows Nagpur’s recent disaster record, which highlights the need for improved preparedness. According to the district administration’s monsoon preparedness report, 174 people died in natural calamities over seven years, with lightning accounting for 95 deaths (nearly 55% of the total). Floods claimed 50 lives, and 29 deaths were attributed to other causes, including drowning, wall collapses, and tree-fall incidents. The report notes that calamity-related deaths peaked at 39 in 2022-23, coinciding with the district’s record rainfall of 1,596.3 mm—150.#nagpur #maharashtra_government #vidarbha #disaster_management_act_2005 #district_disaster_management_authority

Monsoon Pauses Over Nagpur, Remains Active in Vidarbha Nagpur: The southwest monsoon, which had been active over Nagpur city for the past week, has temporarily paused, with the region experiencing dry conditions on Monday. While the city saw no rainfall during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m., several parts of Vidarbha continued to receive significant showers, helping to alleviate the rainfall deficit in the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the city’s maximum temperature rose sharply by 4.1°C to 33.6°C, while the minimum temperature stabilized at 22.8°C, creating warm and humid conditions. In contrast, districts in Vidarbha saw varying levels of rainfall. Gondia emerged as the wettest, recording 72.8 mm of rain in the 24-hour period, followed by Washim with 13 mm, Bramhapuri with 9.6 mm, Bhandara with 7 mm, Gadchiroli with 5.6 mm, Chandrapur with 1 mm, Akola with 0.8 mm, and Amravati with 1 mm. Most other districts remained largely dry during the day. The monsoon’s activity in July marked a recovery from below-normal rainfall in June, which had left the region in a drought-like situation. The recent showers have provided a much-needed boost to rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater levels, which had been critically low. However, the uneven distribution of rainfall has raised concerns about the monsoon’s ability to fully replenish the region’s water resources. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Vidarbha, forecasting widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms on Tuesday. The weather department warned of moderate rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds in isolated areas. While the monsoon remains active in rural parts of Vidarbha, Nagpur city faces uncertainty about whether it will receive substantial rainfall.#nagpur #india_meteorological_department #vidarbha #gondia #washim

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Launches in Vidarbha After 24 Years Nagpur: Maharashtra is set to begin its largest electoral roll verification exercise in nearly 24 years, with nearly 2 crore electors across Vidarbha—comprising one-fifth of the state’s electorate—undergoing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The initiative, the first of its kind since 2002, will span 12 assembly constituencies in the region, with Nagpur district alone accounting for 46.38 lakh electors. Over the next month, 4,610 booth level officers (BLOs) will conduct door-to-door verification to ensure all eligible voters are included while removing ineligible entries such as duplicates, shifted, or deceased electors. The SIR exercise, which will continue until July 29, involves distributing and collecting Enumeration Forms from every household. These forms will be used to identify discrepancies and update the electoral rolls. Across Vidarbha’s 11 districts, the drive will cover 2,00,41,024 electors, making the region a key focus area for the statewide revision. The districts involved include Amravati (25.45 lakh electors), Yavatmal (22.53 lakh), Buldhana (20.89 lakh), Chandrapur (17.97 lakh), Akola (15.95 lakh), Wardha (11.37 lakh), Gondia (11.23 lakh), Washim (10.19 lakh), Bhandara (10.10 lakh), and Gadchiroli (8.28 lakh). The rollout follows the completion of a pre-SIR mapping exercise in Nagpur, where nearly 70% of the 46.38 lakh electors were mapped. During this phase, 8.75 lakh records—about 27% of the mapped entries—were flagged for anomalies. These discrepancies will now be physically verified and corrected during the SIR process. Deputy district election officer Rachna Indurkar emphasized that every elector will receive two copies of the Enumeration Form during the one-month exercise.#nagpur #maharashtra #election_commission #special_intensive_revision #vidarbha

