Nagpur

Now you admit your sins. Now -- after causing so much havoc !!!

They, the civic authorities of Nagpur, are now scampering around like headless chickens to find a solution to a problem of their own creation -- of unscientifically designed and arrogantly built roads that are among the major reasons causing so much of flooding and water-logging in the city -- over popular protests and complaints. Now that the popular sentiment has risen to a dangerous level, the civic authorities now appear to have come around to agreeing that a genuine solution needs to be found. ..

When the innovative use of Malayali language helped neutralise intruders...

The Kargil War presented significant communication challenges, aggravated by the rugged terrain and harsh weather of the region. Maintaining secure and reliable communication lines was crucial for co-ordinating operations in the challenging terrain. But, most important point was to prevent the Indian message from getting intercepted or leaked. On one occasion, a Nagpurian officer implemented an innovative idea to pass a message to own posts by taking advantage of linguistic diversity of India. ..

Nagpur Customs disposes of 1,340.7 kg Of narcotic substances worth Rs 19.7 cr

Continuing its commitment towards fighting the drug menace, the Nagpur Customs recently disposed of 1,340.7 kg of narcotic substances valued at Rs 19.7 crore through incineration, at Butibori, Nagpur. The narcotics substances destroyed consisted of 1.7 kg of cocaine seized by the Air Intelligence Unit, Customs Nagpur and 1,339 kg of ganja seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Nagpur Regional Unit, Nagpur, in two different cases...

Sessions Court dismisses revision pleas for Ritu Maloo’s bail cancellation

TEHSIL Police on Thursday received yet another jolt with Additional Sessions Judge S U Hake dismissing two separate revision petitions filed by them to take prime accused Ritu alias Ritika Dinesh Maloo in Ram Jhula hit-n-run case into custody by cancelling her bail and challenging the two orders of the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court. Earlier, JMFC Archana Khedkar-Garad had twice rejected the pleas of the prosecution for allowing Tehsil Police to re-arrest Ritu Maloo in the case. Cops ..

NMC wakes up as High Court takes a ‘dig’

Admitting to issues with drainage system in the city, Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari said Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has roped in VNIT to study and fix the problem. Every city area where water-logging and flooding occurred in the aftermath of heavy rains on July 20 will be surveyed to study the causes followed by rectification measures. While admitting to some problems on the civic body’s front, the Municipal Commissioner said, other agencies also are involved in road designing ..

Posing as India Post agent, man, wife dupe investors of over Rs 2.25 crore

MASQUERADING as an India Post agent, a middle-aged man in connivance with his wife, allegedly duped investors of over Rs 2.25 crore by promising huge returns on recurring and fixed deposits. Hingna Police booked accused Pradeep Kisan Khangar (55) and his wife Vandana Khangar (48), both residents of Raipur-Hingna, on charges of cheating by personation, criminal breach of trust and forgery. Pradeep Khangar’s wife had taken an agency from India Post. However, Pradeep Khangar posed himself as an agent ..

Colleges misleading students on ‘photocopies of answersheet’ issue

If a student has a doubt regarding valuation, the university has provided the facility of procuring photocopy of the answersheet. After the receipt of the answersheet, students can get it verified in a systematic manner and can challenge the valuation. This system is being applied since long. Surprisingly, colleges tell students that Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has stopped providing the facility. On the other hand RTMNU says, the facility has not stopped. Recently, ‘The ..

‘Haan Sahab, hum jeet ke aayenge...’

When the war clouds loom large, what comes along is the sense of uncertainty. It is not an easy task to wade through uncertainty and help the fighting men see a clearer picture and arouse confidence of victory in them. Brigadier Sunil Gaopande, now retired, not only led the movement of one of the first contingents of troops to Jammu when mobilisation was ordered as Kargil War broke out, but also motivated them spiritedly. As he recalls 25 years later, after his speech, the troops told him in unison, ..

