Nagpur

Markets closed but no uniformity in implementation of rules

On second day of the weekend on Sunday, the markets, hotels, restaurants remained closed but at several places the groups of people were visible, defying the orders of administration. At the same time, the uniformity in implementation of order, too, lacked. Especially, the policemen were seen taking action against some and leaving some others. This lack of ..

Samarth cycles 6,000 km in 13 days!

FOR India’s noted ultra cyclist Dr Amit Samarth nothing is impossible! A doctor by profession and a cyclist by passion, Dr Samarth always finds new ways to test the limits of human endurance. He has added another feather to his cap by successfully completing ‘Ride Across India’ — a 6,000 km cycling expedition on the Golden Quadrilateral of India that culminated at starting point Mumbai on Sunday. Dr Samarth, the only cyclist in Asia to complete two longest cycling races in the world — Race Across ..

Ambala Gate, a victim of neglect

Time is the biggest foe of heritage. For, the dust of neglect over the years dulls the lustre of glorious past. Ambala Gate, entrance to the famous Ambala lake in Ramtek, is an example of this. State and Central Governments have spent crores of rupees for maintenance, conservation, and development of places of archaeological and historical importance, and tourist interest in Ramtek and around. Among these places, however, the Bhonsla era entry gate to Ambala lake (old name ‘Ambkund Bhogawati Ganga) ..

Timtala: From oblivion to limelight

For most of us, one life is not enough to achieve our goals, but not for those who ‘live’ their goal. It is their unshakable self-belief, immense willpower and readiness to face any hardship that make seemingly impossible things possible. One such person, who lived his goal and worked hard to see it in fruition was Eknathji Ranade. Born on November 19, 1914 in a small village Timtala in Nandgaon Khandeshwar tehsil of Amravati district, Ranade dedicated his life to the cause of Swam..

Five promise rain of Rs 50 crore in cash to minor girl, arrested

Five youngsters were arrested by the Crime Branch who allegedly told a girl that they could perform a special puja (auspicious rituals) and call the spirits that will trigger rain of around Rs 50 crore from the sky. On pretext of ‘rain of cash’, the accused were trying to sexually exploit the girl, police officials said. Arrested accused have been identified as Vicky Ganesh Khapre (20), a resident of Vrindavan Nagar, Nagpur; Dinesh Mahadev Nikhare (25), a resident of Samudrapur, District - Wardha; ..

Adv Gowardipe is Chairman of Bar Council of Mah & Goa

Adv Anil Gowardipe from Nagpur has been elected unanimously as Chairman of Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. Adv Gowardipe has been a practising lawyer at Nagpur since 1988. Between 1999 and 2004, he was Special Public Prosecutor (MCOCA). From 2002 to 2004, he was Secretary of District Bar Association, Nagpur. In the year 2010, Adv Anil Gowardipe first got elected as Member of Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa. Since then, he has been active in the council. He served as Vice-President of the council ..

Over 33,500 hens culled in Amravati

Amravati, Due to outbreak of bird flu, about 33,500 hens from various poultry farms in Bhankheda area was culled on Sunday. District Collector Shailesh Nawal informed that compensation of Rs 90 per birds will be given to the affected poultry farm owners. Earlier, The National Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Bhopal had reported outbreak of bird flu in poultry birds at Dhiman Poultry Farm in Bhankheda area of Amravati tehsil. Hence an investigation was carried out by Udaysingh Rajput, Sub-Divisi..

PM Modi to receive global energy and environment leadership award

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi will receive the CERAWeek global energy and environment leadership award during an annual international energy conference next week. The Prime Minister will also deliver the keynote address at the CERAWeek Conference-2021, which will be held virtually from March 1 to 5, its organiser, IHS Markit, said on Friday. Prominent speakers at the conference include US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and founder ..

With markets, hotels closed, city wears almost a deserted look

Following the orders issued by Nagpur Municipal Commissioner and District Collector, the hotels, restaurants, markets in Nagpur remained closed on Saturday. Nagpur streets wore almost a deserted look. The order is to be followed on Sunday too. It is a kind of mini lockdown. The first major lockdown was relaxed in the month of June, 2020 and people started enjoying freedom. People took too much liberty out of the freedom resulting in rise of number of COVID-19 cases. Confusion regarding the..

Tough steps to be taken if cases increase: Dr Raut

State Energy Minister and Guardian Minister of Nagpur district Dr Nitin Raut on Saturday warned the citizens of tough steps to contain the graph of the growing number of Covid-19 cases. “Being a Guardian Minister, it is my duty to save the lives of citizens. Therefore, tough steps will be taken if the positive cases of COVID-19 will increase in the city,” said Dr Raut. Dr Raut on Saturday took stock of lockdown enforced in city and district for two days. While addressing mediapesons at Variety Square, ..

Follow norms, Mayor to people during round of city

Dayashankar Tiwari, Mayor, took a round of the city and especially Itwari and Gokulpeth markets to ensure that people were following the appeal for ‘weekend curbs’ to contain spread of COVID-19. During the round, Tiwari appealed to the people to wear masks and follow social distancing norms. Accompanied by corporators of the respective areas, officials, and Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) members, he interacted with people and vendors. He censured some of the vendors for not wearing masks, and people ..

Liquor shops, too, to remain closed on weekends

Confusion reigned supreme on Saturday whether liquor shops came under essential services allowed to remain functional during weekend curbs. As a result, the liquor shops were open. Following the appeal by Mayor, and also social media comments, the district administration issued orders on Saturday to keep liquor shops closed on Sunday as well as next weekend. All the shops barring essen..