Shiv Sena (UBT) Aims to Rebuild Vidarbha Base Amid Internal Struggles Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, is planning a strategic push to reassert its influence in Vidarbha, a region that has seen a decline in the party’s support. According to a senior party functionary, the UBT intends to deploy senior members across Vidarbha to strengthen its grassroots presence, relying on loyalists to rebuild the party’s base. The functionary emphasized that the party’s leadership will soon announce a detailed plan, including a major rally in Nagpur, which Uddhav is expected to address. "Senior members will fan out across Vidarbha, and Aaditya Thackeray will mobilize youth voters who are seeking change," the functionary said, highlighting the party’s focus on reconnecting with younger demographics. The push comes amid significant internal challenges for the UBT. Six of its Lok Sabha MPs, including prominent figures, recently defected to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, weakening the party’s position. Uddhav Thackeray has been touring the constituencies previously represented by the defectors, vowing to restore the party’s strength. During a brief stop in Nagpur on Friday, Thackeray addressed party workers at the city airport, promising a "proper Shiv Sena style rally" in the city. However, no official date has been set for the event, leaving strategists to plan future steps. Thackeray’s remarks during the visit included a pointed critique of the Mahayuti government, which includes the Shiv Sena, Congress, and BJP. He questioned whether the coalition had allocated sufficient space in Nagpur for a large rally, a reference to his earlier gathering at Kasturchand Park. "Shiv Sena is here, Shiv Sena will remain.#nagpur #vidarbha #uddhav_thackeray #shiv_sena_ubit #aaditya_thackeray

More Water In Vidarbha Dams Than Rest Of Maha Despite concerns over a potential El Nino impact, dams in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra are currently holding more water than other parts of the state. According to data from the state’s water resources department, reservoirs in the Nagpur division are filled to over 30% of their capacity, nearly matching levels recorded last year. In the Amravati division, reservoirs are at 37.64%, slightly higher than the same period in 2023. However, overall water levels across Maharashtra have declined by 2% in the past week, with large parts of the state still awaiting significant rainfall. Combined storage across nearly 3,000 big, medium, and small dams has dropped from over 24% last week to 22.68% as of June 24. In just two days, levels fell from 23.19% to 22.68%, a decrease of 0.51%. The situation is particularly dire in the Pune division, where dam storage has fallen to just 13%, compared to more than 44% at the same time last year. The Konkan division also faces severe shortages, with reservoirs at 27% capacity, down from around 50% in 2023. The state government has taken measures to conserve water, directing officials to halt the release of water for irrigation until August 31. Strict monitoring will be enforced to prevent unauthorized water lifting from canals by farmers. The agriculture department has advised farmers to delay sowing operations until at least 100 mm of rainfall is recorded. The decline in water levels has left 18 dams across the state completely dry. Against the total storage capacity of 40,861 million cubic metres (MCM), the current water stock stands at just over 9,200 MCM. Officials have emphasized the need for careful management of remaining reserves, as the state continues to face prolonged dry spells.#nagpur #maharashtra #pune #amravati #vidarbha

Monsoon Gains Pace, Boosts Agri Works Across Vidarbha The southwest monsoon gathered momentum across Vidarbha on Wednesday, delivering widespread rainfall that revived rivers and streams, eased heat conditions, and provided critical relief to farmers preparing for the kharif sowing season. According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Buldhana recorded the highest rainfall in the region at 95 mm, followed by Amravati (70 mm), Wardha (21 mm), Chandrapur (49 mm), Bhandara (39 mm), and Akola (22 mm). While the rains revitalized agricultural activity, they also caused waterlogging in urban areas, disrupted power supply in some districts, and damaged property in low-lying regions. Nagpur, however, received minimal rainfall a day after the monsoon’s arrival was officially declared. In Akola district, heavy rains in Akot and Murtizapur tehsils revived rivers, nullahs, and seasonal streams originating from the Satpura ranges after weeks of dry conditions. Farmers welcomed the showers, as sowing activities accelerated. However, the rain also led to flooding in several low-lying residential areas, with rainwater entering homes and damaging food grains, furniture, and household belongings. Residents reported financial losses and disruptions to daily life due to waterlogging. In Amravati district, showers accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms caused water accumulation on roads, exposing weaknesses in the city’s drainage system. Sewage overflowed onto streets, and falling tree branches disrupted power supply in parts of the district despite pre-monsoon maintenance efforts by MSEDCL. Wardha city and surrounding areas experienced heavy rainfall on Wednesday, with 38 mm recorded in the morning and an additional 21 mm later in the day.#india_meteorological_department #vidarbha #amravati_district #wardha_district #akola_district

