Measures in Place as First Haj Flight Departs from Nagpur The first flight carrying Haj pilgrims from Nagpur is set to depart at 3:35 a.m. on April 24, marking the beginning of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Authorities have implemented comprehensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and secure journey for the pilgrims, emphasizing coordination among all agencies involved. Divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari conducted a review meeting to assess the preparations and reiterated the need for meticulous planning to avoid any disruptions. Approximately 1,700 pilgrims from Nagpur and surrounding regions will travel this year, while nearly 19,335 pilgrims from states such as Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh will also depart via Nagpur. Special daily flights have been organized through the Maharashtra State Haj Committee to accommodate the large number of travelers. This year’s arrangements include the introduction of smart watches for pilgrims, which will enable real-time tracking, medical alerts, and communication with a central control room. Officials stated that this technology will help prevent inconvenience and ensure the safety of pilgrims during their journey. Pilgrims have been advised to carry essential medicines, and additional measures have been taken to address health and logistical concerns. Additional divisional commissioner Tejusingh Pawar confirmed that arrangements for manpower, transport, and railway coordination are in place to support the pilgrimage. Khadija Naikwade is overseeing the logistics and facilities, ensuring that all aspects of the operation are well-managed. The Haj pilgrimage is a significant event for millions of Muslims worldwide, and the coordination between state authorities and the Haj Committee highlights the importance of seamless planning.#nagpur #mecca #maharashtra_state_haj_committee #vijayalakshmi_bidari #tejusingh_pawar
Nagpur to be promoted as IT hub under MahaSTRIDE A high-level meeting is set to be convened in Nagpur on April 27 to position the city as a key player in India’s information technology sector under the Maharashtra State IT and IT-enabled Services Development Project, known as MahaSTRIDE. The gathering, chaired by Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, aims to foster collaboration between industry leaders, startups, academic institutions, and government agencies to accelerate Nagpur’s transformation into a central hub for IT and IT-enabled services. The meeting will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, including the district collector, the chairman and managing director of Mihan India, senior officials from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur, representatives from the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), regional officials of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and the joint director of the state’s industries department. Additionally, senior IT mentor Shashikant Choudhary, heads of industry associations such as NASSCOM, FICCI, and CII, and representatives from engineering and management colleges will attend. The initiative under MahaSTRIDE seeks to leverage Nagpur’s strategic location and existing infrastructure to attract investments, create employment opportunities, and establish the city as a competitive destination for IT companies. The meeting is expected to outline specific strategies for infrastructure development, skill-building programs, and incentives for startups and established firms. This move aligns with broader state government efforts to diversify Maharashtra’s economy and reduce regional disparities in technological growth.#nagpur #vijayalakshmi_bidari #mahastride #mihan_india #iim_nagpur
Crackdown on Illegal Mining Nets Rs55.39cr Penalty: Bidari Nagpur: A year-long crackdown on illegal minor mineral extraction and transportation in the Nagpur division has resulted in 587 criminal cases, 158 arrests, and penalties totaling Rs55.39 crore, authorities announced. Divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari highlighted the scale of violations across districts, noting that actions were taken in 2,478 cases through district-level flying squads and check posts between April 2025 and March 31, 2026. Of the total penalties imposed, Rs20.15 crore has been recovered so far. Bidari emphasized that strict measures were initiated against illegal excavation and transport of minor minerals via special drives, reflecting intensified enforcement efforts over the past year. Authorities seized 1,512 vehicles and 10 pieces of machinery linked to illegal mining activities. Most violations involved sand, murum, and soil extraction, underscoring persistent pressure on natural resources in the region. District-wise data revealed that Bhandara reported the highest number of cases at 672, including 637 related to sand mining alone. Of these, 363 offences led to penalties of about Rs5 crore, with Rs2.82 crore recovered and 104 arrests made. Gondia recorded 641 cases, with penalties of Rs3.58 crore, of which Rs3.29 crore has been recovered. In Nagpur district, 261 cases resulted in penalties of Rs4.32 crore, with recoveries reaching Rs3.79 crore. Wardha reported 239 cases with penalties of Rs2.75 crore, of which Rs2.11 crore has been recovered. Chandrapur saw 431 offences, attracting penalties of Rs6.44 crore, with Rs5.41 crore recovered. Gadchiroli recorded 234 cases, with penalties of Rs3.24 crore and recoveries of Rs2.60 crore.#chandrapur_district #bhandara_district #nagpur_division #vijayalakshmi_bidari #gondia_district