Rs 500 cr for Naag River Project

Finally it seems decks are cleared for the Naag River Pollution Abatement Project as Rs 500 crore were earmarked in the Union Budget that was tabled in the Parliament on Tuesday. Another important announcement from the view of city was that of Nagpur Metro whose second phase construction has started here but only Rs 683 crore were set aside whereas substantial projects were awarded by the Board. Another major initiative in the budget was about a special package for Irrigation Projects that is primarilymean..

NIT for recovery of ground rent from Sitabuldi market developer since 2022

In a decision that is going to rankle the developer of major project at Sitabuldi market, Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has decided to realise ground rent from the date of allotment of land for redevelopment whose period was extended in view of delay in completion. The Board, at its 1,217th meeting held on Tuesday at NIT Headquarters, Sadar, debated the matter at length and adopted a resolution to seek total dues from 2022 from the developer. NIT handed over 10,602.09 sq mtrs land in prime Sitabuldi ..

Mobile Phones To blame or not to blame?

Recent tragic accidents such as a young girl falling off her terrace to death while talking on cellphone in Nagpur; a social media influencer falling down a gorge near Raigad, and another girl driving off a cliff while filming a video near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar; highlight a concerning trend. These accidents share a common factor: the mobile phones! In the debate triggered by these incidents, many are blaming the misuse of technology. Against this backdrop, ‘The Hitavada’ spoke to a few experts ..

25 Yearsof Kargil Victory A Recall Courage Under Fire: A Mi-17 pilot’s account of Kargil war

FLYING is an exciting career. Some do it for pleasure. Some pursue it as passion. But, for some, it is a call of duty. Paramount among them all is the one who gets the opportunity to fly for motherland, says Wg Cdr Arvind Pande (retd), a hale and hearty quinquagenarian, while sharing with ‘The Hitavada’ wonderful anecdotes about his participation in various skirmishes with neighboring countries, particularly in Kargil War of 1999. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1988 as a pilot officer ..

Decision on arrest of Ritu Maloo expected on july 25

The courtroom drama in the Ram Jhula hit-and-run accident case reached a crucial juncture as arguments concluded on Tuesday, leaving Sessions Judge S U Hake to reserve judgment. The court is slated to announce its decision on July 25, amidst a contentious debate over the arrest of the accused, Ritika alias Ritu Maloo. During the proceedings, the prosecution advocated for Ritu’s immediate arrest and cited the severity of the incident where Ritu Maloo allegedly caused the deaths of two youths on the ..

High Court quashes 8 FIRs against retd govt officials in Irrigation Scam

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court issued a landmark ruling quashing eight First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the Irrigation Scam registered against several retired officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD). The decision came in response to a series of petitions filed before the court seeking to annul the FIRs lodged against them under sections 13(1)(c), 13(1)(d), and 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Nagpur at Sadar Police ..

Views differ, suggestions vary, but city needs severe course correction!

Views differ, suggestions are varied but one thing that everyone agrees to is that Nagpur now needs major course correction to avoid flooding of homes and properties in future. Given the fact that climate change is going to impact everyone's lives, authorities need to take citizens into confidence before executing major projects. One of the topmost factor that is now needed is study of drainage system, conduct area wise mapping of water flow to help understand the gravity of the problem and thereafter ..

RTMNU library buys e-resources worth over Rs 50 lakh every year

The Knowledge Resource Centre (erstwhile university library) of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) has started buying subscription of e-resources worth over Rs 50 lakh from last year. The number of affiliated colleges becoming members of these e-resources subscription has gone up to 32. The Centre is now upgrading itself. It is making itself ready as per the need of the hour to fulfill the demands of new generation students. With the reading habit becoming a passe, the centre is ..

‘OFAJ worked 24x7 to supply155 mm shells for Bofors gun’

The Bofors guns, which were used for the first time as direct fire role weapon in the Kargil war in 1999, inflicted huge casualties on the Pakistan forces and were instrumental in helping Indian soldiers regain territory and eventually, win the war. But, without the 155 mm ammunition, the Bofors was useless. And to gain an advantage and conquer this difficult battle on challenging terrain, the Indian Army felt the need of these guns with 155 mm shells which was sole handedly provided by Ordnance Factory ..