Finally, Monsoon Arrives Over Nagpur, Vidarbha, Rains Cool Region Nagpur: Moderate but steady rain on Tuesday marked the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Nagpur, nearly eight days after its normal onset date predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Dark clouds blanketed the skyline by evening, followed by a cool breeze and spells of rain that swept across the city, offering much-needed relief from the oppressive humidity. This rainfall was the third meaningful shower in June, making the month one of the driest in recent years. However, the rain remained light, with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) recording just 3.8 mm of precipitation. Officials forecasted more showers in the coming days, and the IMD issued a yellow alert until June 26, signaling that the monsoon had regained momentum. The temperature dropped sharply following the rain, with Nagpur recording a maximum of 35.4°C, five degrees lower than the previous day. Earlier in the day, the IMD reported that the southwest monsoon had advanced into parts of Vidarbha, reaching Wardha. Over the past 24 hours, several districts experienced significant rainfall, including Chandrapur (75 mm), Buldhana (58 mm), Gadchiroli (24 mm), and Nagpur (28 mm), among others. According to IMD norms, the monsoon onset is declared when at least 60% of observatories record 2.5 mm or more rainfall, supported by favorable wind and temperature conditions. While most stations met these criteria by Tuesday morning, Nagpur, Bhandara, and Gondia were still below the benchmark. However, subsequent weather developments suggested further advancement, with experts indicating that the monsoon had effectively covered the remaining parts of Vidarbha.#nagpur #india_meteorological_department #vidarbha #nagpur_municipal_corporation #regional_meteorological_centre

Khodke Grills Govt Over Development Boards Delay Nagpur: A heated political debate unfolded in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Tuesday as Congress MLA Sulabha Khodke accused the government of failing to reconstitute statutory development boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada, and the rest of Maharashtra. The delay, which has persisted for over six years, has drawn sharp criticism from Khodke, who argued that the absence of these constitutional bodies has undermined efforts to address regional imbalances and developmental backlogs in the state’s historically disadvantaged regions. Khodke raised the issue through a written calling attention motion during the monsoon session in Mumbai, highlighting that the boards, established under Article 371(2) of the Constitution, have remained defunct since April 30, 2020. These boards, created in 1994, were designed to ensure equitable distribution of development funds, educational opportunities, and employment across Maharashtra’s regions. Despite repeated assurances from successive governments, the boards have not been fully reconstituted, leaving critical mechanisms for regional development inoperable. The MLA pointed out that the offices of these boards have continued to function even after their tenure expired, with annual administrative and staff expenses exceeding 3 crore rupees. Khodke criticized the lack of proper appointments for key officials, such as Dr Vijay Bhakare for Vidarbha and Anil Ramod for Marathwada, arguing that these vacancies have further hampered the boards’ ability to fulfill their mandates. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the government’s actions, stating that the reconstitution process is ongoing.#devendra_fadnavis #maharashtra_legislative_assembly #vidarbha #marathwada #sulabha_khodke

Mahayuti sweeps MLC polls, cross-voting takes centrestage Nagpur: The legislative council by-election results in Nagpur and Bhandara on Monday delivered emphatic victories to the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance, but the outcomes also revealed significant political tensions through widespread cross-voting. In Nagpur, BJP veteran Dr Rajiv Potdar secured a decisive win with 682 votes, defeating Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe by a margin of 552 votes. The result underscored BJP’s dominance in Vidarbha, yet it exposed fractures within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which had claimed support from over 200 electors before polling. Political observers noted that nearly 99 votes from the opposition camp crossed over to BJP, highlighting the weakening grip of the opposition over its local networks. Dr Potdar, addressing the victory, criticized Congress for failing to retain its pledged votes, stating, “Congress had more than 200 votes, but could secure only 130.” The outcome sparked speculation about the MVA’s internal divisions, as the final tally suggested a significant shift in voter allegiance. Meanwhile, in Bhandara-Gondia, BJP-backed candidate Avinash Brahmankar won with 302 votes, but the focus shifted to the 154 votes secured by Congress-backed Independent candidate Naresh Ishwarkar. Analysts speculated that around 35 Mahayuti members may have defied BJP’s whip, indicating simmering dissent within the ruling alliance. Congress immediately framed the results as a “moral victory,” with Bhandara MP Prashant Padole accusing BJP of internal unrest despite its access to power and resources. Political analysts highlighted two parallel realities in Vidarbha: BJP’s electoral and organizational dominance versus the growing dissent among grassroots supporters.#maha_vikas_aghadi #vidarbha #prashant_padole #bjp_led_mahayuti #dr_rajiv_potdar