Mah Govt extends Rs 1 cr aid to martyr Naresh Badole’s family

Maharashtra Government has extended an aid of Rs 1 crore to the family members of martyr Naresh Badole. Dr Nitin Raut, Guardian Minister of district, handed over the cheque of aid to the wife of the martyr. Naresh Umrao Badole, Assistant Sub-Inspector/General Duty with CRPF, had attained martyrdom in a terrorist attack at Chadoora in Budgam district in Jammu & Kashmir on September 24, 2020...

Stay home on weekend, close establishments, appeals civic admn

To stem the spread of COVID-19, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has directed closure of all shops and offices in the city over the weekend. In view of rising cases, the administration found it necessary to break the chain and hence the first step is to prevent crowding that was rampant in markets. By observing closure for two days there would be lesser number of people outside and ensure slowing down the transmission of virus. So all Government and private offices, barring those in essential services, ..

Lockdown cant be the solution, strict rules will do

With rise in number of COVID-19 cases, the Government and the local authorities have started giving a thought to imposing a lockdown. Closing down markets, restaurants on Saturdays and Sundays, is a step towards implementing a lockdown. Is closing down the establishments completely the solution to prevent corona spike? With this question, ‘The Hitavada’ approached hoteliers, industrialists, educational institute owner, mess-owner. All of them are unanimous on one opinion ‘Lockdown ..

Nominations filed for civic panel polls

Respective corporators nominated by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday submitted their nominations for the post of Chairperson and Deputy Chairpersons of subject committees of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). The formal election is scheduled for March 1. Since only one set of nomination was received for each of the post, the election is going to be unanimous. Rajendra Sonkusare submitted his nomination papers for the post of Chairperson and Nishant Gandhi for Deputy Chairperson ..

Girl conspires to kill boyfriend to be able to marry another man

A 20-year-old girl hired a contract killer to eliminate her boyfriend so that she could marry another man, police said on Friday after arresting all the four persons allegedly involved in the murder. After killing the man, the contract killer threw the body in a 200 feet deep open mine to destroy the evidence. The deceased was identified as Chandu Gangadhar Mahapur (30), a resident of Pachgaon while the accused are - Bharat Vasanta Gujar (25), Kalyani Pramod Hajare (20), Pramod Laxman Hajare ..

‘Off-line exams test ability of students; cancelling or promoting won’t help’

 Some states are mulling over cancelling the school examinations and promoting students to next classes in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. School heads in Nagpur have opposed the very idea. While talking to ‘The Hitavada’ they expressed, examinations should be conducted that too off-line as it is the real assessment of students.“Last year, we already faced the repercussions of the decisions. Promoting students to next classes is a very bad idea. Ability of students can be tested ..

Shocking attempt to influence HC judge before hearing

HC orders probe against persons responsible for this unacceptable behaviour. In a shocking incident, someone on behalf of the complainant in a land fraud case tried to contact a sitting High Court judge hearing the bail matter on the day of hearing after which an enquiry was ordered to trace the persons responsible for trying to influence the sitting judge in a pending matter. The judge received a WhatsApp message on his cellphone, from a family acquaintance containing a screenshot of the cause ..

‘This is where my work truly begins...’

WHEN she was a child, the sight of twinkling stars fascinated her. As she grew up, the fascination for stars and planets blossomed into curiosity and passion. Gradually, she made choices that blended her pursuit of studies and pursuit of happiness. Then came February 18, 2021, an important date in life of Mohini Jodhpurkar. NASA’s Perseverance Rover landed on Mars and she, as a graduate collaborator, took a big leap towards realising her dream. “At the moment of landing, I was exhilarated not because ..

Nine persons die due to COVID-19 in city

Nagpur city witnessed nine deaths due to novel coronavirus in one single day on Thursday. For the last one month the number of deaths remained below three in city. But on Thursday the city registered nine deaths. Nagpur rural reported two deaths taking the cumulative number to 3,561 in Nagpur District. With constant rise in number of new COVID-19 cases in one single day, people in district are experiencing scary atmosphere...

Cops seal marriage lawn in New Kamptee for violating COVID-19 protocols

SPECIAL Squad of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-V) Neelotpal sealed Raj Royal Lawns, New Yerkheda, in New Kamptee area where two wedding receptions were organised in gross violation of COVID-19 protocols. Cops booked lawn owner, fathers of bridegroom and bride on Wednesday night...

Woman loses her legs after coming under train at railway stn, dies at hospital

In a tragic incident at on platform no 1 of Nagpur Railway Station, a woman came under the rolling train and lost both legs, on Thursday morning. The victim, Pushpamala Sudhakar Ote (52), was rushed to Mayo Hospital where she succumbed to injuries during the treatment. According to an eyewitness, Ote came under Train No. 0721 Hyderabad-Hazrat Nizamuddin. The incident occurred around 9.10 am when Pushpamala tried to board the moving train. Her hurry, however, proved fatal. She lost grip on the bogie’s ..

NMC panel pitches for handing over transport service to Maha Metro

Going beyond its mandate, Transport Committee of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) joined the chorus and decided to handover transport service lock-stock-barrel to Maha Metro. The cash-starved Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dominated Transport Committee accepted the proposal to hive off the city bus service and entire wing, said Narendra Borkar, Chairperson, Transport Committee, while interacting with newspersons at civic headquarters on Thursday. A meeting of Transport Committee was held wherein the ..

