Raipur

PM to virtually open revamped Urkura, Bhanupratappur, Bhilai Rly stations

IN a significant boost to passenger convenience and infrastructure development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate the newly redeveloped Bhanupratappur, Urkura, and Bhilai railway stations (Raipur division), Dongargarh (Nagpur division) and Ambikapur (Bilaspur division) on May 22, under Indian Railways’ flagship Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The three stations-Urkura, Bhilai and Bhanupratappur, part of the South East Central Railway’s Raipur Division, have undergone comprehensive ..

From C’garh to Cannes Juhi turns red carpet into a voice for ‘burning planet’

CANNES, a symbol of global glamour, cinema and star-studded elegance witnessed a rare and stirring moment this year as Juhi Vyas, a proud daughter of Chhattisgarh walked the iconic red carpet not just in style, but in solidarity with a planet in crisis. Representing India alongside her National Director Mohini Sharma, Juhi became the face of Greenpeace India’s ‘Voice of the Planet’ campaign using world’s most glamorous platform to shine a light on the most pressing issue of the present time ‘Climate ..

‘Cashless treatment for accident victims demands urgent clarity’

In a crucial development concerning trauma care accessibility, the Chhattisgarh chapter of the Association of Healthcare Providers – India (AHPI) has raised a formal appeal to the State Health and Family Welfare Department, seeking immediate procedural clarity over the implementation of cashless treatment for road accident victims. The appeal follows the circulation of an interdepartmental directive issued on May 19, 2025, by the Road Safety Lead Agency...

Maoist warlord Basav Raju neutralised in SFs strike

Once a qualified engineering graduate, Basav Raju chose blood over nation — abandoning his degree to become one of the most lethal anti-India Maoists to ever operate under the CPI (Maoist) banner. Trained in explosives and ambush warfare by the LTTE, he used his technical acumen not for development but for designing deadly ambushes that butchered Security Forces (SFs)...

ED-RPZO’s CGMSC probe in limbo post-ECIR as key IRS officers shifted

Despite registering a money laundering case nearly three months ago, the Enforcement Directorate Raipur Zonal Office (ED-RPZO) has yet to initiate decisive enforcement steps in Rs 411 crore Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CGMSC) scam—even as central records name senior officials and vendors in a high-value laundering trail. The ED-RPZO’s ECIR No. ECIR/RPRZO/03/2025, filed on 18th February 2025, was jointly signed by Assistant Director Praneet Tungana and Deputy Director Sandeep ..

Chhattisgarh’s first Bird Safari likely to be inaugurated on Nov 1

Chhattisgarh’s first Bird Safari, located at Gidhwa in the Bemetara district, is slated for inauguration on November 1st of this year. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Development and Plan), Arun Kumar Pandey, confirmed that the facility will also include a Bird Interpretation Centre. Forest and Climate Change Department, Government of Chhattisgarh is developing six wetlands at Gidhwa, Parsada, Murkuta, Eiramsahi and Kurra as the Bird Safari and Bird Interpretation Centre in Bemetara district ..

State’s first aqua park to come upin Hasdeo-Bango reservoir area

IN a significant step toward enhancing fish production, processing, and tourism, Chhattisgarh is set to establish its first Aqua Park in the submergence zone of the Hasdeo-Bango reservoir. Being developed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the ambitious project has received approval from the Government of India with a sanctioned amount of Rs 37 crore 10 lakh and 69 thousand. The park will be set up in the Etmanagar and Satrenga areas of Korba district. At Etmanagar, the Aqua Park ..

Dhamtari’s Sahu couple leads a silent revolution through edu, ecology and compassion

Dhamtari Collector Avinash Mishra recently honoured Income Tax Inspector Tumnachand Sahu and his wife Ranjita, a Government school teacher, for their extraordinary grassroots service in education, environment, and social empowerment — but their story is not one of privilege, it is built on pain, perseverance, and purpose. Born in the remote village of Bhaismundi in Dhamtari district, Tumnachand lost his father during high school and was pushed into extreme poverty...

Arvind Singh gets conditional bail; remains in jail under SEOIACB offence

In another significant legal development in the Rs 2,000-crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam, businessman Arvind Singh was produced before the Special Court of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday, following a conditional relief granted by the Supreme Court on May 14. While the trial court agreed to implement the top court’s bail order, it laid down a string of stringent conditions for enforcement. The special judge directed that Singh deposit a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a surety bond of equal ..