Relief After 24mm Rain In City, But Vidarbha Awaits Monsoon Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and widespread rain since Monday afternoon brought much-needed relief to Nagpur and parts of Vidarbha, which had been enduring extreme heatwave conditions for days. Nagpur recorded 24mm of rainfall by 8:30 pm, sparking renewed hope for the onset of the southwest monsoon, which has been delayed by nearly a week. However, officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) clarified that the rainfall was a result of localized weather developments rather than the arrival of the monsoon. According to meteorologists, the rain-bearing clouds formed due to westerly troughing and localized atmospheric instability. The IMD stated that at least three more days would be required before assessing whether the monsoon has advanced into Vidarbha. The rain, though brief, significantly lowered temperatures and provided temporary respite from the oppressive heat, which had previously soared to 40 degrees Celsius. The rainfall also caused several incidents, including the uprooting of at least five trees in different locations. These included areas such as Pandav College in New Nandanvan, Mangalmurti Chowk, Padola Hospital Chowk, Lodhipura, and Airport Road near the Airport Centre Point Hotel. Fallen trees blocked roads, temporarily disrupting traffic. Fire brigade teams were dispatched to clear the debris, with no injuries or casualties reported. One of the fallen trees damaged electricity lines, leading to a power outage in the affected locality. Residents quickly cordoned off the area to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from approaching live wires hanging over the road.#nagpur #india_meteorological_department #vidarbha #maharashtra_state_electricity_board #vijay_dafde

Call for Better Documentation of Nagpur, Vidarbha, and RSS History State Information Commissioner Rahul Pande emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive documentation of Nagpur, Vidarbha, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during a discussion at the release of the book RSS@100: Shatakveer Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh at Nagpur’s Press Club. Pande highlighted that inadequate historical records have hindered the preservation of key events and figures, urging scholars, journalists, and researchers to conduct deeper studies on these subjects. He noted that themes such as religious conversions, radicalization, and social changes, which frequently appeared in RSS leadership speeches over the past century, remain underexplored in academic circles. Pande drew a comparison to the meticulous archival efforts of the British colonial era, arguing that modern resources, institutions, and technology should enable systematic documentation of India’s history. “History never forgives those who forget history,” he remarked, stressing the importance of preserving records to avoid the erasure of significant contributions. He also reflected on his personal connection to the RSS, having grown up in Nagpur’s Mahal area near the Sangh’s headquarters, where he observed its influence from an early age. Despite the RSS’s profound impact on various sectors of public life over the past 100 years, Pande pointed out that academic documentation of its evolution remains limited. While newspapers and public discourse have extensively covered the RSS, he criticized the scarcity of objective, detailed studies. “Most writings on the RSS come from either end of the ideological spectrum,” he said, advocating for rigorous research to examine its development over decades.#nagpur #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #vidarbha #state_information_commissioner_rahul_pande #rss100_book

12 Students, 4 from Vidarbha Score Perfect 100 Percentile in MHT-CET PCM Retest Nagpur: Four students from Vidarbha, including two from Bhandara and one each from Wardha and Chandrapur, achieved a perfect 100 percentile in the second-attempt MHT-CET (PCM) entrance exam, according to results declared by the Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell on Friday. Overall, 12 candidates, comprising two girls and two students from outside Maharashtra, secured the highest score in the test for engineering and allied courses. The results mark a significant achievement for the students, highlighting their academic excellence and the effectiveness of the revised examination format introduced this year. Among the Vidarbha candidates who secured the 100 percentile are Mohak Sandeep Chawle from Chandrapur, Pratha Prashant Agarwal from Wardha, and Shabbar Ghatiwala and Aditya Satish Wankhede from Bhandara. Other top scorers include Aditya Torwe, Atharva Anil Ghorpade, and Sujal Santosh Jadhav from Pune; Ipshita Hemant Nikale and Harshvardhan Yuvraj Patil from Mumbai Suburban; Nachiket Kisan Yewale from Raigad; Maan from Sonipat in Haryana; and Pranjal Sharma from Katni in Madhya Pradesh. These students’ performance underscores the competitive nature of the entrance exam and the rigorous preparation required to achieve such scores. The MHT-CET PCM Retest was conducted at 187 centres across Maharashtra, with over 2.85 lakh students participating. Unlike previous years, no examination centres were set up outside the state, reflecting a streamlined approach to the exam process. The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test Cell introduced the two-attempt format for PCM, PCB, and MBA/MMS entrance examinations this year, following directives from Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil.#vidarbha #bhandara #wardha #chandrapur #maharashtra_state_common_entrance_test_cell