‘OFAJ worked 24x7 to supply155 mm shells for Bofors gun’

The Bofors guns, which were used for the first time as direct fire role weapon in the Kargil war in 1999, inflicted huge casualties on the Pakistan forces and were instrumental in helping Indian soldiers regain territory and eventually, win the war. But, without the 155 mm ammunition, the Bofors was useless. And to gain an advantage and conquer this difficult battle on challenging terrain, the Indian Army felt the need of these guns with 155 mm shells which was sole handedly provided by Ordnance Factory ..

HC directs State to decide on CID probe deadline

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has issued an ultimatum to the State Government, setting a deadline of August 5 for a decision on whether Criminal Investigation Department (CID) will take over the Ram Jhula hit-and-run accident case. This directive comes in response to a petition filed by Shahrukh Zia Mohammad, seeking a transparent investigation. It should be noted that accused Ritika alias Ritu Maloo allegedly drove her Mercedes car recklessly under the influence of alcohol, resulting ..

NMC seeks Remote Sensing Centre’shelp for Naag river measurements

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court was informed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) that it has requested the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MRSAC) for measurement of the Naag River. This step follows the HC’s directive to submit data on the river’s width before 2000, a record the NMC does not possess. In an affidavit submitted to the court on July 18, the Corporation detailed its efforts and stated that the application to the Centre had been sent as per the court’s order. ..

Development? Disaster. Who is to be blamed for sufferings of citizens?

Speed of development in the city is now putting life of citizens in the peril as was exposed by the deluge that hit the city on Saturday. Especially, the newly-laid network of cement roads being constructed in name of upgradation of infrastructure is now the biggest bane. And the argument was ‘cemented’ when the authorities themselves were forced to dig the newly-paved concrete road on Manewada-Besa stretch. The heavy rains exposed the shoddy planning and blind execution in total disregard to the ..

Rain fury: 3 washed away two bodies found, one boy missing

Three persons were washed away due to the heavy rains that lashed the city on Saturday in Nagpur. Of those, two bodies been found. But an 11-year old boy from Bharatwada who washed away in the nullah near his home is still missing. As per the preliminary report submitted by Talathi of Bharatwada, Punapur and Somalwada, three persons washed away in rain. Bhojraj Dulichand Patle, 52-year old man and a resident of Shyamnagar, Punapur, was standing near a nullah. He slipped and fell into the flow of water. ..

Region overcomes shortfall post heavy rains

The heavy to very heavy rainfall in last 48 hours has helped overcome rainfall deficit in Vidarbha. East Vidarbha region, which was facing the rainfall deficit since the beginning of monsoon, has finally come out of deficit. East Vidarbha witnessed the delayed onset of monsoon this year whereas all other parts of Vidarbha had early onset as compared to normal date. In June, the districts of Nagpur, Bhandara and Gondia were in deficit which continued till July 15. Due to lack of presence of cyclonic ..

25 Yearsof Kargil Victory A Recall ‘The engineers’ task continued after ceasefire too’

On July 26, 1999, ceasefire was declared and the enemy started vacating the posts/heights that they had occupied in Drass, Batalik etc. However, for engineers in the Indian Army, end of the Kargil War marked the beginning of another important task -- of creating infrastructure at the challenging heights to ensure that Indian troops stayed put all through the year defending the positions from the enemy. These operations continued for more than a year thereafter for the engineers, says Col Rajesh ..

Fad Diets: A recipe for disaster

The internet has become a storm of whirlwind trends, and diets have taken centre stage. With so much information readily available at their fingertips, people are tempted to become their own nutritionists. People often come across friends or family members who have started a particular diet and noticed drastic results and are tempted to try these diets for a quick fix to any health problems they may have. This disregards the importance of understanding the individual needs of one’s body and acts like ..