ISRO gears up to launch new-generation mini rocket

THE Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is getting ready to launch a new-generation compact rocket on its maiden orbital test flight, the space agency said. Bengaluru-headquartered ISRO has over the years realised five generation of launch vehicles -- SLV-3, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV and GSLV-MkIII. It had taken up development of the mini rocket -- Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) -- to cater to emerging global small satellite launch service market. Multiple sources in ISRO said on Th..

In death, CRPF man gives lease of life to three persons

Sandeep Mahajan, a cook with Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and a son of farmer, a resident of Nipani, Tehsil Yerandol, district Jalgaon, gave lease of life to three persons as his family donated his organs when doctors declared him dead. Sandeep Mahajan, was admitted with complaints of drowsiness with paraparesis on admission. In spite of efforts taken by doctors at New Era Hospital for 6 days, his condition neurologically deteriorated, and he was declared brain dead...

DGP cautions cops against making public sensitive case details

MAHARASHTRA Director General of Police Hemant Nagrale on Thursday said that police officers should avoid discussing on-going investigations in criminal cases as it may spoil the quality of evidence. “Divulging the facts ascertained during the probe to media tends to create misconception among the people,” he added. Interacting with mediapersons, Nagrale said that sharing findings in the probe mostly in sensitive cases often resulted in speculations and assumptions as such matters were decided by the ..

Old statue of Sir Kasturchand Daga finally reaches home

The statue of Sir Kasturchand Daga, a philanthropist and a visionary, was installed in 1922 at the corner of Kasturchand Park, where it stood tall for almost 98 long years. It was witness to several events, most of them historic, and also to the changing facade of the city. The statue crafted in white Italian marble was also witness to glorious events even as it remained a piece of neglect, apathy, callousness of the region to whom Sir Kasturchand had bestowed so much of his mon..

Nagpur distt witnesses corona spike; 1,179 new cases in one single day

Nagpur district has witnessed torrent of coronavirus cases on Wednesday as 1,179 persons tested positive for this dreaded virus in one single day. The district crossed 1,000 mark after months. Number of new cases in Nagpur rural also crossed 200 mark after over 6 months as 224 tested positive for coronavirus. Nagpur city reported huge 955 new cases taking the cumulative number to 1,44,783. Number of testing in one single day too is increasing. On Wednesday also 10,584 testing registered...

Municipal Commr gets first shot of Covaxin

Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B on Wednesday got himself inoculated against COVID-19 at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). He was administered first shot of Covaxin in presence of senior doctors and civic officials. Commissioner said apart from GMCH, Government has also made arrangement for vaccination of front-line staff in first phase at 20 hospitals in city. At GMCH, Covaxin is being administered while at other hospitals Covishield is provided to the registered front-line ..

Restaurants closed on weekends, says NMC

Civic Administration has again come out with a revised notification about the partial lockdown as confusion reigned supreme as to status of eateries during the weekend. On Wednesday, Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B issued a modified order stating clearly that entire market, excluding shops in essential category, and also the restaurants would remained closed. This clarification became necessary and food industry was claiming that there's no restriction on its working on weekends as civic order ..

Phase of containment zones, sealing is back

To tackle the spike in COVID-19 cases in city, civic administration is now in action mode and resorting to locking down establishments where there is a major spurt. While tagging residential areas as containment zones can be understood, however the sealing of commercial and institutional areas is however a bit tough action, the citizens have said. As of now 22 residential, commercial and institutional areas have been declared as containment zones and highest are in Laxmi Nagar Zone-I of Nagpur ..

NIT increases budgetary outlay of Rs 606.96 cr for 2021-22

Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) that now stands revived has finalised an outlay of Rs 606.96 crore for the next financial year 2021-22. A meeting of Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday under Chairmanship of Manoj Kumar Suryawanshi that approved the budget. Compared to current year wherein the outlay was estimated at Rs 311.30 crore, the increased outlay for the current year indicates a growing confidence among NIT and it may slowly gain back its prominence in days to come if the trend continues. ..

Rural Police hand over 121 lost mobile phones to owners

A total 121 mobile phone owners were pleasantly surprised when they received a phone call from a police official of Nagpur Rural Police, informing that their mobile phone, which was missing for last few months, have been traced. Superintendent of Police (SP) Nagpur Rural Rakesh Ola handed over the mobile phone to the owners in a function held at SP office, Civil Lines, on Wednesday...

Mah’s power demand heads northward as economic activities rise

Power consumption, a key barometer of economic activity, is on upswing in Maharashtra underlining that notwithstanding challenges posed by outbreak of epidemic, normalcy has returned to industrial sector. Another way to read the increase in demand for electricity in State is the agriculture sector that also contributes substantially to growth. During last year, the three months straight lockdown impacted industrial sector quite severely, though agriculture being confined to rural landscape managed ..

New police stations proposed at Garoba Maidan, Bhandewadi

NAGPUR Police are preparing a proposal to establish two new police stations at Garoba Maidan and Bhandewadi in east Nagpur. The Garoba Maidan Police Station will cover a densely populated area while Bhandewadi PS will be formed on the outskirts of the city. Formation of the new police stations will help in curbing the soaring crime graph in market areas as well as on outskirts of the city, top police officials believe...

Sir Kasturchand Daga’s statue to stand tall again!

After the passage of over six months when it fell to nature’s fury, the statue of Sir Kasturchand Daga, the great philanthropist and a visionary will stand tall again on Thursday, February 25 this time in new form. The statue is being re-installed in the COVID 19 pandemic. It was unveiled first time in 1922 when there was Spanish flu pandemic around. It was sheer co-incidence. In 1922 the statue was unveiled by non-Daga family member. It did not go well with the family...