‘Maharishi of Irrigation’ BT Deshmukh no more Prof Bhaurao Tulsiram Deshmukh, known affectionately as BT Deshmukh, a five-term member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council representing the Amravati Division Graduates’ Constituency and a prominent intellectual from Vidarbha, passed away on Friday night at the age of 88. Family sources revealed that Deshmukh had been unwell and had recently returned home after receiving treatment at a private hospital. His death occurred around 8 p.m. at his residence in Amravati following a heart attack. His final rites were scheduled for Saturday. Deshmukh was a distinguished political science scholar, journalist, educationist, and leader of teachers’ unions. He served the graduates’ constituency for five consecutive terms, earning a reputation as a meticulous and well-researched legislator. Widely recognized as the “Maharishi of Irrigation Backlog Eradication,” he consistently highlighted issues such as irrigation imbalance, water scarcity, and regional neglect in western Vidarbha. His work focused on addressing systemic challenges that had long plagued the region, particularly its chronic water shortages and underdeveloped infrastructure. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described Deshmukh’s death as “a great loss not only to Amravati but to the socio-political sector of the entire Maharashtra.” Union Minister Nitin Gadkari praised him as “a lifelong crusader for the eradication of Vidarbha’s backwardness,” noting that his research-driven speeches had guided generations of legislators. Deshmukh’s efforts were instrumental in advancing critical infrastructure and irrigation projects in Vidarbha. His advocacy played a pivotal role in accelerating the Upper Wardha Dam project, which significantly alleviated Amravati city’s long-standing water crisis.#nitin_gadkari #devendra_fadnavis #amravati #vidarbha #bt_deshmukh

Maharashtra Govt Launches New Desilting Scheme for Vidarbha Rivers and Canals The Maharashtra government has announced a new statewide initiative to address the long-standing issue of silt accumulation in rivers and canals across Vidarbha, with a focus on the Nagpur and Amravati divisions. The plan, unveiled during a high-level meeting at Mantralaya, aims to streamline desilting and deepening operations to mitigate recurring water stress during summers and flooding during monsoons. Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule directed officials to draft a standard operating procedure (SOP) for these projects, emphasizing the need for faster implementation and reduced bureaucratic delays. The meeting, attended by water conservation minister Sanjay Rathod, minister of state for relief and rehabilitation Ashish Jaiswal, and senior officials, highlighted the urgency of the issue. Officials noted that excessive silt buildup in rivers and canals has disrupted natural water flow, diminished storage capacity, and negatively impacted groundwater recharge, irrigation systems, and flood management during heavy rainfall. The proposed SOP is expected to standardize approvals, clarify responsibilities, and ensure timely execution of desilting works. Bawankule stressed the importance of river and canal deepening for water conservation, groundwater recharge, and flood control. He announced plans to introduce a dedicated scheme for canal and river deepening across the state, stating that granting district collectors greater administrative powers would accelerate progress. “If district collectors are given the required powers, these works can be completed more effectively and at a faster pace,” he said.#nagpur #amravati #vidarbha #maharashtra_govt #mantralaya

