Nagpur

Chaos at Ngp airport as airlines cancel, delay flight services

A storm of operational glitches and shortage of staff turned the city’s Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport into a hotspot of frustration for air travellers on Thursday. After four outbound services were abruptly called off on Wednesday, the situation further deteriorated on Thursday when an additional six departures were scrapped, leaving hundreds of passengers scrambling for alternatives...

A researcher should always be curious: Dr Sanjiv Moharil

“Just as one man can never climb the moon, similarly one man alone can not complete the research” Dr Sanjiv Moharil shared his thoughts in an exclusive conversation with ‘The Hitavada’. He said research is a collective efforts, ideas generate when people come together discuss on a certain topic. The extensive commitment to research and passion for teaching demonstrated by Dr Sanjiv V Moharil, a respected figure from the Nagpur University (NU) Physics Department, is a major source of inspiration for ..

State Legislature to sit for 7-dayWinter Session from December 8

Decks are set for a seven-day Winter Session in the Second capital of the State, as the Business Advisory Committees of State Legislature finalised the agenda at its meeting on Wednesday. At least two weeks of session is normally held, but since there is possibility of announcement of schedule for Zilla Parishad and Municipal Corporation elections, the all-party meet decided on the shorter tenure. As per the current plan finalised by BAC, the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council will hold ..

61.25% voter turnout in MC, NP elections

As per the final figures released by the District Administration on Wednesday, Nagpur district registered 61.25% polling in the Municipal Council (MC) and Nagar Panchayat (NP) elections. On Tuesday voting took place in all 15 Municipal Councils and 12 Nagar Panchayats in the district. Of 7,29,822 voters in the district, 4,47,011 voters exercised their franchise. Among the total voters, 2,28,186 were male, 2,18,823 were female and 2 come under other category...

New V-C vows to make RTMNU student-centric

“Any education institute is created for students, so it should be student-centric. In my tenure, I will give full priority to the issues related to students. I will not tolerate students in distress. Justice will be delivered to them immediately,” vowed new Vice Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) Dr Manali Kshirsagar. She was interacting with mediapersons on Tuesday after taking charge. Dr Kshirsagar created history as she became the first woman Vice Chancellor of ..

Siblings killed as speeding tanker hits motorcycle at RBI Square

Two teenage siblings were killed and a man was seriously injured when a speeding tanker hit their motorcycle at RBI Square under Sadar Police Station limits. The deceased have been identified as Rudra Sunil Singaldhupe (11) and his sister Simran (12). The injured bike rider, Sheshnathsingh Jageshwarsingh (56), is a resident of Plot No 111, KGN Society, Katol Road, Gittikhadan...

State to equip public hospitals with 1.10 lakh anti-snake venom test kits

Against the backdrop of rise in snake-bite cases, Maharashtra Government has decided to procure over 1.10 lakh snake venom rapid test kits. These kits will be distributed to health machinery across the 34 districts. Public Health Department (PHD), after going through the data analysis of deaths due to snake-bite, noticed that doctors before administering the anti-venom have to determine whether the snake involved in the incident was venomous or non-venomous. Most of the time, the snake-bite cases ..

Unsung heroes transforming Nagpur through social enterprises

In the heart of Vidarbha, while many are chasing profit margins, there exists a quieter, more profound revolution. It is led by social entrepreneurs who have discovered that the best business model is one that solves a local problem while generating livelihoods for those who need it the most. Meet Rajesh Wagh, who has dedicated last 25 years to road safety awareness and assisting accident victims at Nagpur’s most critical junctures. What began as a personal mission has evolved into a structured operation ..

Perilous TV Tower road: Potholes jeopardise commuters

Amidst attempts to attract new investment in the second capital of the State, the city administration, however, seems to be least bothered about proper upkeep of the road network. Barring some stretches in well-developed South and West Nagpur, many other areas have to still bear with poor quality of riding surfaces. Take the vital stretch of road near the TV Tower, particularly, the section in front of the offices of the Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) and the Geological Survey of India ..

Elderly try to stay afloat in urban ‘jungle’

Even as the urban landscape in second capital of the State is changing rapidly, the population of senior citizens too is rising, driven by advances in medical science that has increased the life expectancy. But a question to ponder, does the city infrastructure measure up to the demand of elderly population? As their demands outpace age-friendly planning, senior citizens are themselves developing their own physical, mental, and social strategies to cope with the pressures of ageing in urban ‘jungle’. ..