Chemists avoid selling cold, flu pills without valid prescription

In the wake of rising Covid-19 cases again in the State, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has instructed chemist associations in the State to not dispense medicines specific to cold, cough, and fever to anyone without a valid prescription. Keeping the decision in mind, the chemist association of Nagpur is also following the order. Many medical stores also started keeping a record of phone numbers and addresses of customers who buy such medicines for surveillance...

Is brimming water in pits opposite Futala Lake a matter of concern for city fathers?

On one hand where Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is taking action against illegal chilled water jar packaging units/plants in the city for extracting ground water without permission from Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) while on other hand the contractor of Maha Metro who is constructing a seven-storeyed parking plaza on the backside of viewers gallery is extracting ground water by digging pit without any restriction...

Eateries, restaurants to remain open on weekends

Eateries are going to function normally on weekends even though markets and other non essential establishments would remain closed in city and district till March 7. As per the notification issued by Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B for Nagpur city and District Collector Ravindra Thakare for rural parts of the district, the restaurants and allied activity can continue working during the partial lockdown period. Earlier there was confusion whether weekend curbs would extend to restaurant and ..

‘Mrityunjay Doots’ to provide medical aid to mishap victims

With an aim to provide medical aid to accident victims within an hour of accident (golden hour), Maharashtra Highway Police (MHP) will launch ‘Mrityunjay Doot’ scheme from March 1. Local villagers, employees of Dhaba and petrol pumps, doctors around National and State highways across the State will be trained as ‘Mrityunjay Doot’ by the Highway police. This trained manpower will immediately provide medical aid to the accident victims. As part of the new system, the highway police officials have decided ..

Maha Vikas Aghadi hikes legislator constituency fund to Rs 3 crore

Maharashtra Government has increased the Local Constituency Development Fund for legislators by Rs one crore over previous limit of Rs two crore citing increase in cost of construction materials over the year. The hike would be applicable from current financial year stated a notification issued by Planning Department on Monday. So all Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) as well as Members of Legislative Council (MLCs) would get the much needed booster to rollout more facilities in their respective ..

Partial lockdown in city till March 7

The long shadow of COVID-19 has surfaced again to tackle the dreaded virus. A partial lockdown would be effected in entire district till March 7, wherein all educational institutions, weekly markets would be shutdown with immediate effect. Along side the administration has imposed ban on weddings, political and religious events and the cultural programmes from February 25 onwards to avoid large gathering to stem the transmission of virus...

EoW summons Meditrina Hospital Director Dr Paltewar for probe

ECONOMIC Offences Wing (EoW) of Crime Branch has summoned Dr Sameer Narayan Paltewar, Director of Meditrina Institute of Health Sciences, Ramdaspeth, for investigation after he was booked in a fresh case of misappropriartion of hospital funds to the tune of Rs 5,36,415. Meanwhile, sources said that cops allegedly alerted the Income Tax Department as the financial embezzlement could be around Rs 20-30 crore. Ganesh Ramchandra Chakkarwar (61), another Director of VRG Healthcare Private Limited which ..

Shrishti breaks her own Guinness World Record

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Shrishti Dharmendra Sharma rewrote Guinness World Record for fastest time to limbo skate under 10 bars on Saturday. As part of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign, Shrishti attempted to better her own record of 1.720 seconds during a joint venture of Aam Valley Sporting Association and Centre Point School, Wardhman Nagar at WCL Umrer Skating Rink. In fact, on her all three attempts, she bettered the previous mark. In her first try, she successfully limbo skated under 10 bars in 1.705 ..

Prakash Bhoyar to head NMC’s Standing Committee

Eight new members were nominated to Standing Committee of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) during the special meeting held on Monday. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Prakash Bhoyar as next Chairperson of Standing Committee and his name would be ratified during next week's meeting. He represents Prabhag 36-D in the NMC's House. On behalf of BJP, Sandip Jadhav, Ruling Party Leader, submitted names of Prakash Bhoyar, Sanjay Balpande, Sushma Chaudhary, Pragati Patil, Bharti Bunde to replace ..

HC asks heritage panel to fix time-line to conserve KP, Zero Mile precincts

Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Heritage Conservation Committee to fix the time-line to protect and conserve historical Kasturchand Park along with its pavilions and Zero Mile precinct. The Heritage Conservation Committee placed on record its plan for restoration of the Kasturchand Park and Zero Mile and also finalised a seven member dedicated team to look after both the heritage sites s per heritage regulations...

History-sheeter brutally murdered in Sonegaon area

A history-sheeter was brutally murdered by six assailants on Jaitala Road under the jurisdiction of Sonegaon Police Station on Monday evening. The accused first bashed the goon and when he escaped from their clutches, they chased and stabbed him to death with sharp-edged weapons. The history-sheeter was released from the jail on bail just three-days ago. The deceased was identified as Nilesh Rajesh Naidu (31), a resident of Khamla area. The police have arrested Mayur Sherkar, Govind Dongre and Sagar ..

Mayor directs suspension of middle school classes

Worried over spike in COVID-19 cases in city, Mayor Dayashankar Tiwari advised civic administration to close classes for students of V to VIII and also colleges be directed to switch over to on-line mode of teaching. Middle schools had just resumed physical classes and also colleges started classes for first and final years students. But within a fortnight situation on virus front has assumed critical dimension leaving civic administration to consider strict measures for mimising crowding...