Durg’s Juhi Vyas to represent India at Cannes

Juhi Vyas from Durg district of Chhattisgarh, will be representing India on the red carpet of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France on May 20. Known for her dedication and hard work, Juhi is not just walking the ramp for glamour, but also to deliver a powerful message about global warming. This year, she has been invited to walk the red carpet at Cannes. Her outfit will symbolize “Fire” – a warning about the rising threat of climate change and a symbol of strength. Juhi says it’s time to ..

Dr Purshottam Chandrakar awarded Visionary Indian Award in New Delhi

Renowned folk artist Dr Purshottam Chandrakar was honored with the ‘Visionary Indian Award’ by actress Poonam Dhillon in New Delhi, for his outstanding contributions to folk art and drama, organized by Prasar Bharati, recently. Dr Purshottam Chandrakar’s Lok Ranjani Lok Kala Manch, Raipur have conducted many popular stage plays including ‘Raja Fokalwa’, ‘Dasmat Kaina’ and ‘Veer Narayan Singh’ which have been staged at prominent cities in the country including NCPA Theatre, Mumbai; Prithvi Theatre, ..

Villagers spearhead eco-tourism in Bastar with little official support

AS the allure of Bastar’s iconic tourist spots such as Chitrakote waterfalls, Tirathgarh cascade, Kotumsar caves and ancient heritage sites in Barsur and Dantewada endures, a parallel narrative is emerging — one led by unemployed rural youth striving to place lesser-known eco-tourism spots on the map. Without adequate government support, they have turned to collective community action to develop these natural sites...

Mother’s fury forces tiger to retreat

IN a heart-stopping moment from the wilds of Chhattisgarh, a female bear was seen taking on a tiger to save her cub, a dramatic encounter that has gone viral, capturing the raw force of maternal instinct in the animal kingdom. The video, said to have been shot recently in the dense forests of Abujhmad in Narayanpur district, shows a tiger attempting to attack a bear cub. But before it can get close, the mother bear charges with remarkable speed and fury. What follows is a tense standoff. The tiger, ..

200 KV solar plant completed 6 months ago lies idle due to minor pending work

A 200-kilowatt solar power plant, completed nearly six months ago, lies idle near Maitri Bagh in Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) Township due to pending minor electrical work by the BSP’s Electrical Department. This delay in commissioning has already resulted in an estimated financial loss of Rs 20 lakh. According to information, the project was funded under the BSP-CSR and the installation of solar plant in the location was completed by Chhattisgarh State Renewable Energy Development Agency (CREDA) with ..

Acute water crisis grips Jhipan Residents forced to buy water daily

A severe drinking water crisis has gripped Jhipan village under Kharora region, leaving residents to fend for themselves as water supply remains disrupted for nearly two months. With no regular source of potable water, villagers are compelled to purchase water from private suppliers or neighbouring areas at rates ranging between Rs100 to Rs 150 per day. According to local residents, the administration sends only two tankers of water each day, which barely meets the needs of a few households. Those ..

Manoj Joshi stresses on timeless relevance of Chanakya Niti

Renowned actor and comedian Manoj Joshi asserted the timeless relevance of Chanakya Niti, stating that its principles held true in the past, remain significant today, and will continue to be so in the future. He made these remarks during a Meet the Press program held at Raipur Press Club on Sunday. Joshi, a Padma Shri and National Film Award recipient was in Raipur to participate in the stage play ‘Paying Guest,’ organized by Sanskar Bharati Chhattisgarh at Rang Mandir. Born on December 14, 1965, ..

SSIMS suspends doctor over viral self-promotion ad quoting PM’s remark

In a stern administrative move, the Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences (SSIMS), Bhilai, has suspended Dr Shivendra Singh Tiwari, Associate Professor in General Surgery, for a period of 15 days, following a widely circulated WhatsApp advertisement allegedly posted by him. The ad, which carried a creative, but controversial health message quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s symbolic phrase, “Blood and water cannot flow together”, sparked criticism within professional circles and was ..

Male Zebra dies of snake bite at Nandanvan Safari

An adult male Zebra died due to snake bite at Nandanvan Jungle Safari Nava Raipur Atal Nagar on Friday. The male zebra was brought from Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, Jamnagar, Gujarat to Nandanvan Jungle Safari Nava Raipur. Director of Nandanvan Jungle Safari and Zoo Tejas Shekhar informed that the male zebra suffered a snake bite and did not survive. The Nandanvan Zoo and Jungle Safari is now taking all ameliorative measures in this regard...