High Court sets aside life sentence of ex-BrahMos scientist Nishant Agarwal

The Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court has set aside the life sentence given to former BrahMos Aerospace senior scientist Nishant Agarwal and cleared him of major espionage charges and opening the way for his release. Agarwal was accused of leaking sensitive missile-related information to Pakistani intelligence agencies. In 2024, a court at Nagpur had sentenced him to life imprisonment for spying...

Now, concrete grip chokes trees on Central Bazar Rd

Despite ongoing campaign to de-choke trees in city by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), many trees in city are waiting for such rescue attempt by the civic body. Trees on Central Bazar Road are waiting for their fate as most of the trees are choked due to haphazard development work by the city fathers. When ‘The Hitavada’ visited Central Bazaar Road in Ramdaspeth, several trees along the footpath were found tightly encased in cement, leaving little to no room for air or water to reach their ..

Upsurge in human-animal conflict

Human-animal conflict is an unfriendly situation between animals and humans, leading to negative consequences such as loss of livelihood, property and even life. The aftereffects are loss of crops, livestock predation, injury or death of humans as well as wildlife. These human-animal conflict has gargantuan consequences not only on humans and animals but also on the entire ecosystem and socio - economic systems of the affected areas. We are not averse to headlines like, ‘Wayanad elephant kills man ..

Vid registers about 60% voting in MC, Nagar Panchayat polls

Though the final figure of voting for the polls of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats has not come officially, according to sources, it is likely to reach 60%, considering the official number from the Government till 3.30 pm. Voters peacefully exercised their right to vote for a total of 27 Municipal Council and Nagar Panchayat elections, including 15 Municipal Councils and 12 Nagar Panchayats in Nagpur district. The Election Department took all precautions to ensure that the voters were provided ..

Two captive Long Billed Vultures of PTR survive, settle in Madhya Pradesh

Two individual Long Billed Vultures, which were kept in aviary in Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Maharashtra and released into the wild, have completed 15 months in the wild successfully and have now settled in the forests of Madhya Pradesh. Both vultures brought a big hope for vulture conservation in India when the species is struggling for existence in its natural habitat. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), working on conservation breeding of vultures in India for the last 25 years, recorded this ..

Hind-ki-Chadar Grand pandals, langar set to welcome 5 lakh devotees at Nara on December 7

Preparations for the major State-level commemoration of ‘Hind-ki-Chadar Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th Martyrdom Anniversary’ have picked up pace at Suresh Chandra Suri Ground, Nara, where a large-scale arrangement is being assembled by the Government of Maharashtra for the programme on December 7. The event is being positioned as one of the most extensive public observances dedicated to the ninth Sikh Guru, whose resistance to forced conversions and defence of religious freedom remain central to Indian ..

Restoration of Samadhi Sthal of Gond king Bakht Buland Shah: Remembering legacy of Founder of Nagpur City

IAS (Retd) If one were to ask members of Generation G in Nagpur, “Who founded the city?”, most would likely respond: Bakht Buland Shah. The reason is evident—the grand and imposing statue of the Gond king, seated on his throne, stands prominently at Vidhan Bhavan Chowk in Civil Lines. Historical Overview of Bakht Buland Shah According to eminent historian Dr. Shubha Johri, former Head of History at RTMNU and HCC expert member, “Bakht Buland Shah was a direct descendant of Raja Jatba, the founder of ..

Chain fencing on footpath sparks parking chaos in Dharampeth; Citizens demand repairs to public toilet

By Kabir Mahajan : A step taken by authorities years ago has now turned into a nightmare for the residents of Dharampeth and daily commuters   A chain fencing along a major footpath on the west side of the NMC Zone 2 office, Dharampet..

Street vendors battling rising costs

In the streets of Sitabuldi or the crowded corners of Itwari, the crispy samosas and the spicy kick of tarri-poha remain unchanged. However, behind the steaming kadhais and the inviting displays of the city’s favorite street foods, an economic crisis is brewing. A pronounced escalation in the prices of coriander, potatoes, green peas, green chillies, and other ingredients used by these roadside eataries, has placed an acute financial strain on them, many of which already function on precariously thin ..

Distt admn all set for local body polls today

District voters return to the polls on Tuesday as long-delayed elections for 15 Municipal Councils and 12 Nagar Panchayats finally move from uncertainty to execution. The administrative machinery, often criticised for procedural drift in recent months, enters the field under a tightened framework laid down by the State Election Commission (SEC). Polling is being conducted at 853 stations with 7,29,810 voters, including 3,64,148 women; 3,65,635 men; and 27 other voters registered to cast their votes. ..