Celebrations continue, work too begins, Wanjari brings Rs 50 cr

In an act of paying back to the foundation that helped Adv Abhijit Wanjari to reach State Legislature, he got sanctioned Rs 50 crore from Maharashtra Government. The money will be used for the centenary celebrations of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU). RTMNU will start the celebrations next year. Adv Abhijit Wanjari who created history when he won Nagpur Graduates’ Constituency polls that was stronghold of Bharatiya Janata Party, has started his tours the very next day of ..

Railnet lines rollout liberalised for ease in work from home for Rly employees

Considering the need for seamless operation, Railway Board has liberalised the policy regarding provision of Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections at home so that officials can log onto e-office. While all senior officers are provided Railnet at their residence but many middle ranking officials and some junior employees found it difficult to work during the time of lockdown. So after considering the feedback from field units, Railway Board decided to allow release of Railnet connections to ..

Out of 56 noted species, 39 are native of ‘Ajni Vann’

The felling of age old trees in ‘Ajni Vann’ for Inter Modal Station (IMS) project in Ajni is going to be a big ecological loss for the area, reveals a city-based environment conservation organisation Punarnava Ecological Services here on Sunday. The organisation conducted a survey to know the species of trees in Ajni Vann recently. It found that out of 56 noted species in the locality 39 were native...

Delay in Gaothan issue clarity may give birth to unauthorised layouts

Urban Development department of Maharashtra is not coming clear about the Gaothan issue leading to more confusion. According to some experts, if this delay continues further it would not only create chaos but give birth to unauthorised layout. In 2018, the Appendix L of Development Control Rules of Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) had specified the construction work to be done within the gaothan limit. It had given the limit also...

VNIT, VIBHA VANI together to take technology to masses

With signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) and VIBHA VANI, India (VVI) have opened a new chapter as this agreement will take the technology to the masses. This is a step forward in working in concert through the amalgamation of technological system thinking and societal outreach. Through this MoU, VNIT will play a role as the technology partner while VIBHA VANI India , a consortium of grassroots developmental organisations working in the field ..

Camouflage dress-up for Charlie Commandos, as city police look to dominate streets

For more effective response to crime scenes, top brass of city police is aiming to reshape the patrolling patterns of Charlie Commandos. Now, the Commandos would be dressed-up in camouflage and equipped with new motorcycles as Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar desires more patrolling and making presence of police personnel felt on streets. Street crime off late is proving to be a major cause of trouble for the cops who want to seize the control. Though the crimes are not yet troubling for ..

‘Devoted’ city boxer Alfiya wins international gold

NAGPUR’S pride “an intelligent and devoted boxer” Alfiya Tarannum Pathan lived up to the expectations winning first gold medal for India in the 30th Adriatic Pearl Tournament in Budva, Montenegro with impressive display. The 2019 Asian Junior Girls Champion, Alfiya, who turned 18 on February 18, showed superb form and fitness to notch up an easy 5-0 win against Daria Kozorev of Moldova in the 81+kg category and earned the first gold medal for India. Alfiya looked in complete control throughout the ..

‘Develop Art District at Ajni Vann to save nature, make Ajni famous’

Though the Union Minister for Road Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari has instructed National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to cut less number of trees at ‘Ajni Vann’ for the proposed Inter Modal Station (IMS) project in Ajni, the environment activists, on Saturday, have come up with some alternatives. Based on the geographical location of the city, it has the potential to become a focal point for art practices across the country. Keeping this in mind, the activists have proposed Art District, ..

One killed, three injured as car crashes into road divider near Law College sq

A YOUNG girl was killed while her brother and two cousins injured, two of them seriously, after the speeding car they were travelling in crashed into a divider near Surabhi Girls’ Hostel near Law College Square on Amravati Road in the small hours of Saturday...

City Biotechnologist develops biodegradable plastic

To solve the plastic problem leading to rampant pollution across the globe, city’s Biotechnologist Dr Dilip G Gore has successfully developed biodegradable and water soluble plastic using biological materials. Dr Gore, who graduated in Biotechnology and did PhD in Biotechnology from Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, carried out research in the fields of biopolymer technology to solve the problem of nature and societal need of bio-degradable plastic. “The mother earth who is suffering ..

CP detains dreaded goon Manmeet Chauhan

COMMISSIONER of Police Amitesh Kumar detained dreaded goon Sunny alias Manmeet Surendra Chauhan (22) from Imambada area under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Slumlords, Bootleggers, Drug-Offenders, Dangerous Persons, Video Pirates, Sand Smugglers and Persons Engaged in Black Marketing of Essential Commodities Act (MPDA) on Friday...

On-line sex racket busted; 3 girls rescued, 3 pimps held

SOCIAL Security Wing of Crime Branch on Saturday busted an on-line sex racket and rescued three girls from OYO Rooms at Hotel Midas, Wardha Road, in Dhantoli area. Cops arrested one of the three pimps in this connection. Identified as Devendra alias Kunal Harishankar Patel (28), the accused is a resident of Suhagpur, district Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh. Two other accused -- Rehan and Raj -- are absconding...

Bor Tiger reserve to remain closed on Saturday, Sunday

In the wake of rising coronavirus cases in Wardha district, the district administration on Saturday decided to shut down Bor Tiger Reserve for tourists on every Saturday and Sunday, to contain spread of COVID-19. On Friday, the Wardha District administration decided that all schools, colleges, universities, gyms, swimming pools, and cinema halls will remain closed till Monday (February 22) 8 am...

