Rs 2.75cr waste management vehicle scam in Amravati
BJP announces three candidates for Maharashtra MLC polls (Lead)
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Political manoeuvres in Maharashtra have intensified after the Election Commission announced the upcoming Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) elections. On the heels of the Congress Party's announcement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday released its official list of candidates for three key constituencies: Nagpur Graduate: Former MLA Sudhakar Kohale; Pune Graduate: Smita Jadhav, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Dr D Y Patil University, Pune Teachers: Kaustubh Gawade, Chief Executive Officer of the prominent Shri Swami Vivekanand Shikshan Sanstha in Kolhapur. With the announcement of these nominees, BJP will contest three seats, leaving Nagpur Teachers constituency to Shiv Sena and Aurangabad Graduates constituency to NCP. Polling for the five constituencies is slated for October 23. Kohale has been fielded to take on the incumbent Congress MLC, Abhijit Wanjari. Kohale, a seasoned leader and educator by background, previously served as a two-time municipal corporator, Water Supply Committee Chairman in Nagpur, and Nagpur East MLA (2014). In Pune Graduate Constituency, Dr Jadhav will face the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which has yet to declare its nominee. In Pune Teachers Constituency, Gawade will take on the sitting legislator Jayant Asgaonkar, who has been renominated by the Congress party. Incidentally, Shiv Sena and NCP have yet to announce their nominations. Shiv Sena has staked its claim over Pune and Amravati Teachers Constituencies. Congress has already announced Prof Aditi Rishikesh Pohare as nominee for the Amravati Teachers' Constituency. The Shiv Sena-UBT and NCP-SP are angry over Congress's decision to announce three nominees. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on September 22 sounded the poll bugle for the elections to five key Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) seats, triggering intense political manoeuvring within the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The election covers three Graduate constituencies (Aurangabad, Pune, and Nagpur) and two Teachers constituencies (Amravati and Pune), where the terms of the sitting members are set to expire on December 6, 2026. According to the official schedule released by the ECI, the last date for nominations: October 6, 2026; scrutiny of nominations: October 7, 2026; last date for withdrawal: October 9, 2026; polling day: October 23, 2026 (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM); and counting of votes: October 27, 2026. Incumbent representatives from Graduate Constituencies include Aurangabad Division Bhanudasrao Satish Chavan (NCP), Pune Division Arun Ganpati Lad (NCP-SP) and Nagpur Division Abhijit Govindrao Wanjari (Congress). The legislative members from the Teachers Constituencies include Amravati Division Kiran Ramrao Sarnaik (Independent but officially joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena as an associate member) and Pune Division Jayant Dinkar Asgaonkar (Congress).
BJP Names 3 Candidates For Maharashtra MLC Polls; Media Baron's Wife On The List
Biennial elections are being held for Pune Division Graduates, Nagpur Division Graduates, Pune Division Teachers, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates and Amravati Teachers constituencies. Polling will take place on October 23
BJP names Dinesh Arya as RS candidate from U'khand, Koel Mallick from Bengal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced Dinesh Arya as its candidate for the 2026 Rajya Sabha biennial election in Uttarakhand and Rukmini Mallick (Koel Mallick) from West Bengal. In Uttarakhand, the by-election is necessitated by the completion of the term of sitting Rajya Sabha member Naresh Bansal. Actress-turned-politician Rukmini Mallick, popularly known as Koel Mallick, recently switched to the BJP from the Trinamool Congress. She resigned as Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member in July this year, leaving the seat vacant and forcing a by-election. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on September 22 had announced the biennial elections for 11 Rajya Sabha seats, along with a by-election for one seat from West Bengal, on October 16. Of the 11 seats going to the polls in the biennial elections, 10 are from Uttar Pradesh, and one is from Uttarakhand. The West Bengal election will be held to fill a casual vacancy in the Upper House. The notification for the elections was issued on September 29, while the last date for filing nominations will be October 6. The scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on October 7, followed by the last date for withdrawal of candidature on October 9. Polling for the Rajya Sabha seats will be held on October 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while counting of votes will begin at 5 p.m. on the same day. In Uttar Pradesh, the terms of 10 sitting Rajya Sabha members are coming to an end. The members whose terms are expiring include Arun Singh, Geeta alias Chandraprabha, Brij Lal, Ram Gopal Yadav, Ramji Gautam, B.L. Verma, Seema Dwivedi, Dinesh Sharma and Hardeep Singh Puri. Earlier in the day, the BJP announced its candidates for three Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council election. The BJP has fielded Smita Yogesh Jadhav from the Pune Division Graduates' constituency, Sudhakar Vitthalrao Kohle from the Nagpur Division Graduates' constituency and Kaustubh Muralidhar Gawde from the Pune Division Teachers' constituency. The announcement comes after discussions within the ruling alliance over the distribution of the five seats going to polls. According to MahaYuti leaders, the alliance has finalised a 3:1:1 formula for the elections. Under the arrangement, the BJP will contest three seats, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will contest one seat and the Shiv Sena will contest the remaining one seat. The NCP has been allotted the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates' constituency, while the Shiv Sena will contest the Amravati Teachers' constituency.