RTM Nagpur University gets 1st woman Vice-Chancellor in Dr Manali Kshirsagar

Dr Manali Kshirsagar, Director (Technical) and Advisor to Meghe Group of Institutions and daughter of late Manikrao Baitule, late academician and litterateur, became the first woman Vice Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), the 100-year institution. It is sheer co-incidence, but Dr Madhavi Khode-Chaware, the Additional Divisional Commissioner, who had been ably handling the charge, too became the first woman Acting Vice Chancellor of RTMNU...

Restoration of Samadhi Sthal of Gond King Bakht Buland Shah: Remembering legacy of Founder of Nagpur City

  By Prof Anoop Kumar : IAS (Retd) If one were to ask members of Generation G in Nagpur, “Who founded the city?”, most would likely respond: Bakht Buland Shah. The reason is evident—the grand and imposing statue of the Gon..

Padma Shri Prof Anand Kumar visits Prof Rajendra Singh Science Exploratory

Renowned educationist and founder of Super 30, Padma Shri Anand Kumar, recently paid a goodwill visit to the Prof Rajendra Singh Science Exploratory (PRSSE). His visit created atmosphere of excitement among both students and teachers. During the visit, he toured the laboratories, interacted with teachers, and observed the ongoing innovative experiments. Anand Kumar praised the experiential learning being imparted at the Exploratory. He emphasised the importance of hands-on experiments in fostering ..

‘Core qualities of forensic scientist are integrity, patience, scientific curiosity, objectivity’

“The field offers immense opportunities. Believe firmly in your subject and in yourself. Work hard, stay focuse, and do not stop until you achieve your goals. Your journey may be challenging, but it is always worth it.” said in an exclusive conversation with ‘The Hitavada’. Dr Neeti Kapoor, a Class-I Gazetted Officer and Assistant Professor (Senior Scale) at the Government Institute of Forensic Science in Nagpur, encapsulate the passion that has driven her remarkable 13-year career. Dr Kapoor's journey, ..

Engaging, ethereal ‘Sangeet Devbabhali’ enthrals

Come winter and Nagpur’s cultural scene lights up. And the staging of celebrated Marathi musical, ‘Sangeet Devbabhali’, added much more than just a sparkle to the cultural line up. A tale of two women and their individual struggles had the audience engaged in an emotionally stirring presentation that felt like one was wading through the seemingly simple yet deep expanse of a poetic creation. Currently, touring throughout Maharashtra, the play had a show in Nagpur on Sunday at the Kavivarya Suresh ..

Ramtek Municipal Council heads for three-way battle; political prestige of big leaders at stake

The Ramtek Municipal Council election, to be held on December 2, has turned into a clear three-way contest for the President’s post, even though five candidates are standing. Two independents are in the race, but the main fight is between the Congress, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and the Bharatiya Janata Party. The seat is reserved for the OBC category, with candidates Ramesh Karamore from Congress, Bikendra Mahajan from Shiv Sena (Shinde), Jyoti Kollapera from BJP, and independents Damodar Dhopte ..

NMC’s fire brigade to procure foam tender for combating oil blaze

To strengthen the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is going for induction of a foam-cum-water tender so as to be ready for any blaze, especially where oil spill is involved. Though not many fire incidents in the city require usage of foam, since one cannot predict when such situation might arise, the Fire Brigade unit wants to be ready for any eventuality. It’s better to be ready than face situation where one feels helpless. Moreover, more the equipment, more ..

‘Walking bulls’ can soon generate electricity; turbine system to be developed at RBU

A revolutionary project to develop electricity by rotating a turbine through the walking motion of bulls can soon become reality. Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, has instructed the development of the project on war footing during a meeting recently held at Mataji Goushala, Barsana, Uttar Pradesh (U P). The meeting, attended by Brajsharan Baba Maharaj, Chaudhary Laxminarayan, U P Cabinet Minister, was organised to address grave situation of bulls caused by their works ..

SEC postpones polls to some Municipal Councils of Vidarbha

With just 48 hours left for voting and campaigns in full swing, the State Election Commission (SEC) has postponed the polls due to court orders, technical errors and pending legal appeals. In Amravati, the elections in Anjangaon Surji Municipal Council (MC) and the member election for Ward 2(A) of Daryapur MC have been postponed. As per orders, candidates whose nomination papers were rejected in the scrutiny but had filed appeals in court and got decisions by November 22 should have been given three ..