‘City police initiates stern action against people defying Covid-19 protocol’

Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar on Saturday announced an action plan against outbreak of novel coronavirus across the city and issued directives to the force to initiate stern action against people and commercial establishments for defying Covid-19 protocol. “Some citizens are defying protocols of coronavirus and exposing themselves to the risk of contracting the virus by not wearing masks and also not maintaining social distancing. This casual approach of some people is creating trouble ..

Medical Edn Minister for research facility at MUHS regional centres

During the tenure of Dr Dileep Mhaisekar as Vice Chancellor and Dr Mohan Khamgaonkar as Pro-Vice Chancellor, the Maharashtra Univesity of Health Sciences (MUHS) has provided a boost to its regional centres. Both are of the opinion that regional centres should be strengthened. Supporting the efforts of Dr Mhaisekar and Dr Khamgaonkar, now Medical Education Minister Amit Deshmukh too has stressed for creating research facilities at these centres. Amit Deshmukh being the Minister of Medical Education ..

NMC imposes curbs to stem spread of COVID-19

In a bid to put break on transmission of COVID-19 as the pandemic is again rearing its head with daily surge in number of positive cases, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has now put restriction on funeral procession. Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B post meeting of top officials of Revenue Department with Divisional Commissioner has now issued a fresh notification on Friday saying not more than 20 persons would be present in funeral procession. As th..

‘Government working on reducing fuel prices’

Suggesting that Centre and State Governments should come together to find a way to reduce taxes on fuel, Former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu informed the mediapersons, “Central government is taking all efforts to reduce the problems faced by the common man due to the rising fuel prices.” On Friday Prabhu was in Nagpur where he spoke to media at Press Club...

Bhandara hospital fire: 2 nurses booked for culpable homicide

After a lot of hue and cry, Bhandara Police have finally booked two staff nurses on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder in case of the gory fire incident at Bhandara’s District General Hospital. The two nurses were on duty on January 9 night when the incident had taken place. “A case of culpable homicide has been registered against two nurses who were found negligent in an investigation carried out in the case of a tragic fire accident that took place in the natal care unit at ..

Dr Raut warns of lockdown if citizens fail to follow rules

Sounding out warning to all stakeholders to become alert, Guardian Minister Dr Nitin Raut on Thursday said in case citizens fails to mend their ways administration would be forced to take tough measure, including lockdown. No one wants another lockdown as it would hurt all sections and particularly the lower class, and hence everyone needs to follow the COVID-19 rules in toto. Addressing mediapersons, Dr Raut expressed worry at spike in COVID-19 patients in city and Vidarbha in general and said people ..

Zonal Officer’s nod must for ceremonies: Mpl Commr

In view of spike in COVID-19 positive cases, now permission of Zonal Officer of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is mandatory for organising marriage and functions in hall and lawns. Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B on Thursday issued a modified order relating to requirement of permission from Zonal Assistant Commissioners for any sort of function. Since, ultimately responsibility of health rests with civic body, Municipal Commissioner invoked power vested with him under Disaster Management ..

‘Triple the daily testing of samples, act against violators’

Against the backdrop of the steady rise in number of COVID-19 cases in Nagpur Division, Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, has asked the Collectors of all six districts including Nagpur to triple the daily testing of samples and act tough on violators of protocols/guidelines. Dr Sanjeev Kumar issued the guidelines in this regard to Collectors of Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli districts on Thursday. “Initiate action under Disaster Management Act against persons ..

NTCA appreciates Mah, MP for good co-ordination in Pench TR

National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF&CC), has appreciated the efforts of forest departments of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh (MP) for good management with proper co-ordination between two states for Pench Tiger Reserve which falls in both states. Satya Prakash Yadav, ADG of Forest (Project Tiger) and Member Secretary (NTCA) chaired a two-day review meeting in Nagpur on Thursday to check the arrangements and progress made by forest ..

NMC mitigates proposal for doubling the devpt charges in unauthorised layouts

Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controlled Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) toned-down the proposal for doubling the development charges in unauthorised layouts under Gunthewari Act by deciding to stick with present rate of Rs. 56/sq.ft. Mindful of forthcoming election and high stakes in under developed areas on fringes of city going to swing the balance, the ruling party shot down proposal of Town Planning Department for parity with increased prices of all commodities...

Maiden Ngp-Chhindwara train services from 22nd

In a good news for travellers, South East Central Railway (SECR) is going to commence maiden train service on Nagpur-Chhindwara Broad Gauge route from February 22. The decision comes following permission from respective State authorities to restart passenger trains that got suspended during lockdown in March 2020. Apart from Chhindwara, two other services would commence, that is to Gondia ex-Itwari and to Durg ex-Gondia. Means about six pairs of passenger trains would operate in Nagpur Division...

NMC starts dechoking of trees at London Street

Taking cognisance of the report published in ‘The Hitavada’ on Tuesday about choking of trees on ‘London Street’, the Public Works Department (PWD) of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), on Wednesday, has started dechoking of trees. The department has ordered the contractor to start the process of dechoking trees and on Wednesday about 8-10 trees were dechoked. “We have initiated the process of dechoking of trees and the work will be finished in couple of days,” said Naresh Borkar, Executive Engineer, ..

Standing Committee nod to six English medium civic schools

Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Standing Committee has approved proposal of Education Department to establish six English medium schools. The idea is to have one school in each of the assembly segment and same was approved during Wednesday’s meeting. In today’s age of competition there is a need for English medium education, something that was lacking in NMC schools. The tendency of parents is towards English medium schools that has led to number of students in civic schools seeing switch over. ..