HC Directs Vidarbha Schools to Reopen from June 30 The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday mandated that schools in Vidarbha, a region in Maharashtra, reopen from June 30, overturning earlier directives from the state education department. The court’s decision came after a prolonged legal battle over the timing of the academic year’s resumption, with the state initially setting June 15 as the reopening date, which was later pushed to June 22. The high court’s intervention followed a writ petition filed by the Maharashtra Rajya Prathamik Shikshan Samiti, a state-level education body, challenging the state’s March 28 circular that had fixed June 15 as the reopening date. The court’s division bench, comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode, dismissed the state’s earlier circulars as arbitrary and warned that any future deviation from the June 30 directive would result in contempt of court proceedings against the involved officials. The bench emphasized that the director of education’s past actions were “contemptuous” but stopped short of initiating contempt proceedings immediately. The court’s order explicitly stated that if the state education department or any official issued conflicting directives in the future, the court would take action under the Contempt of Courts Act. The petitioners, represented by advocate BG Kulkarni, argued that the state’s March 28 circular was inconsistent with a 2007 ruling by the same high court. In that ruling, the court had held that imposing a uniform statewide reopening date for Vidarbha was arbitrary, citing the region’s adverse weather conditions during June, which could negatively impact students’ health. The Supreme Court had later dismissed the state’s appeal against this 2007 decision.#bombay_high_court #vidarbha #maharashtra_rajya_prathamik_shikshan_samiti #maharashtra_education_department #bg_kulkarni

CBSE schools must follow June 30 reopening order, demand associations, politicians As schools across Vidarbha remain closed until June 30 under a Bombay High Court directive citing extreme heat, teachers' associations and political leaders have demanded that CBSE-affiliated institutions in the region comply with the court’s order. The directive, issued to address the risks posed by soaring temperatures—often exceeding 40°C—has sparked controversy as some CBSE schools in Nagpur and neighboring districts have already begun classes for senior students, while others have announced reopenings as early as June 15. Vidarbha Junior College Teachers Association general secretary Ashok Gavhankar criticized the disparity in treatment between CBSE schools and state-run institutions, questioning why CBSE students should be exempt from the heatwave’s impact. “Are CBSE students robots? Doesn’t the sun affect them?” he asked, accusing education department officials of disregarding both the court’s orders and previous government resolutions. Gavhankar alleged that officials in Pune were undermining the court’s directions and that the lack of political leadership in the education sector had enabled bureaucratic overreach. Rashtriya Shikshak-Palak Sanghatan national convenor Yogesh Pathare emphasized the severity of the situation in Vidarbha, noting that the heatwave conditions made the issue particularly urgent. He stated he would write to the state education department to take action against schools defying the court’s orders. “Most schools currently operating are conducting classes for standards 9, 10, and 12. Schools reopening on June 15 have created confusion among parents and students,” Pathare said.#bombay_high_court #vidarbha #yogesh_pathare #ashok_gavhankar #deepali_dably

IMD Revises Forecast, No Pre-Monsoon Rain Until June 10 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its weather forecast, indicating that significant rainfall and thunderstorms will not occur in Vidarbha regions until June 10. Despite earlier warnings of rain, thunderstorms, and lightning across the area, most parts of Vidarbha remained dry on Sunday. Bramhapuri emerged as the hottest location in the country, recording a temperature of 45.2°C, which was 4.1 degrees above the normal average. Nagpur’s Sonegaon observatory measured 43.8°C, while Wardha, Chandrapur, and Akola recorded 43.5°C, 43.0°C, and 42.5°C respectively. The scorching heat persisted despite forecasts issued a day earlier that predicted rain and thunderstorms under orange and yellow alerts for all Vidarbha districts. The IMD has now adjusted its outlook, stating that Nagpur and several eastern Vidarbha districts are unlikely to see substantial rainfall over the next two days. While some isolated showers were reported in parts of the region, thunderstorm warnings remain active under yellow alerts for a few districts. Weather officials have shifted the expectation of widespread rain and thunderstorms over Nagpur to June 10, delaying relief from the prolonged hot spell. The combination of dry air during the day and rising humidity levels has made the weather conditions particularly uncomfortable. The lack of cloud cover and rainfall has also contributed to a sharp increase in daytime temperatures across Vidarbha. Meteorologists noted that the southwest monsoon is advancing over parts of the country, but its influence over eastern Vidarbha remains limited for now. Until rain-bearing systems strengthen, temperatures are expected to remain above normal in several districts.#nagpur #india_meteorological_department #vidarbha #southwest_monsoon #baramhapuri