Police Officer, family booked for Rs 28.52 lakh share trading fraud

A police officer and his family have been accused of defrauding multiple investors of Rs 28.52 lakh by promising huge profits in share trading. Mankapur Police have registered a case against the accused persons following complaints from aggrieved investors. The accused include Sudhir Baghel (57), a Police Sub-Inspector posted at Koradi Police Station; his wife Meenakshi Baghel (52), and their son Om Baghel (23); who is pursuing engineering. All three reside in Hardik Apartment on Godhni Road. According ..

Rain. Pain. NAGPUR.

Nagpur witnessed wrath of nature since Saturday morning as the city received intense rainfall leaving many wondering if it was a cloudburst. Torrential rains for over 6 hours led to flooding in many low-lying areas, especially those along Pohra, Nag and Pili rivers were the most affected. The civic administration swung into action as the situation was getting from bad to worse every passing hour. The civic teams saved more than 125 affected people from different areas by late afternoon. On Saturday, ..

25 Yearsof Kargil Victory A Recall ‘We paved way for advance of our forces, and fought too...’

IT indeed was a tough start for the newly married couple. A young Lieutenant Rajesh Kulkarni and his wife Aarti from Nagpur had reached the Old Airfield Cantonment in Srinagar in April 1999. On May 20, the man in uniform with 108 Engineer Regiment, was asked to move to affiliated brigade location in 24 hours. What was supposed to be an engineer task of ‘some track construction’ gradually unfolded into an almost year-long assignment covering the days of the Kargil War and the aftermath. “It was indeed ..

Guru, a beacon

This wisdom shared by Guru Nanak Devji truly encapsulates the essence of a purposeful life. Guiding lights, as they are, a Guru, a teacher or a mentor, shows the path to salvation to his/her disciples. But can only a single Guru help one to cross over to the other shore? What about the other Gurus who keep piloting one through their highs and lows of life? Sometimes, a simple advice from an individual can influence one’s decisions and choices, thus helping one sail through. Do we ever think of thanking ..

‘Guru-Shishya parampara goes beyond just teaching an art form’

On Guru Pournima, the very essence of Guru-Shishya parampara comes alive, shimmering like a golden thread of connection that has been immersed and seasoned with art, knowledge, respect, trust, wisdom, and discipline. The revered Kathak Guru of city Madan Pande, an artist of Jaipuri gharana and a disciple of Pt Kundan Lal Gangani of Jaipur, says that though the Guru-Shishya parampara has evolved with changing times yet the core value has remained intact. Pande, who himself has been a devoted shishya ..

25 Yearsof Kargil Victory ‘I advised soldiers to keep breathing till I reached them’

SOME careers are rewarding, and some are exciting. For Col (Dr) Rajesh Adhau, the career in the Indian Army has been both -- exciting and rewarding. The soldier-healer officer saw all the action that happened during the Kargil War of 1999 from very close quarters in the areas where he was saving lives of soldiers. And, how did he save lives? “Before they started for operation, I used to tell the assault teams to stay alive till I reached them. Once I reached them, I’ll save them,” recalls Col (Dr) ..

Girl attacks youth with knife after spending night together

A girl attacked a youth with a knife at Hotel Silver Nest located on Ghat Road under the jurisdiction of Ganeshpeth Police Station area on Friday. The youth ran away from the hotel without clothes to save his life, police said. The police have registered a case of attempted murder against the girl and a case of rape against the youth. According to the police, the injured Aniket Ashok Dedge (27) is a resident of Rambagh Colony. He works in his brother’s hotel. A friend had given him the mobile number ..

DCP Sagar educates citizens on new criminal laws

In lieu of the new criminal laws introduced by the Central Government recently, an awareness programme was held in the auditorium of Ishwar Deshmukh College of Physical Education. It was jointly organised by Nagpur Police Zone IV along with Ishwar Deshmukh College of Physical Education, Betiya Shakti Foundation, and Click to Cloud Women’s Sporting Club. The event was attended by a large crowd including students preparing for general civil and competitive exams, and other citizens as well. Vijaykant ..