Govt for regularising DSB lecturers, Dr Lahane submits proposal

With Dr Tatyarao Lahane, Director of Medical Education and Research (DMER) submitting the proposal regarding regularising lecturers selected through Divisional Selection Board (DSB), 500 such medical teachers have become optimistic. Maharashtra’s Medical Education Ministry is showing keen interest in resolving the issue of these lecturers. For past several years this issue is coming up for the discussion. These lecturers neither got any promotion nor any increment. Recently, these DSB lecturers registered ..

Haldiram’s lookalike website names: HC asks domain registrars to file reply

Haldiram’s Foods International Pvt Ltd, a well-known name in food industry, has approached Senior Division Civil Court, Nagpur, raising concerns over lookalike domain names and requesting directions to the domain name registrars to take down such websites. On Wednesday, representatives of domain name registrars appeared before the court and sought more time to file reply. Accordingly, the court granted time to them and slated the next hearing on March 17. Haldiram’s operate their website in name and ..

NMC for 15 times hike in processing fees of unauthorised layout plots

Amidst rising inflation, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has proposed to increase processing fees of applications for regularisation of plots in unauthorised layouts under Gunthewari Act by 15 times against prevailing rate. The Town Planning Department proposal is listed on agenda of civic body’s general body meeting slated for February 18. The meeting is to be held through on-line platform and the agenda mentions raising the processing fees to Rs. 15,000. At present, property own..

Vacancies galore in NMC as State bans fresh recruitment

Citizens are going to suffer as time pass by due to shortage of manpower in Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Already struggling to cope with rising expectation and changing landscape that demands more manpower, civic body is finding it difficult to deliver services owing to existing vacancies that is nearly 66 per cent against the regular posts that numbers 11521 across all groups. Further on top of that the last year's GR from Maharashtra Government has further compounded problems as through it ..

Environmentalists for dechoking of trees on ‘London Street’

City environmentalists have come forward to save the trees that are choked with cement along the ‘London Street’ on Tuesday. The Hitavada on Monday published a news report with a headline “‘London Street’ taking shape, but trees becoming silent casualty” on front page of the CityLine. Taking the reference of that news article, Green Vigil Foundation, a city-based NGO working in the field of environment along with Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), on Tuesday, raised strong objection against the careless ..

Notices to hotels, banquet halls for flouting pollution control norms

Taking step forward on the previous order of National Green Tribunal (NGT), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has started issuing notices to city hotels, banquet halls and club houses for spreading pollution while hosting parties. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had also issued guidelines in this regard. The guidelines say that hotels, restaurants, etc, must have a mechanism for controlling water pollution by setting up effluent treatment plant (ETP) for treating waste water from the ..

BJP sweeps nine of 10 Zonal Chairperson posts

Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stamped its authority in the election to Zonal Chairpersons of Nagpur Municipal Corporation as it won nine out of ten seats and that too unopposed. Third largest party in NMC House, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) managed to retain the Asinagar Zone Chairperson post but it deepened the fault lines within the party. For principal Opposition party, Congress the election in civic arena again showcased its ignominy as vertical-horizontal and whatever one can describe the ..

Most colleges in city re-open, students for off-line classes

Though they were enthusiastic, students attending colleges in city on Monday differed in number. Following the guidelines by Higher and Technical Education Department of Maharashtra, colleges re-opened. Most professional colleges including engineering ones have decided not to re-open now. Most students after entering college premises met their friends, interacted with one another. Several students went to Principal’s chamber expressed how they missed him or her, how they missed classroom teaching. ..

‘Preliminary probe names BJP IT Cell, 12 influencers in celebrity tweets case’

The enquiry into celebrity tweets case is in progress and the preliminary probe has revealed the role of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Information Technology Cell and 12 social media influencers, said Anil Deshmukh, Home Minister of Maharashtra. Deshmukh said this in an interaction with mediapersons here on Monday soon after his discharge from a private hospital, where he was admitted after he tested positive for COVID-19. He has been advised to quarantine himself for eight days after discharge...

Report COVID-19 test results within 24 hrs: Mpl Commr

To ensure quick isolation of patients infected by coronavirus and also facilitate faster contact tracing, Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B has instructed Government and private accredited laboratories to provide test report within 24 hours. Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has activated its machinery with a view to break the virus chain and quick know how about COVID-19 status is key to it. Hence, Radhakrishnan B has desired early test report as same would also help in cutting down delay in ..

‘Over 80% Nagpurians are aware of modes of COVID-19 spread’

Over 80 per cent Nagpurians are fully aware of the modes of spread of coronavirus. This inference has been drawn by a survey that was conducted by VSPM Dental College and Hospital. Now, we have completed one year of living with COVID-19. To prevent the spread of disease, measures in terms of lockdown and various guidelines for social distancing and maintenance of personal hygiene in terms of wearing of face masks and hand hygiene etc were laid down by the Government and it kept revising it from ..

Samarth’s 6000 km cycle journey to begin today

ONE of India’s finest ultra cyclists, Orange City’s own Dr Amit Samarth will embark on a 6000 km long journey starting from Gateway of India, Mumbai on Monday. The cycling route will be along the Golden Quadrilateral of India covering places like Mumbai – Pune – Kolhapur – Hubli – Bengaluru – Chennai – Visakhapatnam – Kolkata – Varanasi – New Delhi – Jaipur – Udaipur – Ahmedabad – Vadodara and back to Mumbai...

‘35 per cent wells in city are abandoned due to solid waste, sewage water contamination’

On one hand where Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has done the roof top water harvesting mandatory for new infrastructure projects in the city, on the other hand about 35 per cent of wells in the city are abandoned and not in use. CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur has prepared a report of the status of wells in the city. There are 666 wells in the city registered with NMC. CSIR-NEERI visited all the wells and mapped their co-ordinates and conducted ..