Anjaneya University signs tripartite MoU for skill-based learning

Anjaneya University inked a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UniKaushal and UnrealEdge. This agreement aims to provide students with quality training in practical, technical, and life skills in alignment with the National Education Policy. Speaking on the tripartite agreement, Chancellor Abhishek Agarwal stated that this MoU is a milestone for Anjaneya University. He emphasized that it will not only provide technical and professional training to their students but also offer them ..

Dr Panigrahi enters Limca Book of Records for non-stop envirothon participation

Dr Vishwanath Panigrahi, an environmental activist, has entered the “Limca Book of World Records Achiever Award” for his continuous participation in the online Envirothon 2024 for 29 hours non-stop. The event, organized by IGEN India, centered around the conservation of Panchabhuta (five elements) and the theme of the United Nations COP 29. He was also recognized as a “Star Participant” for his remarkable feat. The globally organized program witnessed participation from 29 countries over 29 hours...

State clears Rs 37 cr for long-stalled Skywalk revival in Raipur

One of Raipur’s most controversial and long-stalled urban infrastructure projects is finally set to be revived. The iconic Skywalk from Jaistambh Chowk to Shastri Chowk over G.E. Road, which remained incomplete and encumbered by administrative inaction for nearly seven years, has now received financial sanction of Rs 37.75 crore from the Chhattisgarh Government. The development was confirmed to ‘The Hitavada’ by senior BJP MLA from Raipur West and former Minister Rajesh Munat, who played a key role ..

Raipur-based Dr Mohit Sahu’s wellness book tops Amazon charts

In a remarkable feat from the heart of Chhattisgarh, Raipur-based Mental Wellness Coach and NLP expert Dr Mohit Kumar Sahu has made a resounding national impact with his new book Inner Wellness Revolution, which has climbed to the top of Amazon’s bestseller charts in the Self-Help for Anxiety and Phobia category. Garnering the title of #1 Hot New Release, the book blends science, psychology, and practical self-help — offering a holistic approach to managing anxiety, stress, and overthinking, especially ..

Raipur’s Sushasan Tihar: Zone 4 camp delivers 100% resolution success

Raipur Municipal Corporation’s Sushasan Tihar 2025 continued its successful run with a Samadhan Camp held at the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium for seven wards under Zone 4 on Thursday. This initiative achieved a remarkable 100 per cent quality and instant resolution for all 1,413 applications received in the first phase, comprising 1,203 demands and 210 complaints. The camp was inaugurated by South MLA Sunil Soni, North MLA Purandar Mishra, Mayor Meenal Choubey, Chairman Suryakant Rathore, ..

Karregutta Crackdown: 31 Maoists gunned down in 21-day operation

IN a major success for security forces, 31 Maoists were neutralised in a meticulously planned anti-Naxal operation jointly conducted by the Chhattisgarh and Telangana police forces in the Karregutta hills over a period of 21 days. The operation, which began on April 21 and concluded on May 11, is being described as one of the most effective counter-insurgency drives in the region in recent years. Addressing a joint press conference at the New Police Line in Bijapur on Wednesday evening, Chhattisgarh ..

Cabinet decides to launch Mukhyamantri Shiksha Gunvatta Abhiyan in all Government schools

The Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday resolved to implement the Mukhyamantri Shiksha Gunvatta Abhiyan in State’s Government schools, aligning with the National Education Policy, to enhance the quality of education. Briefing the media at Mantralaya, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao stated that the “Mukhyamantri Shiksha Gunvatta Abhiyan” would be undertaken across the state to elevate the standard of education in government ..

Mobile number update facility for HSRP available on WhatsApp

As per the provisions laid down under the Central Motor Vehicles Act-1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules-1989, as well as in compliance with the instructions issued from time to time by the High Court, it has been made mandatory to install High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) in all vehicles registered before 1 April 2019 in the state of Chhattisgarh. It is also necessary to update the mobile number of the vehicle owners, so that they can receive the relevant information and updates directly ..

Gyan Ganga Academy students shine with 100% success in Class X

Gyan Ganga Educational Academy has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence, achieving a remarkable 100% pass in the Class X CBSE examinations for the academic year 2024-25. Out of the 196 students who appeared for the examination, an impressive 110 students secured scores above 80%. The top-performing students include Nishchay Sen and Atharv Bansal, both securing an exceptional 98%. Following closely behind with 97% are Jishnu Chandrakar and Shreeansh Panda. Manav Waswani, Mauli ..

Singer Nitin Dubey elevates Chhattisgarhi regional pop to national prominence

NITIN Dubey, a celebrated composer, vocalist, music director, and playback singer, is revered as one of the region’s finest singers. 44-year-old Dubey has carved a unique niche with his distinctive musical genre, captivating audiences across over 2,500 stage shows nationwide. His journey, marked by perseverance, has solidified his position in the Chhattisgarhi film fraternity, fueled by his ambition to elevate Chhattisgarhi regional pop to national prominence. In a conversation with The Hitavada, ..

