Maha nod to revised cost for Hinganghat GMCH Nagpur: The state government formally approved a revised cost of Rs476.97 crore for the construction of the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) at Hinganghat in Wardha district on Friday. This marks an increase of over Rs73 crore from the earlier sanctioned estimate of Rs403.89 crore. Once completed, the Hinganghat campus will serve as a major public medical education and healthcare hub in the region, integrating teaching, hospital, hostel, and residential facilities on a single site. The revised administrative sanction, issued by the Medical Education and Drugs Department, outlines the construction of a 100-student medical college, a 430-bed attached hospital, boys’ and girls’ hostels, and residential quarters. The cost revision followed changes to the building plans, which were cleared by a high-level committee chaired by the chief secretary during its February 28 meeting. The earlier government resolution was amended to reflect these updates. The Public Works Department has been designated as the executing agency for the project. The sanction includes several pre-construction conditions, such as verifying land ownership, obtaining prior permissions from civic and archaeological authorities where necessary, and ensuring compliance with environmental norms and disability access standards. The order also mandates that buildings incorporate solar energy systems, with electrification work to proceed concurrently with civil construction. A private architect was engaged for the project, but all drawings and designs require approval from government architects. The revised cost and updated plans have given a renewed impetus to a project with significant political and public importance in Hinganghat.#maharashtra_government #wardha_district #hinganghat_gmch #medical_education_department #bjp_mla_samir_kunawar
Tourists delighted on seeing bears scale trees for honey at Bor Wardha: Tourists witnessed a thrilling sight at Bor sanctuary in Wardha district, where bears were seen swiftly climbing tall trees in search of honey. The bears climbed the trees with remarkable speed and agility to reach beehives, leaving tourists and wildlife enthusiasts mesmerised. Bor sanctuary is considered an important biodiversity hub in Vidarbha. It is home to over 200 bird species, along with peacocks, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, bears, spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, wild boars and the rare four-horned antelope. The presence of the well-known tigress Katrina and her cubs roaming freely has further increased its appeal among visitors. According to the forest department, approximately 60 to 70 bears inhabit the sanctuary. Since 2020, sightings of rare leucistic bears have also added to the sanctuary's significance. Large numbers of beehives are commonly found on Arjun and Mahua trees in the area. The bears’ ability to climb these trees efficiently highlights their adaptability and the unique ecological dynamics of the region. The sanctuary’s biodiversity is a major draw for visitors, offering a rare opportunity to observe a wide range of wildlife in its natural habitat. The combination of dense forests, varied flora, and the presence of both common and rare species makes Bor a critical site for conservation efforts. The forest department has emphasized the importance of preserving such habitats, as they play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting local wildlife populations. The incident of bears accessing beehives has sparked interest not only among tourists but also among researchers studying animal behavior.#wardha_district #bor_sanctuary #tigress_katrina #four_horned_antelope #leucistic_bears
State Govt Denies Decision to Merge Schools in Arvi Taluka The Maharashtra state government has denied any decision to merge 15 schools in Arvi taluka, Wardha district, into six cluster schools. This clarification came after a query from MLC Dadarao Keche, who sought information on whether the primary education division of ZP Wardha had issued a merger order or if local representatives had demanded its cancellation. School education minister Dadadji Bhuse confirmed that a representation had been received but emphasized that no formal merger order was passed. Bhuse stated that an education officer had convened a meeting on January 19 to discuss the PM SHRI scheme concept, but no resolution was adopted during the session. The minister further clarified that no state-level approval for cluster school formation had been granted in Arvi taluka. A representation from local representatives, dated February 11, was received at the minister’s office, demanding the cancellation of any such decision. The petitioners argued that merging schools would adversely affect the right to education for students from economically weaker households and that schools with low enrollment should not be shut down. The minister also noted that no state-level policy decision on cluster school formation had been indicated for any part of Wardha district. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the impact of educational restructuring on marginalized communities, with local stakeholders emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that prioritize equitable access to education. The debate underscores tensions between centralized administrative initiatives and grassroots demands for localized solutions in public education.#maharashtra_state_government #mlc_dadarao_keche #school_education_minister_dadadji_bhuse #arvi_taluka #wardha_district