Rly’s aim of paperless working hit as HRMS server develops snag

The ambitious Human Resource Management System (HRMS) rolled out in India Railways and touted as migration to paperless office, has hit a technical roadblock forcing it to switch over again to reliable paper work. Barely a month-and-a-half after its pan-India rollout, Railway Board had to step-in and advise field units to slow down on data uploading. Realising the need for preventing overloading of the main server, the Board has now given a programme wherein each of the unit is allotted a fixed time ..

No extension to FASTag deadline: Gadkari

The deadline for adoption of FASTag will not be extended any more and it will be applicable from the midnight of February 15-16. Hence, vehicle owners should immediately adopt FASTag, said Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, on Sunday. In a brief interaction with mediapersons at the airport here, Gadkari said that the vehicle owners should immediately adopt FASTag, the e-payment facility at toll plazas...

‘We are eager to enter college campus, meet teachers, friends’

“I am very much excited and looking forward to coming back to my college premises. I shall be meeting my friends, have one-on-one interaction with my teachers personally. In fact yesterday during my one of the on-line classes, I saw my teacher in classroom and out of zeal, I sent her message that I wanted to meet her in offline classroom when college re-opens,” expressed Aishwarya Verma, a student of MA (English Literature) in Hislop College. As promised by Uday Samant, Higher and Technical Education ..

8.67 lakh Vid consumers default on payment of power bills of Rs 795 cr

EVEN as the political debate rages over inflated power bills for lockdown period and notices issued for severing power supply connection of defaulters, the information compiled by Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) shows that as many as 8,67,827 power consumers from 11 districts of Vidarbha have defaulted on payment of electricity bills of Rs 795 crore from April 1, 2020. As per the MSEDCL data for the entire State, total 42,26,560 consumers in..

COVID-19: NMC to conduct test of vendors, hawkers

Against the backdrop of rising number of cases of COVID-19 in the city, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to conduct the test of vendors, hawkers, delivery boys and such sections that come in contact with multiple number of people daily. Their RTPCR test will be conducted at their work place through mobile testing centre. The persons to be tested include vegetable vendors, delivery boys, courier service employees, milkmen, hawkers; employees in grocery/kirana stores, hair salons, laundries, ..

Do we know what love really means?

February 14 is celebrated the world over as St Valentine’s Day, underlining the bond of love between two individuals. But even as the celebrations get more and more commercialised with every passing year, one wonders if the day is another example of love’s labour lost. Shilpa Agrawal, a noted Psychologist and educationist from Gondia, is executive producer of documentary titled ‘The 14th of February and Beyond’. Utpal Kalal is director and producer of the film. Shilpa’s documentary was released recently ..

Delhi girl killed in road mishap on Wardha Road

A young girl was killed and her friend sustained grievous injuries when a truck hit their two-wheeler on Wardha road in the wee hours of Saturday, Beltarodi police officials said. Both were riding without helmet. Deceased Ritika Manohar Vedwal (27), a native of Shardapuri, New Delhi, was living in rented accommodation at Vrindavan city, Jamtha. She was pursuing LLB from a college in Nagpur. Her friend Ashish alias Goldi Sanjay Umre (30), a resident of Plot No. 162, near Kamal talkies, Ashok Nagar, ..

Bajrang Dal threatens to spoil Valentine’s Day

Bajrang Dal in the city has threatened that they will take action in their way against couples who will be found celebrating Valentine’s Day in public on Sunday. The group of people even took a rally in Nagpur on Sunday to protest against the celebration of Valentine’s Day which they claim to be against Indian culture...

Money-lender Dekate brothers booked for demanding ransom of Rs 50 lakh from property dealer

One more offence of extortion and cheating was registered against money-lender Dekate brothers. The Dekate brothers recovered Rs 14.91 lakh by lending Rs 10 lakh to a property dealer. Even after this, they were eyeing the car and property of the victim. They abducted the victim and forced him to sign the blank stamp papers and vehicle transfer forms. Now, they were threatening the victim for Rs 50 lakh, police officials said. According to Rana Pratap Nagar Police, on the basis of complaint lodged ..

Cyber police returns stolen 111 mobile phones to owners

A total of 111 stolen or missing mobile phones of citizens have been traced and returned to the owners by Cyber Police on Saturday. A release informed that the phones were lost or stolen between 2018 and 2020. During the investigation of these cases, the police have located the mobile phones on the basis of IMEI numbers and recovered it from the users. A programme was organised by the police station at Police Gymkhana where phones were returned to original owners. Addressing the prgormme, Addl ..

Naxal movement has become weak in last few years: DIG

“Naxals have lost their influence in the last few years and their movement has become weak. They don’t have any ideology. They are mainly targeting poor people from the area where government and administration have weak communication with people and where there is no road, digital and physical connectivity,” opined Sandeep Patil, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gadchiroli Range . Patil was interacting with mediapersons at SP Office in Gondia on Saturday. Superintendent of Police Vishwa Paansare, ..

NMC seeks action plan from traders in 10 days

Getting into action mode, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) officials are back to basics to deal with rising cases of COVID-19 with Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan B engaging city traders and seeking action plan from them to tackle the emerging threat. An urgent meeting was held at civic headquarters on Friday with trade representatives as crowding in city markets, mostly congested areas, emerged as one of the major concern. Seeking action plan from business community within next 10-days, Radhakrishn..