Road Carnage 13 killed, over a dozen injured in collision

IN a major road accident reported on the Raipur-Balodabazar main road, near the capital at least thirteen people including three children lost their lives when a passenger-laden Swaraj Mazda collided with a trailer truck near Saragaon highway late Sunday night. As per reports the number of casualties may increase as the condition of some of the injured are stated to be critical. The victims, all members of Sahu family from Chataud village, were returning from a chhathi ceremony held in village Bana ..

Flight for vulture conservation Satellite tagging begins at Indravati Tiger Reserve

IN a pioneering conservation move, Chhattisgarh has launched a scientifically driven effort to track and protect vultures, a critically endangered species across South Asia, by deploying satellite tagging and ringing at the Indravati Tiger Reserve (ITR) for the first time. The initiative, a collaboration between the Chhattisgarh Forest Department and the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), has marked a major step in using advanced technology for wildlife conservation. Scientists tagged the Indian ..

India International-2025 beauty contest organised

India International-2025, beauty pageants in various categories was held at a local hotel in Goa, organized by SS foundation, recently. Director of the foundation Shikha Sahu addressing media in Raipur said that the SS Foundation has been organizing such events for the last 6 years. This year a large number of participants from pan India took part and performed India International-2025 beauty contest...

Kolhan Nala runs dry, villagers stare at crisis

THE Kolhan Nala, once a lifeline for scores of villages in the Tilda and Dharsiwa region, has almost completely dried up, leaving more than a dozen villages in distress at the peak of the Rabi season. Once known to flow year-round, the stream now lies barren in many stretches — a victim of soaring temperatures and a plummeting groundwater table. For generations, the Kolhan rivulet served not just as a key irrigation source but also as a disposal outlet and water haven for livestock and wildlife. Today, ..

Bhilai lad Rajneesh Yadav secures historic gold in national boxing championship

 Staff Reporter BHILAI :  Master Rajneesh Yadavba trainee Boxer at SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant’s Boxing Academy has brought laurels to SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant and Chhattisgarh by clinching the Gold Medal in the 46–49 kg weight categ..

Minor girls rescued from Andhra Pradesh

  Our Correspondent TILDA-NEORA :  TWO minor girls, aged 16 and 8, who went missing from a village under Tilda-Neora police station limits after leaving home for breakfast, were rescued from Andhra Pradesh, police said. The girls̵..

Kumhari CMO suspended after Deputy CM Sao’s inspection

  The Hitavada  State Bureau Durg/Raipur :  In a swift administrative response to glaring civic failures, Chhattisgarh Government has suspended Netram Chandrakar, Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) of Kumhari, following a surprise inspectio..

Over 38,98,000 cases settled in Ntnl Lok Adalat

  Staff Reporter RAIPUR :  Over 38,98,000 cases were settled in National Lok Adalat d across the state on Saturday. Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court Ramesh Sinha virtually interacted with the all the Principal District Judges..

Heightened Vigil in Bhilai: Police crack down on suspected illegal immigrants

   Staff Reporter  BHILAI :  In the wake of rising tensions along the Indo-Pak border following retaliatory strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, police in Bhilai launched intensive early morning search op..

Blazing inferno in Ratanpur

  Our Correspondent Bilaspur :  A massive fire erupted in the hills behind the Lakhni Devi Temple in Ratanpur on Saturday afternoon, causing widespread panic in the area. The blaze spread rapidly, posing a threat to nearby residential areas..

CM flags off India’s first hydrogen truck for mining logistics in CG

  Staff Reporter Raipur :  Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday flagged off India’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered mining truck, marking a major step toward clean industrial logistics. Developed and deployed by Adani Enterpr..

Jashpur police unearth Rs 150 cr CSR scam

In a sterling display of precision policing and administrative resolve, the Jashpur Police — under the direct command of SSP Shashimohan Singh — have brought the curtains down on a sprawling interstate racket, involving fraudulent transactions to the tune of Rs 150 crore. The accused duo, Ratanakar Upadhyay and Anita Upadhyay of Delhi, posed as senior government functionaries to engineer meticulously crafted corporate frauds under the pretext of the “National Rural Literacy Mission.” The investigation ..