A collective indifference

This is with references to ‘Red-flagging Traffic Jams’ series published in the CityLine editions. The relentless efforts by The Hitavada to highlight certain critical aspects concerning the society thereby also drawing the attention of authorities concerned seeking for immediate actions, is appreciable. It is observed in recent times that owing to a variety of reasons there has been a sudden spurt in traffic movements across the city and the management of traffic appears to have become a big challenge ..

25 Yearsof Kargil Victory A Recall ‘We have come a long way, positively’

The Kargil War of 1999 is said to be a chapter of military success from surprise to victory. However, it was not by chance that the element was surprise was gotten over with, and path was paved for victory. Quickly recovering from the surprise, the Indian Army acted swiftly, conducted a proper study of the area, came up with a proper plan, and then fought to ensure victory. And, this success has a Nagpur connection too. Col Abhay Patwardhan, a Nagpurian, was among the members of the team that conducted ..

Dy CM Fadnavis threatens agitation against EC

TAKING a strong objection to the rationalisation of polling booths under the ongoing special summary revision of voters’ list, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has warned of a vehement agitation against the Election Commission. The district administration has taken up a special summary revision of voters’ list in Nagpur district as directed by the Election Commission of India. Attempts are being made to set up polling stations in residential complexes/high-rises/apartments having more than ..

Mah Govt taps PPP route

Maharashtra Government is tapping Public Private Partnership (PPP) route for establishment of new Radiology Centres at public hospitals in the State with an aim to strengthen healthcare facility for people. Alongside setting new units, private players will also be tasked with upgradation of existing Radiology units at Government Medical College and Hospitals (GMCHs) to better existing medical services...

Red Alert for East Vid today; Orange Alert for Nagpur

India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a ‘Red Alert’ for East Vidarbha on July 19 as a few isolated places will witness heavy to very heavy and extremely heavy rainfall between July 19 and 20. According to Weather Department, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at a few isolated places, extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places, and thunderstorm accompanied with lightning are likely to occur over Bhandara, Gondia, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur districts of Vidarbha on July 19. ..

Jaitkham, Amar Gufa desecration

The judicial investigation into the cutting of the Jaitkham and subsequent violence and arson at Amar Gufa in village Mahkoni of Balodabazar district is gaining momentum. Judge C B Bajpai, chairman of the judicial commission formed to investigate the case, is set to arrive in Balodabazar on July 18 at 9 am. ..

‘Many Kargils happened, many will happen. We are best prepared.’

“Many Kargils happened. Many will happen. Indians, particularly the young ones, need to understand that we cannot trust Pakistan. As far as preparedness of the Indian Army is concerned, we are best prepared to deal with situations,” asserts Lt Gen Vinod G Khandare, PVSM, AVSM, SM. In June 1999, he was a Colonel. Then, Col V G Khandare was Commanding Officer (CO) of 14 Garhwal Rifles. Today, he is still serving the nation in the capacity of Principal Adviser to the Ministry of Defence. He has taken ..

DRENCHED City receives 58.8 mm rains in 36 hrs

Nagpur received the first widespread monsoon rain of the season on Wednesday. Most parts of the city witnessed moderate rains with thunderstorm and lightning. Experiencing high humidity, Nagpurians were eagerly waiting for good rains for last couple of days. Low pressure area over south Odisha and neighbourhood with the associated cyclonic circulation extending upto 5.8 km above mean sea level tilting southwestwards with height, has moved over south Chhattisgarh adjoining Vidarbha. Similarly, monsoon ..

Girl busy on cellphone falls off terrace, dies

A young girl student lost her life after falling off the terrace while talking on the cellphone at her rented house under the jurisdiction of Pratap Nagar Police Station on Wednesday. The deceased, identified as Mansi Ravindra Abedwar (18), was residing at the house of Sukhdev Devhare, near Gopal Nagar bus stop, on rent. According to police, Mansi, who had recently passed her Class 12 exams and preparing for an entrance exam, was on the roof of the house and conversing with a friend over phone around ..