MEDA to dispel darkness in Melghat hamlets through white lights

For the interiors of Melghat cut off from the mainstream, Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) has planned to leverage renewable energy to light home of tribals through solar energy. For the same, MEDA’s Amravati Division has ordered 4000 white lights to dispel darkness not only from the tribals’ home but also from their lives. The region of Dharni and Chikhaldara tehsils in the Amravati District have been identified for the Project White Light. As per the plan chalked out by MEDA, about 22 ..

9 months after closure announcement, border checkposts continue to function

Taking aggressive step to curb major corruption practices, Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra Government, in March, had directed Transport Department to close the Border Checkposts in State. But after the passage of 9 months of this announcement, these checkposts continue to function. The Study Group formed under the leadership of Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar had given a very comprehensive report on the basis of which Government took a decision to close the checkposts. A senior officer told ..

State honours Rangoli maestro Chandrakant Gharote with Kaladan Cultural Award

Senior rangoli artist and cultural organiser Chandrakant Gharote, Sanskar Bharti Pashchim Kshetra Pramukh, has been selected for the Kaladan Cultural Award for 2024–25 by the Government of Maharashtra. The Rs 3 lakh award honours him in the Kaladan category as a senior art practitioner, acknowledging his lifelong and selfless contribution to the field of bhu-alankaran (rangoli). A veteran artist from Nagpur, Gharote is also known as a tireless cultural organiser. A dedicated volunteer of the Rashtriya ..

Despite dissidence, challenges of rebels, parties intensify campaigning

The local body election campaign is in its last phase with leaders putting their might to ensure success of their party candidates. Polling to elect 100 councillors and four civic chiefs in all four Municipal Councils of Bhandara, Tumsar, Paoni and Sakoli is slated on December 2. In all 696 candidates, that includes 34 candidates for the 4 MC President’s post and 662 candidates for 100 councillor’s post are fighting it out. Parties have made their best to field worthy candidates but they are facing ..

Preparedness is key to success: Chandrakant Kulkarni

   By Kunal Badge : Chandrakant Kulkarni in discussion with Smita Kangai at Zero Mile Literature Festival on Saturday.The session, which drew a large and attentive audience, offered a rare insight into the persistence and discipline be..

Urban Naxals, next big threat to nation: Patil

   By Shashwat Bhuskute : “Urban Naxals is the next big threat to the nation, as they enter the society while occupying day-to-day jobs and spread propaganda discreetly,” asserted Maharashtra’s Special Inspector Gener..

Tree transplantation: NMC’s SOP soon

   By Kaushik Bhattacharya : Nagpur Municipal Corporation : (NMC) is taking a step forward to encourage project proponents to conduct transplantation of trees that hampering its projects. Municipal Commissioner and Administrator D..

‘Rashtra is to convey ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’

   Staff Reporter : “The concept of ‘Rashtra’ exist not for political power, but to embody and convey ideal of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ everywhere through our conduct,” said Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsangh..

Winter chill is back Min temp in city at 110 C

   Staff Reporter :  After an unusually warm week till Friday, the winter chill is back all over Vidarbha including Nagpur as the second capital recorded the third lowest minimum temperature of the season, so far, with 11 degrees..

Gudadhe gets ‘Supreme’ setback; relief for CM Devendra Fadnavis

The Supreme Court has dismissed the petition of Congress candidate and leader Prafulla Gudadhe which questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ win from the Nagpur South-West Assembly constituency. A bench of Justices J K Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi refused to accept Gudadhe’s plea, giving clear relief to Fadnavis. Earlier, Gudadhe had filed a similar petition in the Bombay High Court, which was also rejected. He had argued that the election should be cancelled because it was conducted using EVMs...

Neglect, red tapism 2 heritage trees ‘killed’ after transplantation

Utilising technology is not the ultimate solution for nature conservation. Using technology with knowledge and skill is needed to make up for the damage caused to the environment. Five months ago, two heritage Peepal trees, which were transplanted, have now dried up due to lack of scientific care and ignorance by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). This is a perfect example of using technology without knowledge and skill. In the name of ‘trial transplantation’, the Garden Department of NMC translocated ..

‘Mirza Express’ chugs into eternity Celebrated poet, humourist Dr Mirza Rafi Beg no more

FUN and laughter died down as the very humourous ‘Mirza Express’ chugged into eternity on Friday. The man who was instrumental not only in popularising Varhadi dialect but bringing to light, the little nuances of the country life, picking humour from most routine things - Dr Mirza Rafi Beg, celebrated poet, humorist - passed away at 6.30 am on Friday after battling prolonged illness. He was 68 years old. The last rites were performed on Dr Mirza Rafi Beg at Eidgah graveyard situated on Walgaon road ..