Few from Vidarbha vie for US colleges as Re, jobs and H-1B dip Overseas education consultancies in Nagpur and Vidarbha have reported a significant decline in student applications to US colleges this year, driven by a combination of economic and policy factors. The weakening Indian rupee against the US dollar, a struggling US job market, and stricter H-1B visa rules have collectively dampened interest, marking a reversal of trends seen in recent years. This shift mirrors a broader global trend, with a 14% drop in Indian applications to US institutions since March 2024, the first such decline since 2020. International applications overall fell by 9%, and Asian applicants saw a 10% drop during the same period. Local estimates suggest that around 150 students from Nagpur district typically pursue higher education in the US annually. However, this year’s numbers are projected to drop by 50%, according to counseling services in the region. Students are increasingly questioning the feasibility of studying abroad, citing financial and practical challenges. Rohit Juneja, a student planning to pursue a Master’s in Journalism, noted that Ivy League institutions, once his top choice, now seem unattainable due to exorbitant fees. “Paying crores for a degree that may not lead to employment feels like a bad deal,” he said, shifting his focus to UK options with lower costs. Yashashri Dhabekar, who had aimed for an MBA in luxury brand management, echoed similar concerns. “The depreciating rupee and steep costs made me reconsider. Australia turned out to be a more practical option,” she explained. Naina Patel, pursuing a Master’s in history, added that the falling rupee, rising tuition fees, and anti-immigrant rhetoric in the US have influenced her decision.#nagpur #vidarbha #gb_education #rohit_juneja #yashashri_dhabekar

Pre-Monsoon Showers to Pause, Temperatures May Rise to 42°C in Nagpur Nagpur is set to experience a temporary lull in pre-monsoon showers, which have provided brief relief from the intense summer heat. Weather experts predict that the region will transition to dry conditions over the next few days, allowing temperatures to climb again. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the southwest monsoon is unlikely to reach Nagpur and the broader Vidarbha region before June 10, prompting farmers to delay sowing activities until more favorable rainfall conditions emerge. The normal monsoon onset date for Vidarbha is June 15, but the IMD has forecasted a below-average monsoon this year. Over the past two years, the monsoon arrived earlier than usual, but its progression has been steady. However, this year’s forecast suggests a deviation from that trend. The recent pre-monsoon showers have temporarily lowered daytime temperatures, keeping them at relatively manageable levels. For instance, Nagpur recorded a maximum temperature of just over 40°C on Monday. With the weakening of rain-bearing systems, the IMD anticipates that dry weather will dominate in the short term. This could lead to a resurgence in temperatures, potentially reaching 42°C. Farmers in Vidarbha, including districts like Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Washim, and Yavatmal, have already experienced isolated rainfall. However, weather officials note that widespread rainfall is unlikely in the immediate future. Instead, intermittent localized showers may continue in some areas. The pause in pre-monsoon activity highlights the region’s vulnerability to heatwaves, which have been a recurring issue during the summer months.#nagpur #india_meteorological_department #amravati #vidarbha #akola

Surge in Oral and Lung Cancer Cases in Nagpur Linked to Kharra and Smoking Nagpur and the broader Vidarbha region are facing a sharp rise in oral and lung cancer cases, driven by the widespread use of kharra, a form of blended chewing tobacco, and smoking, according to oncologists and chest physicians. The issue has gained urgency ahead of World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31, as experts warn that tobacco-related illnesses are increasingly affecting younger adults and women, breaking traditional patterns of risk. Dr. Saurabh Prasad, an oncologist, highlighted that oral and lung cancers now account for nearly 35% of all cancer cases reported in Nagpur. This figure is significantly higher than the 7% prevalence seen in many Western countries. He noted a growing number of patients among young adults and women, indicating that tobacco-related diseases are no longer confined to older or male-dominated high-risk groups. Dr. Sushant Meshram, professor and head of pulmonary medicine at Govt Medical College and Hospital, emphasized that tobacco remains one of the leading preventable causes of death globally. Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including more than 70 known carcinogens, which damage lung tissue, impair lung function, and elevate the risk of lung cancer. Dr. Meshram also warned that second-hand smoke exposes family members and coworkers to similar dangers. Smoking further weakens the lungs’ natural defenses, making individuals more susceptible to tuberculosis. Dr. Rajesh Swarnakar, president of the Vidarbha Chest Association, described the consequences of tobacco addiction as visible in hospitals through cases of blackened lungs, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers detected at advanced stages.#nagpur #world_health_organization #vidarbha #kharra #world_no_tobacco_day