Harman Baweja expresses intent to collaborate on CG Film City project

In a development that may boost Chhattisgarh’s creative economy and regional cinema, Bollywood actor and Baweja Studios CMD Harman Baweja expressed serious interest in associating with the upcoming Chhattisgarh Film City project in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. Interacting with the media at Magneto Mall in the capital on Thursday evening, Baweja confirmed that his visit was exploratory in nature and aimed at understanding the opportunities associated with the state’s ambitious film infrastructure project. ..

Khairagarh’s lifelines run dry Water crisis looms as rivers choke on neglect

THE onset of summer has laid bare the deepening water crisis in Khairagarh, as the town’s three lifeline rivers—Amner, Pipariya and Muska—have dried up completely. Once the natural reservoirs supporting the city's water level and daily needs, these rivers today are reduced to polluted channels carrying only sewage and silt, leaving residents and cattle alike struggling for clean water. Despite the construction of three anicuts to retain water during dry spells, alleged administrative apathy has left ..

CGBSE 10th, 12th result out, students pass with flying colours

Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) announced the results of the Higher Secondary School Certificate Examination-2025 and High School Certificate Examination-2025 on Wednesday. In the 10th board exam, Ishika Bala, a student of Government Higher Secondary School Gondahur, Kanker, and Naman Kumar Khntia, a student of Swami Atmanand Government Utkrisht English Medium School, Jashpur, secured the first rank by scoring 99.17%. Livyansh Dewangan, a student of Swami Atmanand Government Utkrisht ..

Ishika battles cancer, tops Class 10 Board exam

 Staff Reporter :  Raipur,   In an inspiring story of courage and academic resilience, 16-year-old Ishika Bala from Gondahur village in Koyalibeda block has emerged as the state topper in the Chhattisgarh State Board of Secondary Educa..

Sushasan Tihar: Raipur Zone 2 achieves 100% resolution of public grievances

Under the Sushasan Tihar 2025 initiative, Raipur Municipal Corporation Zone 2 successfully resolved all 3,583 applications received during the first phase of the program from April 8 to 11. This impressive feat, comprising 3,420 demands and 163 complaints, was achieved with 100 per cent quality and promptness during the second phase April 12 to May 4 at a Samadhan Camp held at Shaheed Smarak Bhawan. The Sushasan Tihar Samadhan Camp for the 7 wards of Zone 2, located at GE Road, Rajbandha Ground, was ..

Naval Das, Alka records song for film ‘Prem Ke Premika Ke Prem Kahani’

The film ‘Prem Ke Premika Ke Prem Kahani’ is being produced under the direction of young Chhattisgarhi and Hindi film director Manish Manikpuri. In which Chhattisgarh’s well-known singer, lyricist and musician Naval Das Manikpuri is playing an important role. In this film, six songs written and composed by him have been recorded in the voice of Chhattisgarhi film and album’s famous singer Alka Chandrakar Parganiha. In the film, many famous artists of Chhattisgarh including Chhattisgarh’s superstar ..

CM visits Karigaon, interacts with locals under peepal tree

IN an unannounced visit marked by minimal protocol and direct public engagement, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday reached Karigaon village in Sakti district as part of the third phase of the State Government’s Sushasan Tihar programme. Seated on a traditional cot under a Peepal tree, the Chief Minister convened a Chaupal where he interacted extensively with villagers, heard their grievances, and reviewed the implementation of key welfare schemes. Chief Minister Sai enquired about ..

District Hospital Raipur turns into ‘Refer Hospital’

The District Government Hospital located in Pandri, a key public healthcare institution in Raipur, is facing mounting criticism due to a severe shortage of specialist doctors and inadequate facilities across various departments. This deficiency is reportedly forcing hospital authorities to frequently refer critical patients to Dr BR Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, DK Super-specialty Hospital, and even All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur, leading many health activists and citizens to ..

Young creators shine at WAVES Bring home Gold in Anime Animation

A team of young creators from Raipur, working under the banner of Entangled Studio, has earned international recognition by winning the Gold medal in the Anime Animation category at the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025. Held for the first time in India, the four-day global summit took place in Mumbai and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event drew participation from over 90 countries and witnessed more than ten thousand delegates. With this win, the team has ..

Bhilai’s Aadya Pandey wins national dance competition

Aadya Pandey, a 15-year-old student from Bhilai, has made her city proud by winning first place in the senior category at the prestigious All India Dance Competition “Antarang Utsav 2025.” The event was held in Mumbai at the renowned “Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar Natya Gruh Auditorium” on April 23. The competition was organised by the All India Dancers Association (AIDA) in collaboration with Abhibhavak Kala Academy, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Aadya showcased her exceptional ..