Minor rape victim gives birth; accused sent to jail

In a disturbing incident, a minor rape victim has given birth to a child after being sexually exploited by a man who promised to marry her. The accused, identified as Dhaniram Bhalavi (20), has been arrested by the Koradi Police and sent to jail. The accused, Bhalavi, is a resident of Seoni district in Madhya Pradesh. He had come to Nagpur in search of a livelihood. While working in the city, he met the victim, a minor girl who was working with him. Police said that there is a confusion regarding ..

Sky was never the limit

An unwavering commitment to the nation - is the statement that comes instantly to mind at the mere mention of his name. A veteran transport flyer of the Indian Air Force, he has to his credit over 7000 hours of flying and a legacy etched across Himalayan skies, because this is where he made history and will be remembered as the first pilot to land at the treacherous Daulat Beg Oldi, for which he received the Shaurya Chakra award - a first for a Vidarbhaite. Each mission that he undertook where nature’s ..

Mantra for Success Keep learning new things for success in life: Anand Kumar

“Keep learning new things to be successful in life,” was the message of Anand Kumar, Founder of Super30, while speaking on Friday at ‘Zero Mile Literature Festival’ organised as part of Nagpur Book Festival - 2025. Anand Kumar is famous for his talented students from low income groups achieving high success in IIT entrance exams, and was also a subject of the movie ‘Super 30’ featuring Hritik Roshan. The session was packed with students from various colleges, making it one of the most vibrant sessions ..

Dabha’s internal roads remain abandoned, dangerously eroded

The interior roads in Dabha have collapsed into an almost unrecognisable state. Absence of administrative ownership has left residents navigating conditions which represent an abandoned rural track. The roadways have eroded into a labyrinth of trenches and stagnant water pockets, particularly near Shiv Nagar. The surface has dissolved into a slushy mixture of soil, gravel, and water...

BAC meet on December 1 to finalise Winter Session agenda

A meeting of Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of Maharashtra State Legislature is slated on December 1 to finalise the schedule and agenda for the forthcoming Winter Session to be held in Nagpur, the second capital of the State. The meeting will be held at Vidhan Bhavan complex at Mumbai from 2.30 pm onwards. The meeting is going to discuss the time-table for starting the Winter Session and its schedule. As per current plan, the Winter Session of both Houses of State Legislature might be a 10-day ..

PLUGGING GAPS: NMC proposes data sharing of property transfers from IGR&Stamps

With an eye on plugging the gaps in property tax data base, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) held talks with office of Inspector General of Registration and Stamps, proposing integration of servers for real time updation of property transactions. The seamless flow of data can save considerable time for civic body in updating its property tax record. Accruals from property tax are quite low even as property market in city is booming and hence, civic body officials are keen on a faster process to ..

Bamboo barriers, walls to tackle man-animal conflict around TATR

Efforts to reduce rising incidents of man–animal conflict around the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) have moved from planning to execution following firm directions from Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik and the initiation of groundwork by the Forest Department. During a recent review meeting held in Nagpur, the Forest Minister instructed officials to implement a focused mitigation plan in the Tadoba landscape, which includes large-scale bamboo plantation along forest land adjoining agricultural ..

Five to appear for RTMNUV-C post interview on 30th

AFTER more than one year, the process for appointment of new Vice-Chancellor of the RTMNU has gathered pace. It has been learnt that five candidates have been invited for an interview by the Governor on November 30. Though there is no official word from the shortlisted candidates or the university authorities, ‘The Hitavada’ has learnt that names of Dr Manali Kshirsagar, Director (Technical) and Advisor, Meghe Group of Institutions; Dr Subhash Kondawar, who recently retired as Pro Vice Chancellor ..

BRIGHT garden, lakefront; Sonegaon residents demand immediate action

A newly-opened garden on the Sonegaon Lake frontage has begun attracting steady footfalls owing to its bright illumination and upgraded layout. Yet, this development has thrown the rest of the lakeside into sharper contrast. Beyond the garden’s boundary, the remaining stretch of the lakefront sinks into darkness each evening, creating conditions that residents say have encouraged anti-social behaviour and heightened risks for those who frequent the area after sunset. Sonegaon Lake has long functioned ..