BJP announces 3 candidates for Maha Legislative Council polls
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced its candidates for three Teachers' and Graduates' constituencies for the upcoming Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, while the ruling MahaYuti alliance has finalised its seat-sharing arrangement for the polls. The BJP has fielded Smita Yogesh Jadhav from the Pune Division Graduates' constituency, Sudhakar Vitthalrao Kohle from the Nagpur Division Graduates' constituency and Kaustubh Muralidhar Gawde from the Pune Division Teachers' constituency. The announcement comes after discussions within the ruling alliance over the distribution of the five seats going to polls. According to MahaYuti leaders, the alliance has finalised a 3:1:1 formula for the elections. Under the arrangement, the BJP will contest three seats, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will contest one seat and the Shiv Sena will contest the remaining one seat. The NCP has been allotted the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Graduates' constituency, while the Shiv Sena will contest the Amravati Teachers' constituency. Meanwhile, the Congress on Saturday announced its candidates for the upcoming elections, renominating two sitting members and fielding a new candidate for the third seat allotted to the party. In a release, the Congress said sitting MLC Abhijit Wanjari will contest from the Nagpur Division Graduates' constituency, while sitting member Jayant Dinkar Asagaonkar will seek re-election from the Pune Division Teachers' constituency. The party has also fielded newcomer Aditi Pohare from the Amravati Teachers' constituency. Voting for the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections across the three Graduates' and two Teachers' constituencies will take place on October 23. The Graduates' constituencies going to polls are Pune Division, Nagpur Division and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad Division. The two Teachers' constituencies are Pune Division and Amravati Division.
From Amravati To Asian Games Glory: Archer Kumkum Mohod Targets Olympic Gold
As Kumkum Mohod's arrow pierced the target for a perfect 10, sealing India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan, the narrow lanes of Gosavi Colony in Amravati lit up with celebration.
At 17, Kumkum Mohod gives Amravati a moment to remember
Kumkum Mohod, a 17-year-old from Amravati, has won India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her victory sparked celebrations in her hometown, with her family expressing immense pride and her father hoping for an Olympic gold. Kumkum also secured two other medals at the games.
Take A Bow, Kumkum: Amravati Archer Wins 2 Golds, Makes History
4 more nomination papers filed in Amravati
Amravati division dams hold 62% water stock
Orange growers in drought-hit Amravati wait for approved crop insurance payout
Mahayuti, MVA Struggle To Resolve Seat-Sharing
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has staked a claim to the Aurangabad Graduates and Amravati Teachers constituencies: Reports
Amravati Celebrates Kumkum Mohod's Asian Games Archery Triumph
Kumkum Mohod from Amravati, Maharashtra, has won India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her family and community are overjoyed, and her father expresses confidence in her future Olympic aspirations.
Congress names candidates for Maharashtra MLC polls
The party renominated MLC Abhijit Wanjari for the constituency for Graduates of Nagpur Division, and member Jayant Dinkar Asagaonkar for the seat for Teachers of Pune Division. The party fielded Aditi Pohare for the constituency for Teachers of Amravati.
Kumkum Mohod, a 17-year-old archer from Amravati who began with a 3000 rupee wooden bow, became the first Indian woman to win an individual recurve medal at the Asian Games, beating South Korea's Oh Yejin in a shoot-off for gold, after years of family sacrifice and modest equipment.
7 Killed, 19 Injured as Truck Rams Pickup Van in Maharashtras Amravati
The official said a truck crashed into a pick-up van, killing five persons at the scene and leaving 21 injured.
Seven killed, 19 injured as truck hits pickup van in Maharashtras Amravati
The accident occurred around 12:45 a.m. on Channel 97 of the high-speed carriageway near the Dhamangaon railway station
17-YO Kumkum eyes Olympics after Asian Games gold
Kumkum Mohod, a 17-year-old archer from Amravati, has achieved significant success at the Asian Games, securing a gold and a silver medal. Her father and coach highlight her journey from a bamboo bow to international competitions, overcoming financial challenges, and her ultimate dream of representing India at the Olympics. Her performance, particularly against South Korea, has brought pride to her family, hometown, and the nation.
'Her dream is to play in the Olympics,' says Kumkum Mohod's father after Asiad medals in archery
At just 17, Kumkum Mohod has already given her family and hometown Amravati plenty to celebrate at the Asian Games, winning a gold and a silver medal, but her father Anil Mohod says her biggest dream is still ahead
Five killed, over 20 injured as truck rams into pickup van in Maharashtra's Amravati
Five people were killed and several others injured after a truck rammed a Bolero pickup van from behind on the Samruddhi Expressway in Maharashtra's Amravati district on Friday. The accident took place around 12:45 am at Channel 97 of the Samruddhi Expressway near Dhamangaon railway station, according to a senior police official.According to police, the truck crashed into the Bolero pickup from the rear while the vehicle was travelling on the expressway. The impact left five people dead and injured 21 others.
Samruddhi Highway accident: Five killed, 21 injured in Amravati
A senior police official told PTI the accident occurred on Channel 97 of the Samruddhi Expressway near the Dhamangaon railway in Amravati district at 12.45 am
Five killed, 21 injured as truck hits pickup van in Maharashtra's Amravati
On Friday, a tragic accident occurred on the Samruddhi Highway near Dhamangaon, resulting in multiple casualties. A truck crashed into a Bolero pickup van, killing five and injuring twenty others. The incident took place at approximately 12:45 am on Channel 97 of the expressway. Injured individuals were initially transported to Dhamangaon Rural Hospital before being referred to Wardha Medical College for further treatment.
Karanja-Ghadge farmers block Amravati-Nagpur highway over exclusion from drought-hit list
Aditi Pohre joins Congress; likely party candidate for Amravati teachers constituency
Amravati hospital fire: CCTV footage reveals fire alarm rang three times
The CCTV footage shows staff either asleep or absent from the ward as the alarms sounded and red warning lights flashed in the wee hours of August 24
Nurses Slept Even As Alarms Rang In Amravati Hospital Fire
Monsoon withdrawal begins, El Nino leaves Vidarbha with 27% deficit rain
Amravati And Akola Are Worst-Hit Districts
Maharashtra exam task force gets 30,000 suggestions from aspirants
The committee interacted with candidates from the Konkan division at the Mumbai suburban district collectorate on Tuesday. It had earlier held meetings with students and aspirants in Pune, Nagpur, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Incense factory ablaze in Amravati, no casualties reported
SIR row: Congress holds protest across Maharashtra seeking Gyanesh Kumars removal
According to the Maharashtra Congress, demonstrations were held outside district collectorates across the State, including in Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Kolhapur, Solapur, Thane, Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Alarming Dip in Groundwater Level in Amravati District
Three Talukas in Over-exploited Category
Maha Congress stages agitation against Gyanesh Kumar
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 28 (IANS) The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Monday launched massive demonstrations across all district collectorates, demanding the dismissal and arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The party accused him of undermining democratic institutions and manipulating voter rolls to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress leaders described Gyanesh Kumar as a stain on democracy and submitted memorandums outlining grievances to district collectors. The protests featured creative forms of dissent: in Amravati, protesters paraded an effigy of the CEC on a donkey before destroying it; in Thane, demonstrators forced an effigy to do sit-ups (uthak-baithak) as punishment. Large rallies were also held in Pune, Kolhapur, Solapur, Nashik, Nagpur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chandrapur, Nanded, Latur, Beed, and across the Konkan and North Maharashtra regions. Senior Congress leaders led protests in several districts: Satej Patil in Kolhapur, Praniti Shinde in Solapur, Yashomati Thakur and Balwant Wankhede in Amravati, Kalyan Kale in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pratibha Dhanorkar in Chandrapur, Ravindra Chavan in Nanded, Shivaji Kalge in Latur, and Kumar Ketkar in Thane. Addressing gatherings, the Congress reiterated allegations earlier raised by Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, about vote theft. The party claimed that over 13 crore voters nationwide, including more than 3 crore in Maharashtra, were arbitrarily removed from electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. It further alleged that 47 lakh untraceable voters were added to Maharashtras rolls ahead of the 2024 assembly polls. Congress spokespersons highlighted reported written dissent from two Election Commissioners over procedural deviations by the CEC, saying it validated their charges of bias. Leaders warned that the agitation would escalate into a national movement unless action were taken against Gyanesh Kumar.
Cotton output may fall 50% in drought-hit Yavatmal, soyabean impacted in Amravati
Farmers, agricultural labourers and workers at centre of drought relief efforts: CM Fadnavis
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 26 (IANS) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday said that farmers, agricultural labourers, and workers in the state are at the centre of the state's drought relief efforts. He asserted that every possible effort will be made to provide them relief. We stand firmly behind our farmer brothers. Let us all make united efforts to overcome this challenge, the Chief Minister expressed with strong determination. Drought has been declared in 265 talukas across the state. The government has decided to implement 12 measures and concessions to provide relief to farmers, students, agricultural labourers, citizens, and livestock in these talukas, he added. Following the announcement of the Government Resolution (GR) on the declaration of drought in 265 of the total 358 talukas, CM Fadnavis immediately instructed the concerned District Collectors to initiate spot inspections (panchnamas) in these talukas without delay. Due to a lack of rainfall, farmers are facing significant hardships. Immediate surveys will have to be conducted in the talukas where drought conditions have been declared. For this, the Revenue Department, Agriculture Department, and all related agencies must work with sensitivity and coordination. They should maintain continuous communication and contact at the field level. Giving priority to this work is necessary to provide relief to farmers, CM Fadnavis instructed. During the survey, crop condition reports will be submitted using photographs depicting crop conditions alongside GPS coordinates, he said. CM Fadnavis recently undertook a tour to review the drought situation across the state. During this visit, he personally visited the fields, interacted warmly with the farmers, and understood their grievances and difficulties. He assured them that prompt decisions regarding the drought situation would be taken. In accordance with that, a Government Resolution evaluating the state's drought conditions as per the Drought Management Code 2016 was issued on Saturday. The State Agriculture Commissioner reviewed the Kharif 2026 season and submitted a report indicating drought-like conditions in 265 talukas of the state. Consequently, panchnamas will now be conducted in these affected talukas based on Trigger-1 (First Trigger) for drought, considering rainfall deficits and other contributing factors from June to the present date. A crop condition report will be prepared by compiling photographs and GPS coordinates reflecting the status of crops in the surveyed areas, said a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office. CM Fadnavis listed measures and concessions to be implemented in drought-affected areas. These include exemption from land revenue, restructuring of crop loans, stay on the recovery of agriculture-related loans, concessions on current electricity bills for agricultural pumps (electricity bills for pumps up to 7.5 HP capacity have already been waived; this concession will apply to pumps above that capacity), waiver in exam fee for school and college students, relaxation of norms under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to initiate maximum work and deployment of water tankers where necessary for drinking water supply. He further stated that there will be no disconnection of electricity supply to agricultural pumps of farmers in villages declared scarcity-hit, ensuring adequate supply and arrangements for food grains so that no shortages affect farmers and agricultural labourers dependent on agriculture, making necessary arrangements to ensure sufficient fodder for livestock, initiating water conservation works and planning drinking water and livestock water needs. The 265 talukas where 'Trigger-1' has been applied cover various revenue divisions in the state. This includes 12 talukas in the Thane revenue division, 49 in the Nashik division, 35 in the Pune division, 74 in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division, 56 in the Amravati division and 39 in the Nagpur division. In the Thane revenue division, the first trigger has been activated for Shrivardhan in Raigad district; Ratnagiri, Sangameshwar and Rajapur in Ratnagiri district; and Sawantwadi, Dodamarg, Kankavli, Kudal, Vaibhavwadi, Malvan, Devgad, and Vengurla in Sindhudurg district. No talukas from Thane and Palghar districts are included in this list. A total of 49 talukas across Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, Nandurbar, and Ahilyanagar districts are included, alongside 35 talukas from Pune, Solapur, Sangli, Satara, and Kolhapur districts. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Nanded, Parbhani and Hingoli districts, 74 talukas have seen Trigger-1 activated. Amravati division includes 56 talukas from Buldhana, Amravati, Akola, Washim, and Yavatmal districts, while Nagpur division accounts for 39 talukas across Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli districts. CM Fadnavis said that financial relief regarding crop loss for drought-affected farmers will be announced through a separate Government Resolution once all prescribed procedural requirements are fulfilled. Therefore, the government has given special emphasis to the process of conducting accurate surveys and panchnamas of crop conditions, he noted. Against the backdrop of the drought, the government has initiated measures at various levels to mitigate its impact by providing necessary concessions, relief, and facilities in a timely manner to farmers, students, labourers, and the general public, he reiterated.
Crop Yield in Amravati District Likely to Drop by 40 Percent
Biennial elections for five MLC Graduate, Teachers seats to be held on October 23
The five seats include Graduate and Teachers constituencies across the Aurangabad, Pune, Nagpur and Amravati divisions
After 77 Years, 585 Sindhi Families in Amravati Get Permanent Residential Leases
EC announces Maharashtra MLC polls for 5 Graduate, Teachers' seats on October 23
The elections will be held for three Graduate constituencies Aurangabad, Pune and Nagpur and two Teachers' constituencies Amravati and Pune. The terms of the sitting members are scheduled to end on December 6, 2026
Maha faces severe dry spell as 83 talukas in 19 districts received no rain for over 20 days
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 16 (IANS) With the monsoon taking a prolonged break, Kharif crops across Maharashtra are facing a severe crisis, pushing several districts to the brink of drought. During Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and several ministers expressed deep concern over the situation. Although no immediate relief package was announced, CM Fadnavis instructed state administrative machinery to stay on high alert. Following Cabinet discussion, the government clarified that a formal drought declaration cannot be made immediately. Under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines and Central Drought Management norms, official crop-damage surveys (Panchnamas) and ground verification must be conducted after October 5 to qualify for financial relief. Premature surveys would risk disqualifying farmers from central aid packages. Conducting assessments before that date would disqualify the affected farmers from official relief aid and result in an inaccurate estimation of damage. The government is currently preparing a comprehensive list of relief measures for farmers, and officials have been urged to coordinate effectively. This was stated by the agriculture department in its presentation, government sources have said. The Cabinet reviewed regional reports indicating severe dry spells (ranging from 20 to over 40 days) across 18-19 districts, with Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Western Maharashtra being the hardest hit. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and the CM instructed all District Collectors and field administration to remain on high alert and prepare preliminary relief proposals. The local administration across affected districts (especially in Marathwada) has been ordered to prioritise and reserve existing dam storage strictly for drinking water purposes to prevent potential urban and rural water crises. While waiting for the official October 5 survey window, the government is drafting emergency relief lists, evaluating fodder supply availability for livestock, and instructing agricultural departments to guide farmers on protective irrigation for the surviving Kharif crops. According to the compilation made by the state agriculture department on region-wise crop status, in Beed, 37.21 per cent of the sown area has been damaged; in Jalna, 27.83 per cent; and 7.06 per cent in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. In Latur, Dharashiv, and Parbhani, soybean, green gram (moong), black gram (udid), and cotton crops on light soils are drying up. A widespread outbreak of the Yellow Mosaic virus on soybean crops has also been detected. Long dry spells across rain-fed tracts of Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ahilyanagar from Western Maharashtra have put severe stress on moong, udid, soybean, maize, and bajra crops. Yields in these regions are expected to drop by 20 to 25 per cent. In the Vidarbha region, Soybean and cotton crops face significant risk. Several talukas in Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, and Washim have reported a 2 to 3-week spell without rain. Soybeans on light soil have withered; farmers with irrigation facilities are using protective watering to save crops. Paddy transplantation has been delayed in parts of Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli due to deficient rainfall. In North Maharashtra, Nandurbar and select talukas of Nashik, the lack of rain has stunted the growth of maize, cotton, and other crops. However, recent rains in parts of Dhule and Jalgaon have brought partial relief to Kharif crops. Nandurbar has received only 46.6 per cent of its normal rainfall. Severe rainfall deficits are reported in Solapur, Kolhapur, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Parbhani, Hingoli, Akola, Washim, Amravati, Wardha, Nagpur, and Chandrapur. Meanwhile, opposition leaders -- including Vijay Wadettiwar and Solapur MP Praniti Shinde from the Congress, and the Shiv Sena(UBT) leaders -- have demanded the immediate declaration of drought in the affected districts. They highlighted that 19 districts and over 83 tehsils face severe rainfall deficits and looming fodder and water shortages. The opposition has urged the state government to issue an immediate emergency relief package, waive crop loans, and set up fodder camps and tanker water supply without waiting for formal post-monsoon timelines. Mahayuti coalition leaders, including NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, have also written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting a drought declaration for the hard-hit Marathwada region.
Anand Mahindra has called for India to focus on trust and patient experience rather than low treatment costs alone to strengthen its medical tourism industry. He suggested Goa and Visakhapatnam (Vizag) could become the next medical tourism hubs by combining their flight connectivity and hospitality infrastructure with world-class hospitals and specialists. He also urged emerging cities such as Amravati and GIFT City to plan health districts, while stressing that building a strong medical ecosystem could take 15 years.
2 Newborns Die in Amravati Hospital Fire; Officials Suspended Over Fire Safety Lapses
Three newborns died as an inquiry exposed serious fire safety, equipment maintenance and supervisory failures.
Maharashtra orders action after Amravati hospital fire kills 3 newborns
The News Mill
Five Senior Health Officials Suspended After Fire Claims Lives of Three Newborns in Amravati
Maharashtra suspends five health officials following a fire that resulted in the deaths of three newborns at a hospital in Amravati. Five Senior Health Officials Suspended After Fire Claims Lives of Three Newborns in Amravati
Maharashtra unveils Land Bank to accelerate infra projects and advance compensatory afforestation
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 9 (IANS) In a major initiative aimed at balancing rapid industrial development with environmental conservation, the Maharashtra Forest Department has established a comprehensive district-wise Land Bank to streamline land allocation for compensatory afforestation. Conceptualised by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modis Viksit Bharat vision. The decision addresses long-standing bureaucratic delays in obtaining forest clearances under the Forest (Conservation and Development) Act, 1980. Currently, the state requires compensatory afforestation on an average of 2,000 to 3,000 hectares of degraded forest land and 1,000 to 2,000 hectares of non-forest land annually. Identifying suitable, encumbrance-free parcels and executing inter-departmental transfers has historically been a time-consuming barrier to major infrastructure works, including national highways, railways, bullet train corridors, transmission lines, and port developments. Through joint field assessments conducted by revenue and forest officials, the state has identified and compiled extensive land records across all districts. About 33,056 hectares of Degraded Forest Land are identified for projects eligible for double-degraded forest afforestation, such as central government ventures and power transmission lines: Nashik Region: 9,002 hectares, Nagpur Region: 8,109 hectares, Amravati Region: 5,724 hectares, Pune Region: 5,330 hectares, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Region: 4,179 hectares and Konkan Region: 712 hectares. Further, 7,546 Hectares of non-forest land have been provided by district collectors across revenue divisions comprising Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 2,689 hectares, Nashik: 2,525 hectares, Amravati: 1,153 hectares, Pune: 640 hectares, Konkan: 408 hectares and Nagpur: 131 hectares, said a government statement. To ensure seamless execution, the Land Bank details are digitised and published on public web portals, including mahaforest.gov.in/DFLLandBank for degraded forest land and landdashboard.mahabhumi.gov.in for non-forest land. Before inclusion, each land parcel undergoes rigorous verification to confirm it is encroachment-free, clear of legal encumbrances, and ecologically suitable for afforestation. Non-forest land transferred by project agencies will be formally declared as Reserved Forest under Section 4 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, permanently expanding Maharashtra's overall forest cover. By creating a transparent, central inventory, state authorities aim to eliminate project bottlenecks, ensure robust compensatory plantations, and achieve a sustainable equilibrium between infrastructure growth and ecological protection, said the release.
3 Newborn Deaths: Probe Flags Fire Safety Lapses at Amravati Hospital
Thirty-six other infants undergoing treatment in the SNCU were safely shifted to other hospitals.
Amravati newborn deaths: Maha govt orders suspension of five top health dept officials
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 9 (IANS) The Maharashtra government on Wednesday ordered the suspension of key health department personnel, including the Deputy Director of Health Services (Akola Circle), the Medical Superintendent of the Amravati Women's Hospital, the Additional District Civil Surgeon (Amravati), the Administrative Officer, and the electrician of the hospital in connection with the death of three infants in the fire that broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Amravati District Women's Hospital on August 24. These health department personnel were held prima facie responsible for supervisory lapses. The state government's move comes after a high-level committee completed an inquiry. Following the submission of the investigation report to the state government, the Public Health Department has directed strict action against those found responsible. During the incident, 36 infants were successfully rescued and safely transferred to other hospitals. According to the inquiry committee's report, serious lapses were identified in technical inspections and equipment maintenance, including the failure to perform timely servicing of ventilators, non-functional fire alarms and sprinkler systems, and a locked fire pump house. In light of the negligence, irresponsible behaviour, supervisory failures, and unpardonable carelessness revealed in the report, instructions have been issued to initiate disciplinary action against the concerned officers and staff under Rule 8 of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979. Administrative action has also been ordered against contractual employees, along with directives to penalise responsible officials from the Public Works Department (PWD). The report found M/s AOV International LLP guilty, leading to directions for the company to be blacklisted. Additionally, as prima facie defects were identified in the services provided by the Shilar Company, orders have been issued to expedite the forensic report and initiate blacklisting proceedings against it as well. To prevent similar tragedies in the future, the state government has decided to significantly strengthen security and safety protocols across state-run hospitals. Directives have been issued to install CCTV systems in all SNCUs and NICUs, as well as to make fire safety mock drills mandatory in every hospital. Strict implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding fire safety, electrical safety, and medical equipment maintenance has also been instructed. Commissioner of Health Services Sanjay Katkar has been tasked with holding regular meetings with the PWD, electrical, fire, bio-technical, and maintenance departments to review hospital safety and exercise effective oversight on all necessary measures. All District Collectors, Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Parishads, and Municipal Commissioners across the state have also been instructed to ensure that electrical and fire safety audits of all hospitals within their jurisdictions are completed within three months. The Commissioner of Health Services has been asked to enforce fire safety audits, monitoring, and compliance reporting in both public and private hospitals through the respective District Civil Surgeons. Meanwhile, the state government has also directed that awards and recognition be given to the brave officers and staff who risked their lives during the disaster to rescue the infants and move them to safety.
Tigress Tranquilised After Killing 4, Dies On Way To Rescue Centre
The tigress had been terrorising parts of Amravati and Wardha districts since the middle of last month.
Tigress that killed 4 dies while being shifted to rescue centre
Amravati: A tigress that was tranquillised and captured on Monday by a special forest department team after it had killed four persons, including two in the last 24 hours, died while being shifted to a rescue centre, an official said. It was tranquillised and captured by a special forest department team in Shirjagaon Kasba in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Theburningquestionof childsafetyin Amravatis government maternity hospital
Three newborn babies died and 36 were rescued after an explosion at Amravatis government maternity hospital, a key healthcare facility serving the district and surrounding areas, including women with critical pregnancies. Snehal Mutha speaks to survivors, rescuers and hospital staff, who flag lapses in fire safety audits
36 Newborns Shifted After Amravati Hospital Fire
Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar termed the fire incident at the Amravati government hospital as unfortunate and announced that a high-level committee has been constituted to probe the matter, with a report expected within eight days.
36 newborns relocated after fire at Amravati hospital NICU
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Father of newborn who died in Amravati NICU fire demands justice
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Maharashtra to submit Amravati hospital fire report in eight days
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Tragic Deaths of Newborns Linked to Oxygen Supply Issues in Amravati Incident
Mumbai, August 24: An emergency meeting was convened at KEM Hospital in Mumbai following the tragic deaths of three newborns in the NICU ward of a womens district hospital in Amravati, where a fire broke out. Dr. Tushar Palwe, Dean of KEM Hospital, addressed safety measures in light of the incident. Dr. Palwe stated, Reports ... Read more Tragic Deaths of Newborns Linked to Oxygen Supply Issues in Amravati Incident
'No fire alarm, sprinkler': Man who lost son in Amravati fire
A devastating fire in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a government hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra, resulted in the deaths of three newborns. Eyewitnesses and grieving parents allege that fire alarms remained silent and water sprinklers failed to activate, pointing to severe safety lapses and hospital negligence. While 36 infants were rescued, families are demanding accountability for the tragic loss of life.
Amravati hospital fire Health Minister says fire audits mandatory, probe to examine lapses
Amravati hospital fire Health Minister says fire audits mandatory, probe to examine lapses
Amravati Hospital Fire: Nurses Braved Smoke, Darkness to Rescue Babies
As the ventilator in the unit burned, the nurses recalled rushing to rescue the charred infants nearby, describing the horrifying scene.
Three newborns die in fire at government hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra
Amravati Hospital Fire: Fadnavis Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex-gratia
The state government will provide Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance to the family of each deceased child, Fadnavis said in a statement.
Amravati Hospital Fire: Father's Desperate Search for Day-Old Son Ends in Heartbreak
Hours after phoning his family to share the joy of becoming a father, Swapnil Barge was frantically searching the corridors of a government hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati for his wife and day-old son - only to learn later that his newborn
Amravati hospital fire: Saw infants covered in black ash, recalls parent
Relatives of some children admitted to the hospital also claimed that the wards water spray system failed to function and said it should have been activated immediately when the fire broke out
Three Newborns Die In Fire At Amravati Hospital After Ventilator Blast
AMRAVATI, Aug 24: Three newborn babies died after a fire broke out in the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of the Amravati District Womens Hospital in Maharashtra early Monday, triggering an emergency evacuation of dozens of infants, officials said. The fire reportedly erupted around 3:30 am after a ventilator exploded on the hospitals third floor, [] The post Three Newborns Die In Fire At Amravati Hospital After Ventilator Blast appeared first on Northlines .
Mumbai, August 24: A devastating fire in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Amravati District Womens Hospital has resulted in the tragic deaths of three infants. The opposition has criticized the state government, asserting that this incident is not merely an accident but a clear example of systemic negligence. NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule ... Read more Tragic Fire at Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Infants, Opposition Blames Government Negligence
Tragic Fire at Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Newborns
Mumbai, August 24: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire at the District Womens Hospital in Amravati, which resulted in the deaths of three newborns. He has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and announced financial assistance for the affected families. In a post on the social media platform ... Read more Tragic Fire at Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Newborns
Three newborns died after a ventilator-linked fire erupted inside Amravati hospital's crowded NICU early Monday.
Maharashtra: 3 Newborns Die After Fire Breaks Out at NICU in Amravati Government Hospital (VIDEO)
Three newborns died after a fire broke out in the NICU of Maharashtra's Amravati District Womens Hospital. Thirty-six infants were rescued as authorities ordered a comprehensive probe.
Three newborns die in fire at government hospitals NICU in Amravati, Maharashtra
A ventilator in the NICU on the third floor of the district womens hospital suddenly sparked at 3.15 a.m., triggering a fire in the unit; six infants admitted to a super speciality hospital, officials said
3 newborns die in fire at govt hospital's NICU in Maharashtra's Amravati
Three newborns were killed when a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a government hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati district early on Monday, officials said. The incident occurred at the district women's hospital, they said. A ventilator in the NICU on the third floor of the hospital suddenly sparked at 3.15 am, triggering a fire in the unit, an official said. After the blaze erupted, doctors, nurses and other staff on duty took the children out of the NICU. Three of the newborns died, the official said. Six infants have been admitted to a super speciality hospital, he added.
3 newborns die in fire at govt hospital
Amravati: Three newborns were killed when a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a government hospital in Maharashtras Amravati district early on Monday, August 24, officials said. The incident occurred at the district womens hospital, they said. Amravati, Maharashtra: Three newborns died after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
3 newborns dead, 6 undergoing treatment after fire at NICU of Amravati District Women's Hospital
Three newborns died after a fire broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Amravati District Women's Hospital. According to information available, the fire began around 3:30 am following an explosion in a ventilator on the third floor of the hospital. A total of 39 infants were being treated in the hospital when the incident took place. The prompt action of doctors, nurses, and other staff on duty saved the lives of several infants, but three of them died. Six of them have been shifted to a super-speciality hospital for further treatment. The condition of the infants admitted to the super-speciality hospital remains unknown.
Tragic Fire at Maharashtras Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Newborns
Amravati, August 24: A devastating fire broke out early Monday morning in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the district womens hospital in Amravati, Maharashtra. Tragically, three newborns lost their lives in this incident. Fortunately, hospital doctors and staff managed to save many other infants. Initial reports indicate that around 3:30 AM, an explosion ... Read more Tragic Fire at Maharashtras Amravati Hospital Claims Lives of Three Newborns
3 babies killed as massive fire rips through hospital in Maharashtra's Amravati
babies killed as massive fire rips through hospital in Maharashtras Amravati
600 students who left 'haunted' Maha school get new hostel
Girl students at a government residential school in Amravati, Maharashtra, are moving to a new hostel after nearly 600 students left, claiming some girls were possessed. Officials attributed the strange behaviour to mental stress and local superstitions, including beliefs about spirits and upset deities. The new hostel aims to alleviate overcrowding and provide a better environment.
'Girls were possessed': 600 students leave 'haunted' hostel
Nearly 600 tribal students abandoned a government-run hostel in Amravati, Maharashtra, after some girls exhibited strange behaviour, leading to claims of spirit possession. Officials suspect mental stress or selective hysteria, while local beliefs attribute the incidents to angry spirits from a cut 'mahua' tree or an encroached temple. Counselling efforts are underway to bring students back.
69 tribal students suffered food poisoning at Amravati ashram shala
The incident took place on Saturday night at the Ashram School in Village Titamba in Dharani taluka, when students complained ofvomiting and stomach pain.
Food poisoning scare, over 100 tribal students hospitalised in Maharashtras Amravati
The students complained of vomiting after eating meals in the residential schools
Watch: Thief Walks Away With 40-Kg Water Cooler On His Shoulder In Amravati
A daring theft has been caught on camera in Maharashtra's Amravati, where a man disconnected and walked away with a 40kg public water cooler outside a gym.
Major Fraud Case in Maharashtra: 51 Lakh Scam Linked to CSR Fund
Amravati, June 29: A significant fraud case has emerged in Amravati district, Maharashtra, where a social organization was duped of 51 lakh rupees under the pretense of securing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. The Dariapur police have registered a case against two accused individuals and have initiated an investigation. According to the police, the scam ... Read more Major Fraud Case in Maharashtra: 51 Lakh Scam Linked to CSR Fund
Five-time bride caught scamming grooms, running away with dowry
Amravati: A 27-year-old woman was arrested in Andhra Pradesh after her marriage scam came to light, with police discovering that she had married five times to defraud grooms. The accused, identified as Vajramani alias Shweta Reddy, had been on the run since 2025 after deserting an Anantapur man, Yaparla Sudheer Reddy and fleeing with Rs Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Maharashtra police bust cyber fraud ring in Goa
Amravati: Amravati Rural Police from Maharashtra have reportedly dismantled an interstate cyber fraud network operating out of a premium residential apartment complex in South Goa. During the raid, authorities arrested 12 individuals, including one woman. The suspects, who hail from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, are accused of using bank accounts belonging to daily []
Maharashtra Government Accelerates Silt Removal to Combat Flooding
Mumbai, June 16: The Maharashtra government is set to launch a dedicated initiative to expedite the removal of silt from rivers and drains across the state. In a meeting held on Tuesday, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule instructed officials to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for silt removal in Nagpur and Amravati districts without delay. ... Read more Maharashtra Government Accelerates Silt Removal to Combat Flooding
Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik conducts surprise visit at Amravati bus station