Govt orders private medical colleges to pay Rs 18,000 monthly stipend to interns

Maharashtra Government’s Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has instructed all private medical colleges in the State to pay interns a monthly stipend of Rs 18,000 as per government regulations. This follows a hearing at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court in response to a writ petition filed by 13 medical students regarding discrepancies in stipends to medical interns. Also, the DMER has demanded a report on stipends from every college. The petitioners, represented by counsel ..

Cattle of Kathiawadis start illegal grazing in city forests, again

With the start of monsoon, the illegal grazing by herds of cattle from outside the state, especially those of Kathiawadi tribe from Gujarat, has started in the territorial forest areas of Nagpur division. Despite a ban, these herds are entering the territorial forest of Deolapar range, Ramtek and Bazargaon area for illegal grazing. Villagers situated near the forest fringes are protesting against these Kathiawadi tribe as their cattle graze all over the grasslands. Grasslands in Vidarbha are overgrazed ..

‘Self-discipline isneed of the hour’

‘The Hitavada-City Line’ has been carrying a series ‘Red-flagging Traffic Jams’ on the current situation of city streets to highlight certain callous and aimless approach, thereby underscoring the emergent needs to ensure strict disciplines and punctuality by all concerned, which is appreciable. It is observed in recent times that there has been a spurt in traffic movement across the city...

‘City’s overall chaos akin to Kraken from Norse mythology’

This is apropos the series of front page reports captioned ‘Red-flagging Traffic Jams’ which have appeared in Cityline, with one being ‘Sitabuldi City’s Heart Officially Choked’. Nagpur is a rapidly growing Tier 2 city with a population of 3 million i.e. roughly one-tenth of that of the whole of Australia / Saudi Arabia. Though administration of such an enormous population is a huge challenge, the leadership and bureaucracy at all levels (syndicate) has been failing to govern persistently, despite ..

From BADto WORSE The perpetual woes of Itwari area

When we talk about traffic jam, haphazardly parked vehicles and unnecessary honking, the first image comes to mind is Itwari market area. Itwari, which is infamous for its traffic jam and crowded streets since decades, still looks the same, with the traffic issues deteriorating even further. Marwadi Chowk area near Dahi Bazar is the worst affected location where traffic jams are a common spectacle. When the Itwari Flyover was being constructed, everyone including the administration thought that it ..

Narrow escape Electric supply line falls on school van; kindergarten students unharmed

A major accident was narrowly averted in Gangabai ghat area, when an overhead electric supply line and poles crashed onto a school van carrying a dozen kindergarten students. Fortunately, all students escaped unharmed. According to police, the incident occurred around 10 am as the school van was transporting children through Gangabai ghat locality. Due to reasons yet to be officially confirmed, parts of the electric supply line collapsed onto the road, with a section landing directly on the school ..

Industrialist, theatre personality Ajit Diwadkar passes away

Ajit Diwadkar, a multi-faceted personality, known in food industry through Ajit Bakery; theatre personality and social worker, passed away on Tuesday. He was 80. He leaves behind wife Neelima, son Vikram, daughter Avanti, son-in-law Abhiram Deshmukh, daughter-in-law Meera and a host of relatives to mourn the loss. The funeral procession will begin from his residence 50, Navjeevan Colony, near Madhav Netralaya, Wardha Road at 9.30 am. Last rites will be performed at Ambazari ghat. Ajit Diwadkar steered ..

Police Command and Control Facility dedication today

Traffic control in city is going from bad to worse despite Nagpur Police being equipped with independent Command and Control Centre. The facility is set to be formally dedicated by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday. The programme is at 6 pm and on the occasion, Fadnavis will also return the seized material to the owners. The Centre was jointly set-up by Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited ..