Himachal Pradesh: People threaten to launch mass agitation against hydroelectric projects

CHANDIGARH: People are up in arms against the Himachal Pradesh government's plan to commission mega hydroelectric projects in the Chenab basin located across Kullu, Chamba,Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Shimla districts. The projects ranging from 6.5 MW to 400 MW pose significant threat to the delicate ecosystem of the region as it is home to fragile Himalayan glaciers and diverse biodiversity. The local residents, social activists and environmentalists have expressed serious concern over the projects. They have threatened to launch a mass agitation in Lahaul Spiti if the state government goes ahead with the plan. Talking with this newspaper, Advocate Sudarshan Thakur, a member of the people's movement against the 400 MW Seli hydro project around a decade back says, he main reason for opposing these large-scale hydroelectric projects in the Chenab basin is the seismic vulnerability of environmentally fragile Lahaul and Spiti as it is situated in seismic zones 4 and 5. This makes it highly susceptible to earthquakes and has a potential for widespread environmental damage. Moreover, the other reasons for opposing the project include climate change and unbridled development carried out with an eye on local tourism potentials. Thus these projects could exacerbate the regions vulnerability to natural disasters such as landslides and floods, the advocate said. Instead of going for big projects the government should look at the possibilities of small projects which are of 10 to 25 MG upto a maximum of 100 MG which does not require construction of dams and are environment-friendly. Already in few villages cracks have appeared in houses in Lindoor village, he added. Guman Singh, an environmentalist and coordinator of Himalaya Niti Abhiyan said, These mega hydel projects should be banned above 6000 feet height across Himalayan region especially in the Chenab basin of Lahaul Spiti as it is frangile area and can cause soil erosion, landslides also in depletion of glaciers and making a glacier of lakes and they can burst any time. As human activity will increase in this region the depletion of glaciers will also increase many fold as temperatures will rise. These mega-projects can cause habitat destruction, deforestation, and even displacement of communities. The government should not set-up these hydro projects in the eco-sensitive zones like Lahaul Spiti. Look at Kinnaur, how hydro projects have turned that place into a constant landslide zone, he said. Stressing the importance of promoting eco-tourism and emphasizing the need for sustainable development practices in the region, The Save Lahaul and Spiti Society, President BS Rana said, we strongly oppose the commissioning of mega hydroelectric projects in the Chenab Basin as these projects pose far more risk than beneficial. Many local residents believe that large-scale hydropower projects could irreversibly damage the environment of the Himalayan region, impacting water quality, agriculture and wildlife. The state government had recently announced 22 hydro-projects in Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, and Shimla districts ranging from 6.5 MW to 400 MW, with a combined capacity of 828 MW. Out of the proposed 22 projects, nine projects with a total capacity of 595 MW in the Chenab basin of Lahaul Spiti and 8 projects of 169 MW capacity will come up in the Satluj river basin, four projects of 55 MW in the Ravi basin, and one project of 9 MW in the Beas basin. Successive state governments in the last two decades have allotted at least seven hydro projects in Lahaul Spiti in Jispa, Rashel, Tandi, Bardang, Miyar, Tindi, Seli, and Reoli villages. But none of these projects have taken off due to stiff resistance from the locals.

Caste-based social boycott alleged over consumption of Dalit man's prasad in Madhya Pradesh village

BHOPAL: Residents of a village in Madhya Pradeshs Chhatarpur district have claimed they have been ostracised in their own village at the behest of the village sarpanch for consuming prasad (religious offering) given by a Dalit man. Around 20 families from Atrar village, who have alleged social boycott by another section of the village, come from a mix of communities, including scheduled castes, upper castes (particularly Brahmins), and other backward castes (OBCs). The issue began when a group led by the former village sarpanch, who belongs to the scheduled caste, accused the other group, led by the current Brahmin sarpanch, of ostracising them. They claimed this exclusion happened after they consumed laddoos distributed as prasad by an Ahirwar caste man (Ahirwars belong to the scheduled caste), following the fulfilment of a long-standing wish some months ago. On the other hand, the group led by the current sarpanch has denied the allegations, approaching the Chhatarpur district police. They have asserted that the accusations against them are false and stem from long-standing differences between the two factions. Both the police and the Chhatarpur district panchayat have initiated investigations into the matter. Confirming complaints from both sides, Chhatarpur district police superintendent Agam Jain said on Sunday that investigations are underway. The group alleging ostracisation claims they have been excluded from social events, such as marriages, due to their consumption of the prasad. It is worth noting that the former village sarpanch, who leads the group alleging ostracisation, has been at odds with the current sarpanch for years. The groups have had bitter disagreements, particularly after the current sarpanch and his supporters opposed the former sarpanch for allegedly squatting on Gram Sabha land several years ago. Furthermore, an upper-caste man from the group alleging ostracisation was previously accused in a murder case, which he believes was falsely lodged against him due to the rivalry with the other group. A police officer stated, Old conflicts of interest between the two groups may be behind this alleged ostracisation. Both groups have kept their distance from each other for a long time due to these long-standing tensions. Chhatarpur district, where the village is situated, is part of the Bundelkhand region. This region, along with Gwalior-Chambal, Vindhya, and parts of Malwa, is sharply divided along caste lines and has witnessed violent rivalries in the past based on caste differences. In a related incident from eight years ago, a nine-year-old scheduled caste boy from Damoh district in Bundelkhand drowned in a well after being denied access to a hand pump at his school due to his Dalit status.

State govt to allocate 22 new hydropower projects of 828 MW capacity: CM Sukhu

SHIMLA, Jan 2: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said the state government is set to allocate 22 new hydropower projects with a total capacity of 828 MW. The projects, ranging from 6.5 MW to 400 MW, are located across the districts of Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Shimla. He said the largest allocation comprising nine projects with a total capacity of 595 MW is planned for the Chenab river basin. Additionally, eight projects totalling 169 MW [] The post State govt to allocate 22 new hydropower projects of 828 MW capacity: CM Sukhu appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal Pradesh Government to allocate 22 new hydropower projects of 828 MW capacity: CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

The projects, ranging from 6.5 MW to 400 MW, are located across the districts of Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Shimla

Bhopal Diary | BJP to get new state prez in the beginning of 2025

Long-drawn speculations about who will be the next state BJP chief are likely to end in the beginning of the new year. According to sources , the successor to the incumbent and second-time Khajuraho MP VD Sharma is likely to be decided after January 14, when the inauspicious period of Kharmas will have ended. Though the leadership in Delhi is known to spring surprises, the names doing the rounds in party corridors, include former ministers Narottam Mishra, Lal Singh Arya, Arvind Bhadauria (all from Gwalior-Chambal region), and tribal politicians, including ex-union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste. BJP alleges Congress link in crorepati constable case Recent raids at the premises of former transport department constable-turned-businessman Saurabh Sharma has sparked yet another dispute in the long-drawn political rivalry between first-time BJP MLA from Pichhore seat of Shivpuri district Pritam Lodhi and six-time former Congress legislator from the seat, KP Singh Kakkajoo. Lodhi has linked the unaccounted wealth seized from Sharma to former minister Kakkajoo and also demanded a probe into it. Lodhi had lost two straight elections to Kakkajoo, before winning the seat in 2023, when the veteran Congress leader shifted to the Shivpuri seat. BJP MLA to fund language lessons in tiger reserve Former minister and senior most BJP MLA in the state Gopal Bhargava has announced plans to usher English and foreign languages to students of higher secondary schools located in areas close to the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (one of the two sanctuaries forming part of Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve). Inspired by PM Modis call to boost tourism potential of the state, particularly in Bundelkhand region, the nine-time legislator from Sagar district Bhargava announced that he would fund teaching of English and foreign languages at schools to help the students pursue careers in tourism sector. Anuraag singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com

Jammu-Srinagar highway reopens; flight services resume

The 270-km Jammu-Srinagar highway reopened on Sunday after a day-long closure due to heavy snowfall, allowing stranded vehicles to proceed to their destinations. However, several other important inter-district routes, including the Mughal Road, Sinthan Pass, Sonamarg-Kargil inter-UT road, and Bhaderwah-Chamba inter-state road, remained closed for vehicular traffic due to heavy snowfall.

Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Thrown Open, Vehicles Allowed From Both Sides

JAMMU, Dec 29 : After remaining closed for 2 days, 270-kilometre long Srinagar-Jammu National Highway was thrown open for vehicular traffic on Sunday. Officials of the Traffic Department said that passenger vehicles have been allowed to ply on the highway from both sides. They advised commuters to follow lane discipline, as overtaking could cause congestion. They also urged drivers to exercise caution due to slippery road conditions between Banihal and Qazigund. Mughal Road, Sinthan Road, Sonamarg-Kargil Road, and Bhaderwah-Chamba Road [] The post Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Thrown Open, Vehicles Allowed From Both Sides appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Himachal Police rescues 8,000 tourists, 1,500 vehicles stranded by snowfall at Kullu

CHANDIGARH: Himachal Pradesh Police rescued around 8,000 tourists and 1,500 vehicles stranded due to heavy snowfall at Solang Nala of Kullu district on the Manali-Leh highway. Sources said that heavy snowfall affected Lahaul Valley and the Manali area. Traffic was abruptly halted due to a snowstorm leaving vehicles and tourists trapped. The local administration swiftly began rescue operations, by deploying teams of the Kullu Police to ensure the safety of the tourists and other passengers. A senior police official confirmed that all the tourists and vehicles were safely evacuated from snow-bound Solang Nala and transported to a secure location in Manali, away from the affected area. Traffic towards Solang Valley and Lahaul Valley on the Manali-Leh highway beyond Nehru Kund will be restricted in view of public safety. Sources noted that the road is maintained by the BRO, but it lacks evacuation facilities for emergencies, as all-wheel-drive vehicles, snow-clearing equipment, and salt are required to manage heavy snowfall. The district administration had issued warnings to tourists and locals, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel in the area due to the ongoing snowfall and hazardous road conditions. The authorities have been working to clear the highway and restore normalcy, but have cautioned that similar disruptions may occur if the snowfall persists. The administration is monitoring the situation closely and is coordinating with weather agencies to ensure prompt action in case of further weather-related disruptions. Earlier in post of X, Kullu Police wrote, Due to fresh snowfall today on 27.12.2024, about 1000 tourists and other vehicles were stuck in Solang Nala. There were about 5000 tourists in these vehicles. The vehicles and tourists have been rescued by Kullu Police and taken to safe places. The rescue operation is still going on. Heavy rainfall and snowfall were recorded in at least six districts of the state on Friday, including Lahaul-Spiti, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Shimla, and Kinnaur. The IMD has issued an orange alert for snowfall and cold waves in the state on December 27 and 28. From December 29, a renewed cold wave is expected to impact the plains, including Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Una districts. These areas, along with Mandi, Kullu, and Chamba, are likely to experience severe cold conditions until January 1. The IMD also warned of dense fog in isolated areas on January 1, which could reduce visibility and worsen travel conditions. The IMD has advised residents and travellers to remain cautious and take necessary precautions, especially in snow-affected regions, where road blockages and disruptions are expected.

MP Cabinet Approves Rs 35,000 Cr Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Projects

Bhopal : Sixteen projects proposed under the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project were on Thursday accorded administrative approval by the Mohan Yadav cabinet here. The state cabinet which met here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav gave administrative approval to these projects by endorsing the revised Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project to be undertaken in the states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Briefing the reporters after the cabinet meeting, state water resources minister Tulsi Silawat said that the MoU was signed on January 28, 2024 between the Centre, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to prepare a detail project report for the revised Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project cum Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project. The Centre will bear 90 percent of the cost of the project whereas Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will bear ten percent of costs of the project to be done in their respective states. The project proposes to provide irrigation in 4.73 lakh hectares in 1865 villages under ten districts of Guna, Shivpuri, Morena, Ujjain, Sehore, Indore, Dewas, Agar Malwa, Shajapur and Raigarh in Madhya Pradesh. Under the project, modernization of the Chambal right canal system would also be undertaken to ensure irrigation of 3.62 lakh hectares under 1205 villages of districts of Bhind, Morena and Sheopur in the state. The estimated cost of the projects proposed to be undertaken in Madhya Pradesh in the river linking project is Rs 35,000 crore. The cabinet also accorded approval to the Madhya Pradesh Birth and Death Registration Rules, 2024.

Himachal seeks free land transfer, grant-in-aid for cantonment areas

CHANDIGARH: The process of bringing six cantonment areas in Himachal Pradesh under municipalities has hit a roadblock. The state government has requested the Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) to transfer civilian area land along with its title rights free of cost to the state during the proposed excision of these cantonment boards. Additionally, it has demanded a special grant-in-aid from the Centre to cover establishment expenses. The move follows a new condition introduced by the ministry, stipulating that the land ownership rights would remain with the Union government even after transferring assets and liabilities from the army to the state governments. Sources revealed that Principal Secretary, Urban Development, Devesh Kumar, wrote to the Director, Defence Estates, Western Command, Yogesh Kumar, on November 27. The letter pointed out that the central government is only transferring the proprietary rights of the land to the state government for providing civic amenities and municipal services in the excised areas without transferring title rights. A copy of the letter, accessed by this newspaper, stated, In this context, on perusal of the guiding principles for excision of civil areas from cantonments and their merger with adjoining state municipalities issued by the Government of India, it seems that the Government of India is only transferring the proprietary rights to the state government over the assets for providing civic amenities and municipal services in the excised area without transferring the title rights over the land to the state government. You would agree that land is a basic factor for the socio-economic development of any area and, in the case concerned, due to rapid urbanisation in and around the cantonment boards, the ownership of land with MoD (GoI) may impede the development of social infrastructure (such as schools, anganwadis, hospitals). In addition, the laying of systems for better sanitation, drinking water, roads, and paths would also make the implementation process cumbersome. The letter further emphasised the need for full implementation of central and state-sponsored schemes for the welfare of civilians residing in these cantonments. It stated, The cantonment boards in the present scenario need the full-throttle application of the central and state-sponsored schemes for the welfare of the civilians residing in these cantonment boards, which requires the transferring of ownership over the built-up (except military stations) and vacant land to the state government, free of cost, on the analogy of cantonment board-khas Yol (Dharamsala) in the year 2023. Additionally, the state government highlighted the need for a special grant-in-aid from the Union Government to manage the establishment expenses, as the liabilities of the cantonment boards amount to Rs 30 crore annuallysix times higher than their revenue generation of Rs 5 crore. The letter also stressed the necessity of assessing the geotechnical feasibility before finalising timelines for separating assets. It stated that providing accessibility to military stations, alternate access to civilian areas, and joint civic amenitiesespecially in Jutogh and Dalhousie cantonmentsneeded careful planning. This correspondence was in response to a letter sent by the MoD to the Himachal Chief Secretary on July 5, asking for feedback on the proposed excision. Earlier, on June 25, the ministry had introduced the condition that land ownership rights would remain with the Union government even after transferring assets and liabilities to the state governments. This marked a shift from the ministrys earlier stance, under which proprietary rights over all assets in excised areas were to be transferred to state governments and municipalities free of cost. Himachal Pradesh has six cantonment boardsKasauli, Dagshai, and Subathu in Solan district; Jutogh in Shimla district; and Bakloh and Dalhousie in Chamba district. The separation of civil and army areas within these cantonments has been a longstanding demand of locals, as they lack ownership rights and are excluded from state-sponsored welfare schemes. Notably, on April 28 last year, Khas Yol Cantonment Board in Kangra district became the first in the country to be de-notified. Its civil area was excised from the cantonment and merged with the local panchayat body.

Snowfall in Himachal leads to closure of 177 roads, Shimla hotel room occupancy rises to 70 pc

Shimla, Dec 24: At least 177 roads, including three national highways, were closed in Himachal Pradesh following snowfall in several districts, officials said on Tuesday. Snowfall was recorded in the Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti and the higher reaches of Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba and Sirmaur districts. A second consecutive day of snowfall has led to an increase in tourist inflow amid hope on a white Christmas. Shimla Hotel and Tourism Stakeholders Association president MK Seth told PTI that hotel occupancy [] The post Snowfall in Himachal leads to closure of 177 roads, Shimla hotel room occupancy rises to 70 pc appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

1,500 vehicles stranded near Atal Tunnel amid heavy snowfall in Himachal; all tourists rescued

CHANDIGARH: Due to heavy snowfall, around 1,500 vehicles were stranded between Solang and the Atal Tunnel on the Manali-Leh highway in Himachal Pradesh. Rescue operations have been successfully completed, with all tourists evacuated. As of today, 174 roads, including three national highways, remain blocked in the state due to icy road surface conditions. Sources reported that a fresh spell of heavy snowfall in Manali yesterday left 1,500 vehicles stuck, stranding tourists for hours at Dhundi and at both the north and south portals of the Atal Tunnel. With a long traffic jam worsening the situation, the state police launched a rescue operation, shifting all tourists to safer locations. The rescue teams worked tirelessly throughout the night, assisting drivers in navigating their vehicles and ensuring the safety of all passengers. Most of the stranded vehicles were returned to Manali from the Lahaul side by late night. The rescue operation started at 2 PM yesterday and completed at 10 AM today, said a senior police official. It is learnt that most of the stranded vehicles were tourist cars, many of which were not equipped for snowy road conditions. Civil authorities, along with police officials from the district administration, were present at the site to coordinate rescue efforts. Authorities have advised tourists to travel in 4x4 vehicles designed for snowy terrains and equipped with snow chains for better traction. According to data from the state emergency operation centre, the total number of roads blocked in the hill state as of today stands at 174, including three national highways. Of these, 89 roads are blocked in Shimla district, 44 in Kinnaur, 25 in Mandi, two national highways in Kullu, one in Lahaul and Spiti, six roads in Kangra, three in Una, and one in Chamba district. All roads have been closed due to icy surface conditions. Earlier, Shimla was blanketed in a pristine sheet of snow, bringing hope and joy to the city. The snowfall, which began after a two-week gap since the first snowfall on 8 December, has not only delighted visitors but also rejuvenated the spirits of the local tourism industry, which has been struggling to recover from losses inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Day temperatures drop sharply in North India; intense cold wave persists in Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Day temperatures dropped sharply in several areas of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh after light rain hit parts of north India on Monday, even as intense cold wave conditions persisted in Kashmir with mercury dipping several degrees below freezing point. In Himachal Pradesh, Shimla and nearby areas also witnessed light snowfall which led to the closure of 30 roads in the state. People in the national capital woke up to a drizzle and fog with the minimum temperature settling at 8.6 degrees Celsius, a notch below the season's average, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The maximum temperatures in Haryana and Punjab witnessed a sharp dip as rain lashed many parts the two states. According to the Met office, Chandigarh, which received light rain during the day, recorded a maximum temperature of 13.7 degrees Celsius, down six notches against normal. In Haryana, Ambala recorded a maximum temperature of 13.2 degrees Celsius, down six notches against normal while Hisar also had a cold day at a high of 14.1 degrees. High altitude areas in Uttarakhand including the famous Himalayan temples received fresh snowfall and icy winds sweeping across the state. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri and Hemkund Sahib in Garhwal Himalayas and Munsiyari in Kumaon region received fresh snowfall intensifying cold throughout the state. The sky remained overcast throughout the day at many places including Dehradun which also received a drizzle. Mussoorie, Dhanolti and Chakrata also received snowfall, much to the delight of tourists. Temperatures dropped sharply. People were seen sitting around bonfires along the roadside to warm themselves. VIDEO | Severe cold freezes waterfalls in Uttarakhand. Visuals from Chamoli's Niti Valley. (Full video available on PTI Videos- https://t.co/n147TvrpG7 ) pic.twitter.com/DwE2bHFrsj Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 23, 2024 Cold weather conditions also prevailed in Karnal during the day at 13.6 degrees while Sirsa recorded a high of 14.8 degrees. However, minimum temperatures hovered above normal at many places in Haryana including Hisar (10.8 degrees), Rohtak (11.8), and Gurugram (11.4). In Punjab, Patiala braved the chill recording a high of 13 degrees Celsius, which was six notches below normal. Amritsar recorded a maximum of 16.4 degrees while Ludhiana recorded a high of 14.5 degrees. The minimum temperatures at many places in Punjab hovered close to or below normal limits, with Gurdaspur reeling under severe chill at 4 degrees. In Jammu and Kashmir, the weather office asked tourists to follow the advisory issued by the traffic police in view of the sub freezing temperatures and icy conditions over roads of important higher reaches in the Kashmir valley. Snowfall in Himachal brings cheer to tourists, orange alert issued Intense cold wave conditions persisted in the valley leading to the freezing of water supply lines while a thin layer of ice covered the surface of several water bodies. Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, rising by nearly four degrees from the previous night, the meteorological office said. Pahalgam, the base camp for annual Amarnath Yatra in South Kashmir, registered a minimum temperature of minus 5 degrees Celsius, almost unchanged from the previous night, it said. The Met office has predicted a dip of two to three degrees in minimum temperatures over the next 48 hours. Shimla, the Himachal capital, on Monday recorded the season's second light snowfall while some other parts of the state received intermittent rain and snow. The nearby tourist spots of Kufri and Narkanda and the higher reaches of Kharapathar, Chaurdhar and Chanshal South portal of the Atal tunnel, and Samdho also received snowfall. Shimla recorded 8 cm of snowfall while Kalpa recorded 7 cm. As GRAP fails, Delhi pollution strategy looks suspect A few areas in Himachal's lower hills received light intermittent rain, the Met office said. The snow led to the closure of 30 roads, including the national highways between Attari and Leh, and Khab Sangam in Kinnaur district and Gramphoo in Lahaul and Spiti district, the State Emergency Operation Centre said. The snowfall brought cheer to tourists, locals and farmers. The Met had forecast rain and snow in the mid and higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and Saturday. The snowfall also brought cheer to apple growers, raising hope for good yields in the upper Shimla region. Tourism stakeholders said the snowfall was also expected to boost footfall. Local hotelier Sushant Nag said occupancy was set to rise as snowfall drew tourists. However, intense cold wave persisted in the lower hills, including Una, Hamirpur, Chamba and Mandi. The Met office issued an 'orange' warning for severe cold in Bilaspur, Una, Hamirpur and Mandi till Thursday. There was a marked fall in maximum temperatures. Una recorded the day temperature at 16.8 degrees Celsius. Tabo was the coldest place in the state, recording a minimum temperature of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius. Power cuts add to Jammu and Kashmir winter woes The Met office said an active western disturbance was likely to affect the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains from Friday. Light rain and snow are likely at many places on Monday and Saturday and at isolated places on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, causing a gradual fall in temperatures, it said. The high-altitude tribal areas and mountain passes continued to experience biting cold, with temperatures plummeting 14 to 18 degrees below freezing point, the Met office said. In Rajasthan, light rain, triggered by a western disturbance, hit several parts of the state over the past 24 hours, accompanied by dense fog at some places, the Met office said. Rainfall ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm was logged in several areas including Ganganagar, Churu, Bikaner, Anupgarh, Pilani (Jhunjhunu), it said. Fog prevailed at many places of western Rajasthan with Alwar recording the lowest minimum temperature at 7.4 degrees Celsius. A fresh western disturbance is expected to become active on Thursday and Friday and its effect will be seen in Udaipur, Kota, Ajmer and Bharatpur divisions, the weather office said.

From Vajpayee's Vision To Modis Execution: Long-Delayed Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal Project Finally Comes Through

PM promises tap water to all homes

JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) in Jaipur. The ceremony for the project also marked the completion of one year of the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government in Rajasthan. During the event, the agreement between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for the ambitious project was unveiled. The Central government has designated the ERCP as a national project and committed to bear 90% of the total project cost. The remaining 10% will be shared equally by the Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments. As part of the foundation-laying ceremony, Modi poured water from replicas of the Parvati, Kalisindh, and Chambal rivers into a pot, named the Ram Setu Kalash. He announced that Rajasthan would benefit significantly from the agreement, with tap water expecting to reach 100% of the states households. He noted that the water ministry is overseeing the initiative. Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 24 infrastructure projects worth over Rs 46,300 crore, spanning sectors such as electricity, water, roads, and railways. In his address, Modi attacked the previous Congress government in the state and held it responsible for delays in the ERCP project. Instead of resolving the issue, Congress kept fueling water disputes between states. People will certainly question Congress about why they failed to finalise the ERCP agreement, he said. The PM praised former CM Vasundhara Raje, acknowledging her role in initiating the ERCP during her second term and highlighted her efforts in drafting the framework for connecting the Parvati, Kalisindh, and Chambal rivers. Recalling Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Jaswant Singh, Modi said, When I was chief minister, both leaders came to Gujarat to discuss providing Narmada water to Rajasthan. Because of that initiative, districts like Churu, Jhunjhunu, Hanumangarh, Jalore, and Barmer are now benefitting from Narmada water. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav stated that the 20-year-old water dispute between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh has been resolved. He described the ERCP as a boon for both states. Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma echoed this sentiment, terming the event historic. The Congress, however, dismissed the event as a political stunt. The Congress claims that due to political animosity, the BJP kept the ERCP on hold in five years of the Ashok Gehlot government. Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasara accused the Central government of misleading the people on the ERCP. Gehlot also alleged that the BJP had compromised Rajasthans interests. The PKC-ERCP is directly linked to a population of 3.45 crore across 21 districts in Rajasthan. These districts include Jaipur, Kota, Jhalawar, Baran, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Dausa, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Gangapur City, Beawar, Kekri, Dudu, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Deeg, and Jaipur Rural. The project aims to alleviate water crisis in eastern Rajasthan, providing drinking water to households and irrigation water to farmers, thereby benefiting both urban and rural populations in the region.

PM Modi criticises Congress for neglecting farmers, hails BJPs developmental efforts

JAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday criticised the Congress, accusing it of making lofty claims about farmers while failing to take any tangible action for their welfare. He alleged that the Congress neither helps farmers nor allows others to do so. Addressing the 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' event to mark the completion of one year of the Rajasthan government, Modi also accused the Congress of promoting water disputes between states instead of resolving them. He highlighted the delay in the implementation of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) as evidence of the Congress's intentions. The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) was delayed for so long by the Congress. This is also a direct proof of the Congress intentions. They talk big in the name of farmers but neither do anything themselves nor let others do anything, he said. The ERCP aims to transfer water within the Chambal Basin to address the water needs of 13 deficient districts in eastern Rajasthan. Modi noted that the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project (Integrated PKC-ERCP) would provide irrigation and drinking water to 21 districts in Rajasthan, accelerating development in both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister accused the Congress of encouraging discord over water resources. The BJPs policy is of dialogue, not of conflict. We believe in cooperation, not opposition. We believe in solutions, not disruption. Therefore, our government has approved and expanded the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project. As soon as the BJP governments were formed in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, an agreement was reached on the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal project, he said. Recalling his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Modi said, I launched a big campaign to bring Narmada water to different parts of Gujarat, but the Congress and some NGOs adopted various tactics to stop it. The Congress never wants to reduce water problems. The water of our rivers used to flow across borders, but our farmers did not benefit. Instead of finding solutions, the Congress continued to promote water disputes between states. Modi also highlighted the BJPs popularity, saying, The nation has given the BJP the opportunity to serve for the third consecutive time in the Lok Sabha. This has not happened in India in the last 60 years. Today, the BJPs double-engine governments are symbols of good governance. Whatever resolution the BJP takes, it makes honest efforts to fulfil it. Today, the people of the country are saying that the BJP is the guarantee of good governance. Praising the Bhajanlal Sharma-led Rajasthan government, Modi said, In the last one year, Bhajanlal ji and his entire team have worked very hard to give new momentum and direction to Rajasthans development. This first year has laid a strong foundation for the years to come. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat laid the foundation of development in Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje took it forward, and now Bhajanlal Sharmas government is enriching good governance. The impact can be seen within a year. He emphasised the Central governments efforts to improve rural economies and promote solar energy in Rajasthan, stating, Rajasthan has immense potential in solar energy and can become the leading state in the sector. Highlighting infrastructure developments, Modi said, The Jamnagar-Amritsar Economic Corridor will provide direct connectivity to Kandla for northern India. Rajasthans transport sector will benefit, big warehouses will be built, and new job opportunities will be created. He also mentioned the BJP's victories in Maharashtra, Haryana, and by-elections in Rajasthan, adding, The BJP makes honest efforts to fulfil every promise it makes. On women empowerment, Modi said, Ten crore women, including lakhs from Rajasthan, joined Self-Help Groups in the last decade. He also referred to women-focused schemes like the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, Namo Drone Didi Scheme, and Bima Sakhi Scheme. The Prime Minister urged BJP workers to focus on water conservation and raise awareness about it, calling the BJP not just the largest political party but also a huge social movement. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also addressed the gathering, highlighting his governments achievements. Union ministers C R Patil, Bhagirath Chaudhary, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, and other leaders were also present. Earlier, Modi arrived at the venue in an open jeep, flanked by the Chief Minister on his left and BJP state president Madan Rathore on his right. Women carrying 'Kalash' on their heads escorted the vehicle. During the programme, the Prime Minister symbolically mixed water from different rivers in a pot to signify the interlinking of rivers.

Modi: Congress talks big on farmers, does nothing for them

Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hit out at the Congress, saying they talk big in the name of farmers but they neither do anything for them nor let others do anything. He also alleged the party encourages water disputes among states rather than resolving them, and said the delay in the implementation of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) is a direct proof of the Congress' intention. The ERCP envisages intra-basin transfer of water within the Chambal Basin to provide it to 13 deficient districts of eastern Rajasthan. The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) was delayed for so long by the Congress, this is also a direct proof of the Congress' intentions. They talk big in the name of farmers but they neither do anything themselves for the farmers nor let others do anything, Modi said. He was addressing the 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' event to mark the completion of the Rajasthan government's one year in office. He also inaugurated or laid the foundation stones for 24 projects related to energy, road, railways and water worth over Rs 46,300 crore. The prime minister said the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link Project (Integrated PKC-ERCP) will provide irrigation as well as drinking water facility to 21 districts of Rajasthan and accelerate the development of both Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. On various water disputes between states, he said while the BJP's policy is to promote dialogue, the Congress continues to fan water discords. The BJP's policy is of dialogue, not of conflict. We believe in cooperation, not opposition. We believe in solutions, not disruption. Therefore, our government has approved and also expanded the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project. As soon as the BJP government was formed in MP and Rajasthan, an agreement was reached on the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal project, he said. The prime minister noted that he had launched a big campaign to bring Narmada water to different parts of Gujarat when he was the chief minister, and charged the Congress and some NGOs adopted various tactics to stop it. The Congress never wants to reduce water problems...The water of our rivers used to flow to across the borders, but our farmers did not get its benefits. Instead of finding a solution, the Congress continued to promote water disputes between states, he said. PM Modi also said that the BJP is getting huge public support in different states where elections were held. The nation has given the BJP the opportunity to serve the country for the third consecutive time in Lok Sabha. This did not happen in India in the last 60 years, he said. Today, the BJP's double engine governments are becoming a symbol of good governance. Whatever resolution the BJP takes, it makes honest efforts to fulfil it. Today, the people of the country are saying that BJP is the guarantee of good governance, he said, and lauded the work of Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government in the state. In the last one year, Bhajanlal ji and his entire team have worked very hard to give new momentum and direction to the development of Rajasthan. This first year has, in a way, laid a strong foundation for the many years to come, he said. Modi said people blessed the BJP with the responsibility to serve Rajasthan for multiple terms and party did its best. Bhairon Singh Shekhawat laid a strong foundation of development in Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje took the legacy forward and now Bhajanlal Sharma's government is engaged in further enriching good governance. Its impact can be seen in one year, he said. Modi said the Central government is constantly trying to improve the economic condition of villages and focusing on promoting every means of earning there. Rajasthan has ample potential for solar energy and it can become the leading state in the sector, he said. The PM said north India will get direct connectivity to Kandla from the Jamnagar-Amritsar Economic Corridor. Rajasthan's transport sector will benefit. Big warehouses will be built and new job opportunities will be created, he said. The BJP makes honest efforts to fulfil every promise it makes. The BJP has been getting huge support in states. The country has given the party the opportunity to serve the country for the third time in a row in Lok Sabha, he said. He also mentioned the victory of the party in Maharashtra and Haryana assembly elections, and bypolls in Rajasthan. Talking about women empowerment, he said 10 crore women, including lakhs from Rajasthan, joined Self-Help Groups in the last decade. He also highlighted the government's women-specific programmes such as the Lakhpati Didi scheme, Namo Drone Didi Scheme and Bima Sakhi Scheme. The PM encouraged party workers to work towards water conservation and make people aware about it, saying the BJP is not just the biggest political party but a huge social movement. CM Bhajanlal also addressed the meeting and highlighted the achievements of his government. Union ministers C R Patil, Bhagirath Chaudhary, Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa and other leaders were also present in the programme. Earlier, Modi reached the meeting venue in an open jeep, flanked on his left by the CM and BJP state president Madan Rathore on his right. The vehicle was escorted by a group of women carrying 'Kalash' on head. During the programme, Modi also mixed water of different rivers in a pot to symbolise the interlinking of rivers.

PM Modi Attends 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' Programme in Jaipur, Inaugurates Major Projects

Jaipur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' Programme, in Jaipur today, December 17, marking the first anniversary of the BJP-Government in Rajasthan. He also laid the foundation stone for 24 major projects estimated at over Rs 46,300 crore. These projects span across the sectors like Energy, Road, Railway, and Water, aimed at boosting infrastructure and development in the state. Addressing the 'Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh' program, which marked the completion of one year of the BJP government in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing trust of the people in the BJP's government. He noted the party's recent victories in the Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly elections, as well as the Lok Sabha election. PM Modi praised the accomplishments of the BJP government in Rajasthan, led by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and emphasized that the BJP's double-engine government is becoming synonymous with good governance. This milestone event celebrated the government's achievements over the past year, demonstrating its commitment to the state's development. During his visit to Rajasthan, PM Modi also launched several projects, including the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, which aimed to attract investments and promote economic growth in the state. The inauguration included nine projects worth over Rs 11,000 crore, consisting of seven central government projects and two state government initiatives. Additionally, PM Modi laid the foundation for 15 projects valued at more than Rs 35,300 crore, which included nine central government projects and six state projects. Some of the key projects inaugurated during the event included the Navnera Barrage, Smart Electricity Transmission Network, Railway electrification projects in Rajasthan, and a major bridge over the Mej River as part of the Delhi-Vadodara Green Field Alignment (NH-148N). These projects are expected to enhance transportation, meet energy needs, and promote sustainable energy in line with the Prime Ministers vision for green energy. PM Modi also laid the foundation for the construction of two major barrages: Ramgarh Barrage and Mahalpur Barrage. These will help transfer water from the Navnera Barrage to Bisalpur Dam and Isarda Dam via an aqueduct on the Chambal River, at a cost of over Rs 9,400 crore. Further emphasizing his commitment to renewable energy, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for rooftop solar plants on government office buildings. He also initiated the development of a 2000 MW solar park, along with two 1000 MW solar park phases in Poogal (Bikaner). Other projects included the construction of drinking water transmission lines from Saipau (Dholpur) to various towns, as well as railway infrastructure upgrades such as the Luni-Samdari-Bhildi Double Line and the Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur Double Line. The event highlighted PM Modi's focus on enhancing Rajasthan's infrastructure, promoting green energy, and improving water supply and transportation for the state.

Rajasthan to Get Rs 46,300 Crore Boost as PM Modi Launches New Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit Rajasthan today, December 17, to participate in the Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh programme, which celebrates the completion of one year of the state government. During his visit to Jaipur, the Prime Minister will launch and inaugurate several key projects, with a total value exceeding Rs 46,300 crore. As per the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the event will feature the inauguration of nine major projects worth over Rs 11,000 crore, including seven central government initiatives and two state government projects. Additionally, PM Modi will lay the foundation stones for 15 other projects valued at over Rs 35,300 crore. These projects will cover various sectors, including energy, transportation, and water supply. Among the inaugurated projects, some key initiatives include the Navnera Barrage, a Smart Electricity Transmission Network, and railway electrification for the Bhildi-Samdari-Luni-Jodhpur-Merta Road-Degana-Ratangarh section. Another major project is Package 12 of the Delhi-Vadodara Green Field Alignment (NH-148N), which will include a major bridge over the Mej River. These projects aim to boost connectivity, fulfill energy demands, and support the Prime Ministers vision of green energy. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation for several important water-related projects, such as the Ramgarh Barrage and Mahalpur Barrage, alongside a system that will transfer water from the Navnera Barrage to Bisalpur and Isarda Dams via an aqueduct on the Chambal River. With a combined cost of over Rs 9,400 crore, these water initiatives will help meet the growing water needs of the region. Other significant projects include the installation of rooftop solar plants on government buildings, the creation of a 2,000 MW solar park, and the development of two 1,000 MW solar parks in Poogal, Bikaner. Additionally, a drinking water transmission line from Saipau (Dholpur) to Bharatpur will be established, improving water accessibility in the area. In the transport sector, PM Modi will lay the foundation for several railway projects, such as the Luni-Samdari-Bhildi Double Line, Ajmer-Chanderiya Double Line, and Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur Double Line, which will improve the region's railway network. There will also be key energy transmission projects to meet the growing power requirements of the state. These projects reflect the government's commitment to improving infrastructure, ensuring sustainable energy, and meeting the needs of Rajasthans growing population.

45% of springs in Himalayas dry up in 4 decades, rising temp key factor: Study

NEW DELHI: Approximately 45% of the springs in the Himalayas have completely dried up due to rising temperatures and a decline in both rainfall and snowfall over the past four decades, says a recent study. This reduction will impact the rural communities drinking water, agriculture, and daily household needs. The study surveyed 276 spring sites in the western Himalayas, primarily in Himachal Pradesh. It revealed that one-third of the spring water discharge has decreased. Of the springs surveyed, 45% have completely dried up, while 26% have become semi-active, transitioning from perennial springs to those that depend on the monsoon. The research focused on four Himachal districts, analyzing 117 spring sites in Chamba, 53 in Lahaul-Spiti, 48 in Kullu, and 58 in Kinnaur. The findings showed that 58 of the 117 springs in Chambat, 21 of the 53 in Lahaul-Spiti, 17 of the 48 in Kullu, and 29 of the 58 in Kinnaur have either vanished or completely dried up. It underscores the concerning trend in the western Himalayas, where 45% of the springs have dried up and 26% are now monsoon dependants, resulting in reduced water discharge and soil moisture loss. The researchers examined 276 spring water sites across four Himachal districts. They analyzed 117 springs in Chamba, 53 in Lahaul-Spiti, 48 in Kullu, and 58 in Kinnaur. The findings revealed that 58 of the 117 springs in Chamba district, 21 out of 53 in Lahaul-Spiti, 17 out of 48 in Kullu, and 29 out of 58 in Kinnaur have either vanished or dried up. The study, titled Climatic Impacts on Spring Disappearance in the Indian Himalayas, was published in a Taylor & Francis journal.

Madhya Pradesh Starts Working on Projects to Interlink Its Rivers

Bhopal : Madhya Pradesh government has started working on projects to interlink the rivers with an objective to expand irrigation facilities in the state. Official sources said on Sunday that the state government has now focused its attention on preparing the projects to interlink the rivers to expand irrigation facilities and provide drinking water to the parched regions of the state. Sources said that the state government is studying the feasibility of interlinking particular rivers to provide irrigation facilities to the non-irrigated lands to yield benefits to the farmers, besides providing drinking water to the villages facing a water crisis in the summer. The river interlinking projects are being mulled in the way of projects like the Ken-Betwa River Interlinking project and the Parbati-KaliSindh- Chambal Interlinking project proposed to be unveiled soon. There are around 207 small and large rivers in Madhya Pradesh.

PM Modi to inaugurate Rs 40,000-cr project to link 11 rivers to solve water crisis in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

Prime Minister Modi will dedicate a Rs 40,000 crore project linking 11 rivers in Rajasthan, aiming to alleviate the state's water crisis. The project, integrating the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal link with the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project, will benefit 21 districts in Rajasthan and several in Madhya Pradesh, providing drinking water, irrigation, and industrial water supply.

Suspected IED found in Batala Police Station

CHANDIGARH: A suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found in the compound of Ghanieke Bangar police station in Batala, causing panic in the area. The incident comes just days ahead of Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singhs scheduled visit to Qadian on Sunday, prompting heightened security measures. The police station, located about fourteen kilometres from Batala city, became the center of a swift and serious investigation after the discovery of the suspected device. Senior police officers rushed to the spot to begin a thorough inquiry into the matter. Given the upcoming visit by the Defense Minister, the Batala police had already implemented elaborate security arrangements. However, this development has further strained resources, as senior officers were busy preparing for the high-profile visit when the information surfaced. A senior police officer stated, The police is verifying the object, as for some reason it cannot be a hand grenade. Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory have been called to examine the object, and only then can we ascertain with clarity what this device is. Sources indicated that two Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) sympathizers, Gopi Nawashaharia and Harpreet Singh, alias Happy Pashia, have claimed responsibility for the incident. Gopi, believed to be hiding in California after fleeing to the US on a fake passport, is involved in the murder of former BKI militant Rattandeep Singh. Meanwhile, Happy Pashia, a gangster-turned-terrorist also based in the US, has been actively recruiting youth from economically weaker sections in Ramdass, Amritsar, and Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, to carry out terror activities. Pashia, wanted in over fifteen cases of murder, attempted murder, and extortion, is linked to several criminal modules in Punjab. In a related development, the Punjab Police announced a major breakthrough with the disruption of a terror module backed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and operated by BKI. A juvenile was apprehended for allegedly planting an IED outside Ajnala Police Station. Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed the development on social media, writing, In a major breakthrough, @PunjabPoliceInd has disrupted a #Pakistan-#ISI-backed terror module run by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operative Harvinder Rinda and Harpreet Singh @ Happy Passia and executed by foreign-based gangster Gurdev Singh @ Jaisel @ Pehalwan, a native of village Chambal in #TarnTaran. Acting on intelligence inputs, the police arrested Jashandeep Singh of Amritsar along with a juvenile. During interrogation, the duo admitted to placing the IED at Ajnala Police Station on November 23, 2024, and carrying out other attacks. Two hand grenades, a pistol, ammunition, and a motorcycle were seized from the accused. DGP Yadav stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full network involving Rinda, Happy Pashia, and Gurdev Jaisel. An FIR has been registered at the State Special Operation Cell in Amritsar, and further developments are awaited.

Madhya Pradesh: Atals dream of river interlinking to take shape, says CM

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday said that he strived hard to deliver by removing hurdles in the implementation of some long pending vital projects such as interlinking of rivers during his maiden year in the office. Chief minister Mr Yadav who completes one year in the office on Friday said that the dream of former late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee would be realized when the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa interlinking project would be laid by PM Narendra Modi in Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh on December 25. He said that the ambitious multi-purpose project which is billed to bring immense benefits to Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh was conceived during the tenure of former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. But the project could not make any headway due to the issues such as forest clearance and lack of coordination among the government departments concerned, he said. After I became chief minister, I focused on the issue and removed all the bottlenecks in seeing the project light of the day, he said. Similarly, the Parbati- KaliSindh- Chambal interlinking project faced delay due to the lack of support by the former Congress government in Rajasthan. After BJP came to power in Rajasthan, all the hurdles in the clearance of the project have been removed by the two BJP-ruled states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The chief minister admitted that the Ladli Behna Yojana, the flagship scheme of the previous Shivraj Singh Chouhan government providing a monthly incentive of Rs 1,000 to the women beneficiaries of the scheme, has put pressure on the state exchequer. A staggering amount of Rs 19212 crore has so far been released to 1.29 crore women beneficiaries under the scheme. But the state government is exploring new avenues to generate additional revenues to support all the welfare schemes including the Ladli Behna Yojana, he added. No welfare scheme in the state will be discontinued, he said. He further said that his government has undertaken several measures to improve the health facilities in the state. One of the significant steps taken by his government in this direction was to merge the two departments of health and medical education, he said. Mr Yadav said that he coined a new concept of inclusive industrialization in the state by conducting regional industry conclaves in some cities to woo investment in these regions.

MP: PM Modi to inaugurate global investors summit in February

Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given his consent to inaugurate the Global Investors Summit, scheduled to be held in Bhopal in February 2025. This was informed by chief minister Mohan Yadav to his ministerial colleagues at the cabinet meeting, held here late on Tuesday evening. The state government expects to woo huge foreign investments for Madhya Pradesh at the summit. Mr Yadav met the PM in the parliament house on Tuesday. Briefing the reporters after the cabinet meeting, deputy chief minister Rajendra Shukla said that the date for laying foundation for the ambitious Ken-Betwa Link Project is yet to be decided. Mr Modi may lay the foundation for the project. As many as ten districts in the state will be benefitted by the project. The districts to be benefitted by the river linking project are Chhatarpur, Panna, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Sheopur, Damoh, Datia, Raisen, Vidisha and Sagar. The project will irrigate over 8.1 lakh hectares in Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh and another 2.5 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh. The project will also supply drinking water to 45 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh and 25 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh. According to him, the PM is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the Parvati- KaliSindh-Chambal river linking project in Jaipur in Rajasthan on December 17.

Himachal CM Sukhu launches six new schemes to mark two years in office

CHANDIGARH: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday launched six schemes and distributed financial assistance to beneficiaries to mark two years of his government in Himachal Pradesh. The initiatives aim to promote natural farming, support small farmers, enhance rural incomes, and improve healthcare access. At an event in Bilaspurs Luhnu Ground, Sukhu introduced Him Bhog Atta, a maize-based flour produced through natural farming practices. The state government procured 398 metric tonnes of maize from 1,506 farmers across 10 districts, transferring Rs 1.20 crore directly to their bank accounts. Himachal offers the highest support price for wheat and maize in the country, said Sukhu. The government also launched the Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up scheme, integrating 36,000 new farmers this year under the Rs 680 crore initiative. To support small farmers and livestock owners, Sukhu rolled out a scheme to buy organic compost and vermin-compost at `300 per quintal. The government also disbursed Rs 1 lakh to 100 farmers via direct benefit transfer (DBT) to strengthen rural incomes. Further, Sukhu handed over keys to 16 electric taxi owners under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme 2023. The initiative offers a 50% subsidy for e-taxi purchases, with vehicles leased to government offices for five years, ensuring a stable income for owners. In the first phase, the government plans to provide around 150 permits for e-taxis. The CM also launched the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana, disbursing Rs 1.38 crore to 5,145 beneficiaries. The scheme, with an annual budget of Rs 53.21 crore, provides financial aid to childrens education, widows, destitute women, divorced women, and parents with disabilities, aiming to prevent child exploitation and support vulnerable families. Sukhu introduced the Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Project (HP Shiva), a Rs 1,292 crore initiative to boost horticulture across seven districts. The project aims to cultivate fruits like oranges, guavas, and plums over 6,000 hectares, benefiting 15,000 families and generating an estimated market value of `400 crore annually by 2032. Additionally, Sukhu flagged off five mobile Ayush healthcare units to serve remote tribal areas such as Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, and Sirmaurs Shillai block. Each unit will provide Ayurveda, Unani, and Homeopathy treatments to underserved regions. Lastly, under the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana (MMSAY), Sukhu extended Rs. 1.90 crore in financial aid to 197 beneficiaries in Bilaspur. This included pension support and housing grants, among others.

Himachal CM Sukhu launches six new schemes as his government completes two years in office

CHANDIGARH: On the completion of two years of the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday launched six new schemes and distributed financial assistance to beneficiaries. At an event at Luhnu Ground in Bilaspur, marking the completion of two years of the present state governments tenure, aiming to promote natural farming, CM Sukhu introduced Him Bhog Atta, prepared from maize grown using natural farming practices. The government procured 398 metric tonnes of maize from 1,506 farmers of ten districts of the state and transferred Rs 1.20 crore directly to their bank accounts. With Himachal Pradesh offering the highest support price in the country for wheat (Rs 40 per kg) and maize (Rs 30 per kg), over 1.98 lakh farmers across 35,000 hectares were engaged in natural farming. To further encourage this, 36,000 new farmers are being integrated this year. To benefit small farmers and livestock owners and fulfill the guarantee enshrined in the Congress Pratigya Patra, Sukhu launched a scheme to purchase organic compost and vermin compost at Rs 300 per quintal. Payments of Rs 1 lakh were distributed to 100 farmers via direct benefit transfer (DBT). This initiative aims to boost farmer's incomes thereby strengthening the rural economy. He also handed over keys to 16 electric taxi owners under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme 2023. Beneficiaries received a 50 per cent subsidy for purchasing the e-taxis with the vehicles leased to government offices for five years. This arrangement guarantees a stable monthly income for taxi owners. The state government aims to provide around 150 permits to e-taxi owners in the first phase. Sukhu also rolled out the Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana by disbursing Rs 1.38 crore to the eligible 5,145 beneficiaries of the state and also provided them eligibility certificates. CM Sukhu handed over keys to 16 electric taxi owners under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme 2023. The scheme aims to cover the education of 23,000 children of widows, destitute women, divorced women and disabled parents, offering them financial assistance for their higher education and well-being. Eligible beneficiaries receive Rs 1,000 monthly for children under the age of 18 and financial aid for higher education expenses. With an annual budget of Rs 53.21 crore, the scheme aims to prevent child exploitation and provide a supportive environment for vulnerable families. He also launched the Rs 1292 crore Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Project (HP Shiva) to expand horticulture development across seven districts. The initiative would cover 6,000 hectares, promoting the cultivation of fruits like oranges, guavas, litchi and plums, benefiting over 15,000 farming families directly. It was expected to produce 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of fruit annually by 2032 with a market value of Rs 400 crore. Sukhu flagged off five mobile Ayush healthcare units to serve remote tribal regions, including Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba and Shillai block of Sirmaur district. Each unit would have an experienced medical team offering Ayurveda, Unani, or Homeopathy treatments based on local needs. This initiative aims to improve healthcare access in underserved areas. Sukhu also extended financial aid amounting to Rs 1.90 crore under the Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana (MMSAY) to 197 beneficiaries in Bilaspur district. This included pension for 153 children, housing grants for 17 beneficiaries, marriage and higher education aid for 10 each and vocational training and start-up assistance for three beneficiaries each.

Madhya Pradesh govt to launch development projects to mark one year in office

Bhopal : Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav on Monday announced that a 40-day campaign would be launched on December 11 to unveil various development projects worth Rs 18354 crore across the state to mark his governments one year in office. Foundation for various other projects would also be laid in different parts of the state during the campaign which is scheduled to end on January 26, he said. Besides, a fortnight-long campaign would be launched on December 11 to include the eligible beneficiaries across the state, left out in the 56 different welfare schemes of the state government. Mr Yadav was elected leader of the BJP legislature party in Madhya Pradesh on December 11 last year and assumed office as chief minister two days later on December 13. My government has done significant works for the welfare of the people including women, farmers, youths and under privileged sections of the society, besides wooing investments worth Rs 2.45 lakh crore for the state by conducting regional industry conclaves in the state, he said. He said that all the welfare schemes including the Ladli Behna Yojana providing beneficiary women a monthly incentive of Rs 1,250 have been continuing in the state despite the apprehensions by the Opposition of their discontinuance. Mr Yadav said that he has coined the new concept of inclusive industrial development in the state by conducting regional industry conclaves in different blocks in Madhya Pradesh. Six regional industry conclaves have so far been conducted which attracted a cumulative investment of Rs 2.45 lakh crore. A global industry conclave is planned in February 2025 to woo foreign investments for the state, he said. The chief minister said that two major river linking projects are going to be implemented soon. They are the Ken-Betwa river linking project and Parvati-Kaleesini-Chambal rivers linking project. He said that his government plans to increase the size of the annual budget from Rs 2.45 lakh crore to Rs seven lakh crore in five years. Mr Yadav said that his government has initiated several significant measures to boost the income of the farmers, by announcing incentives for millet crops and bonus for the milk production in the state. His government plans to increase the states share of milk production in the country from the current nine percent to 20 percent in five years.

Himachal receives seasons first snowfall, 87 roads closed

Shimla, Dec 9: Himachal Pradesh witnessed its first snowfall of the season which led to the closure of at least 87 roads in the state, including Atari-Leh National Highway 3 near Manalis Rohtang Pass, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. A total of 58 roads were closed in Shimla, followed by 17 in Kinnaur, six in Kangra, two in Lahaul and Spiti, one each in Kullu and Chamba districts. Some parts of Himachal suffered power outrages as 457 transformers [] The post Himachal receives seasons first snowfall, 87 roads closed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

800 people rescued from Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh amid heavy snowfall

CHANDIGARH: Around 800 stranded people were rescued from Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh after heavy snow on Sunday night. As many as 87 roads were closed for traffic following snowfall across the state. In the first in two decades, Shimla and adjoining tourist towns of Kufri and Fagu yesterday evening experienced the season's first snowfall in early December, with the hospitality industry eyeing a surge of tourists. The Lahaul-Spiti police rescued around 800 stranded people, among the rescued 489 vehicles, over 400 belonged to the tourists due to heavy snow on Sunday night. A thin layer of snow covered Lahaul, affecting traffic as slippery road conditions made commuting hazardous. Superintendent of Police, Mayank Chaudhary said,``The rescue was carried out by a team from Keylong police station, police lines, Keylong; Traffic Police Post, Sarchu and Police Post, Kokser with the help of local volunteers. The prompt and efficient action by the rescue team ensured the safe evacuation. While, intermittent snowfall continued in the higher reaches of Lahaul and Spiti district and intensified cold conditions in the adjoining valleys. Of these 58 roads in Shimla district mostly in sub-divisions of Rohru, Jubbal and Kotkhai, were closed. In Kinnaur, 17 roads were affected, 12 in Pooh and Kalpa block. While the Rohtang Pass National Highway was closed beyond Gulaba check post for traffic due to black ice. Also electricity supply was effected due to the snowfall as over 457 lines were disrupted in Chamba, Mandi and Sirmaur districts. As per the weather department, significant snowfall was recorded at Khoksar (6.7 cm), Khadrala (5 cm), Sangla (3.6 cm), Keylong (3.0 cm), and Shimla (2.5 cm) and also light rain was recorded at many places and there is a possibility of light rain and snowfall in the districts of Lahaul and Spiti, Kullu and Kinnaur over the next few hours. Meanwhile, some areas of district Sirmaur are likely to get light rain. As per the forecast, there will be scattered to fairly widespread precipitation likely to occur over the state as light to moderate rain or snow fall very likely at few places over Lahaul and Spiti,Chamba, Kinnaur, Kangra, Shimla and Kullu districts and light precipitation very likely at few places over Solan, Sirmaur, Una, Bilaspur, Mandi and Hamirpur districts. Also Light rain and snowfall likely at isolated places over mid and high hills of the state on December 10. While the minimum and maximum temperatures will gradually fall by 3 to 4 degrees across the state. Also dense fog over some parts of reservoir area of Bhakra dam (Bilaspur) and Balh valley (Mandi) during early morning, morning and late night hours on December 10 and 11 besides thunderstorms and lightning in low and mid hills of the state.

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited and TERI sign MoU for 'Centre of Excellence for Advanced and Sustainable Agriculture Solutions'

About TERI The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), based in India, is an independent, multi-dimensional research organization with capabilities in policy research, technology development, and implementation. An innovator and agent of change in the energy, environment, climate change and sustainability space, TERI has pioneered conversations and action in these areas for nearly five decades. Headquartered in New Delhi, it has centres in six Indian cities, and is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of scientists, sociologists, economists, engineers, administrative professional and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

43 years after IAF officers death, wife gets 1 crore in dues

Flight Lieutenant Chandrasekhar was on annual leave and travelling from Lucknow to Chennai when four armed robbers attacked the train in Chambal

Madhya Pradesh: Rawat Cries Sabotage in Bypoll Defeat, Rules Out Leaving BJP

Bhopal : Veteran leader Ramnivas Rawat who jumped over to BJP from Congress before the last Lok Sabha election and subsequently became a member of the Mohan Yadav cabinet has attributed his loss in the recent by-elections to the Vijaypur Assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh to the alleged sabotage in the polls. The six-time MLA Mr Rawat, considered a tall leader in Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh, lost to Congress candidate Mukesh Malhotra, a tribal, in the recently held by-election in the seat by a margin of over 7,000 votes. Some people felt that their influence (in BJP) will diminish if I won the by-elections. I was not defeated by the people in the Assembly constituency. I was defeated due to the sabotage (by some leaders in BJP), he said. Sources close to him indicated that some BJP heavyweights in the Gwalior-Chambal region of the state were apprehensive of his growing stature in the ruling party after he joined the saffron outfit and may not have evinced keenness to ensure his victory in the by-elections. Mr Rawat was state executive president of Congress before he resigned from the grand old party to join BJP barely a month before the recent LS elections. His induction in the BJP had helped the party win the Morena LS seat in the last polls, sources said. BJP had deployed at least a dozen party MLAs to campaign for Mr Rawat in the Vijaypur by-elections. Besides, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state BJP president Vishnu Dutt Sharma had also campaigned extensively in the by-elections. Mr Rawat however ruled out the possibility of leaving BJP following his defeat in the by-elections. He said that a rumour has been spread that he would quit BJP after his loss in the by-elections. I have integrated into BJP fully and there is no question of leaving the party, he said. Mr Rawat quit the ministry immediately after he lost the by-elections. Speculations are rife in the political circles here about his political future with the septuagenarian leader entering his twilight years of his political career. Two Assembly constituencies in Madhya Pradesh had gone to by-elections recently. The BJP has retained the Budhni seat which had gone to by-elections along with Vijaypur. By-elections to Budhni necessitated the election of sitting MLA Shivraj Singh Chouhan to the LS in the recent polls. Mr Chouhan has been inducted into the Union cabinet.

Bhil tribe mob torches 12-15 houses of Banjara community in MP's Guna District over forest land dispute

BHOPAL: Panheti village, located near the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border, has turned into a police fortress after houses of the OBC Banjara community were set on fire by a mob of Bhil tribe men on Tuesday. The attack was in retaliation for the killing of a Bhil tribe man during a recent clash over forest land. Armed Bhil tribe men, traveling in several vehicles, stormed the Banjara community settlements in Panheti village under the Fatehgarh police station of Guna district on Tuesday morning. While the male members of the Banjara community were away working in the fields, the women and children fled their homes upon seeing the armed mob approach. The attackers set fire to around 12-15 houses built by the Banjara community on the disputed forest land, as well as their vehicles, including a car. Unconfirmed reports suggest that some of the torched houses contained sacks of DAP fertiliser, which is currently in short supply across the state. Visuals from the scene showed Bhil tribe men, armed with rods and riding motorbikes, threatening further violence against the Banjara community, even in the presence of police officers. They (the Bhils) numbered in the hundreds and stormed into our houses, forcing us to flee with children to save our lives. Later, they set all our houses and property on fire, leaving us with nothing, said Dakho Bai Banjara, a woman from the Banjara community, describing Tuesdays violence. Upon learning of the incident, which left 15-20 Banjara families homeless, senior Guna district officials, including District Collector Satendra Singh and SP Sanjiv Sinha, rushed to the site with a heavy police presence. Police forces from seven to eight police stations have been deployed in the village. Official sources said that the Bhil and Banjara communities had clashed in the same village on November 1 over possession of the forest land in Panheti village, located around 10 km from Rajasthans Baran district. The clash left two men critically injured, including Gal Singh Bhil and Kallu Banjara, who were admitted to hospitals in Indore and Bhopal, respectively. Gal Singh Bhil, the injured Bhil tribe man, died during treatment at a hospital in Indore on Monday night. Following his death, Bhil tribe men attacked the homes of Banjara community members related to Kallu Banjara, who is also the deputy sarpanch of the village. Two cross FIRs were registered in connection with the violent clash between both groups that took place on November 1. A fresh FIR is being filed regarding Tuesdays targeted violence. Heavy police force has been deployed in the village to prevent further violence, SP-Guna Sanjiv Sinha said. The ongoing friction between the tribal and backward communities stems from the dispute over possession of forest land. Notably, the Bhil and Bhilala tribes (originally from the Malwa-Nimar region of western MP) migrated to Guna district in the Gwalior-Chambal region decades ago. They are now present in large numbers in the Bamori and Chachauda assembly segments of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindias Guna LS constituency. In September 2006, an angry Bhil tribe mob had attacked and killed Police Inspector V.S. Sapre, who was trying to prevent them from attacking the Meena community villagers during a clash over an alleged rape incident in Puranya Kalan village in Chachauda area of Guna district.

Glaciers receding, glacial lakes increasing in Himachal's Dhauladhar mountain ranges

CHANDIGARH: Glaciers in Himachal's Dhauladhar mountain ranges are receding at a fast pace, indicating potential for water scarcity in the Kangra Valley, states a recent scientific study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing in March 2024. The study was conducted by scientists Shahi Kant Rai and Sunil Dhar of the Central University of Jammu, Rakesh Sahu from Galgotias university, and Arun Kumar from Himachal Pradesh University. The study noted that due to fast melting and fragmentation of glaciers, the number of glacial lakes has increased. The glaciers in the region which were spread over 50.8 square kilometres have reduced to 42.84 square kilometre between 2010 and 2020, and the number of glacial lakes in the Dhauladhars has increased from 36 in 2000 to 43 in 2020 due to fast melting glaciers in the region. The study examines glacial alterations that have occurred over the past 20 years (20002020) in the DMR region. The findings show that all glaciers in the DMR have been receding. Over the course of the last two decades (20002020), there has been a recorded loss of ~ 15.71 8.76 per cent in the glacier area ... By and large the proglacial lakes show an area increase compared to other lake types. In 2000, 36 glacial lakes were present, which increased by 43 in 2020, stated the study. The primary cause of the reduction of glacier cover is increased accumulation season temperature in winter time, said the study. Importantly, change in the LULC has significantly influenced the glacier cover and increases temperature in the region. Better comprehension of glacier dynamics, stored ice mass, and the assessment of glacial lake distribution in the area are crucial for future strategic planning and the implementation of disaster risk reduction measures in the downstream region of this part of Himalaya, it further stated. It stated that the total number of small-sized glaciers has shown an increase over the past two decades, while medium-sized glaciers have experienced a decline. On the contrary, no discernible alterations have been observed in the number of large-sized glaciers, it read and added that the increase in the number of glacial lakes requires the formulation of a risk assessment strategy for future lake outbursts in the region. The Dhauladhar region comprises of peaks ranging between 1000 meters to more than 6000 meters above sea level, with a mean height of 4000 meters. The mountain ranges originates from the east of the Rohtang Pass in Kullu district and ends in the northwestern region of Dalhousie in Chamba district, spanning the entire district of Kangra. The Dhauladhar glaciers are also a source of the Ravi River that originates in the Bara Bhangal region of the Kangra valley.

Former BJP face scripted defeat of MPs forest min

BHOPAL: The big political upset in Madhya Pradesh, which saw veteran OBC politician and forest minister Ramniwas Rawat lose the assembly polls from his bastion Vijaypur seat, has turned out to be a sweet revenge for former BJP MLA Satyapal Singh Nitu Sikarwar. According to political watchers in the Sheopur district of the Gwalior-Chambal region, which houses the Vijaypur seat, it was the former BJP man Mukesh Malhotra, who as Congress candidate, defeated the first-time BJP candidate Ramniwas Rawat. But the script of the entire poll upset was meticulously drawn by former BJP MLA from the neighbouring Morena district, Nitu Sikarwar. Nitu is the son of a powerful former BJP politician, Gajraj Singh Sikarwar, who won the Sumawali seat of Morena district twice in the past. Later, as a BJP MLA, Nitu represented the same assembly seat between 2013 and 2018. Nitus elder brother, Satish Sikarwar, is a Congress MLA in Gwalior, while sister-in-law Shobha Sikarwar is the mayor. After Satishs victory in the 2023 polls from Gwalior district and sister-in-laws Gwalior mayor poll win, Nitu (expelled from BJP in November 2020) contested from Morena LS seat as Congress candidate against Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomars loyalist Shiv Mangal Tomar.

Twin assembly by-polls in Madhya Pradesh throw mixed bag for BJP, Congress

BHOPAL:The outcome of the twin assembly by-polls in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh turned out to be a mixed bag for the ruling BJP and the prime opposition Congress. While the ruling BJP retained the Budhni seat of central MP, the Congress held on to its Vijaypur seat in Gwalior-Chambal, despite its previous nominee being the BJP candidate this time. But the Vijaypur seat of the Gwalior-Chambal region which was being seen as a battle of turncoats in the first home of African cheetahs (the constituency also houses the Kuno National Park) saw a big political upset, as the states forest minister and first-time BJP candidate Ramniwas Rawat was defeated by Congresss first-time tribal candidate Mukesh Malhotra by 7315 votes. Rawat, the veteran OBC politician from the Gwalior-Chambal region (he has sought recounting of votes) who had won the seat six times in the past for the Congress, had switched over to the BJP during the Lok Sabha polls, while ex-BJP man Malhotra had joined the Congress during the same national elections. The by-poll was necessitated by Rawats resignation as Congress MLA from the seat in July. After the defeat hell now have to quit as minister. Interestingly, it was Malhotra (he finished third with more than 44,000 votes while contesting as an independent candidate, after being denied a ticket by BJP), who had largely contributed to Rawats 18,000-plus votes win from the seat in the 2023 elections. The absence of a BSP candidate (the elephant symbol partys nominee had secured over 34,000 votes in the 2023 polls) too seems to have helped Malhotras cause by possibly consolidating the tribal, scheduled caste Jatav community votes and Muslim community votes, which collectively accounted for 38% of the total votes in the constituency. Importantly, the November 13 by-poll in Vijaypur, which saw 77 per cent polling, was marred by incidents of violence, particularly in the tribal, Jatav and Muslim-dominated villages of Sheopur district. The Congresss state leadership, while accusing the BJP workers of stopping the tribal Dalits and Muslims from voting, had demanded a re-poll in 37 polling booths, but added that it would still win the by-poll in Vijaypur. BJP retains Shivraj Singh Chouhans pocket-borough, but a comparatively low margin Budhni seat of Sehore district (the home seat and bastion of ex-MP CM and present union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan) saw Chouhans loyalist BJP nominee Ramakant Bhargava defeat the 1993 Congress winner Rajkumar Patel (considered ex-CM Digvijaya Singhs loyalist) by 13,901 votes. But the victory margin for Bhargava was more than nine times lower than Chouhan's 2023 assembly polls margin of 1.04 lakh-plus votes from the seat. The comparatively lower winning margin for Bhargava, particularly assumed significance, as Chouhan, had himself aggressively campaigned for his loyalist in Budhni many days.

clean-ganga-mission-to-start-special-dolphin-ambulance

Cleaning Ganga involves preserving its rich biodiversity, particularly its endangered inhabitant, Dolphins. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the main body for cleaning the holy river, is set to start a special Dolphin Ambulance to rescue injured aquatic animal. Labelled as the national aquatic animal of India, Ganga Dolphin is also found in the river system of India, Bangladesh and Nepal. Under the ambitious project approved for conservation of the Ganga River Dolphin, a specialised vehicle will be developed to assist dolphins in distress. The project titled 'Advancing Rescue System for the Protection of Stranded Ganges River Dolphins' has an estimated budget of Rs 1 crore. The project will focus on raising awareness for dolphin conservation and community capacity building through training. The NMCG during its board meeting also approved an innovative and highly significant project for the conservation of endangered turtles in the Ganga basin in Uttar Pradesh. The objective of this initiative is not only to rehabilitate endangered turtle species but also to reintroduce three highly threatened species, alongside establishing a spatial monitoring and reporting tool at the National Chambal Sanctuary. This project is estimated to cost Rs 78.09 lakh, an official statement said. Among the other projects approved include: a project for assessing the environmental flow of the Chambal, Son, Damodar and Tons rivers. With an estimated budget of Rs 11 crore, the objective of this project is not only to evaluate the environmental flow of these rivers but also to prepare hydrological and hydrodynamic models that allow scientific evaluation of flow systems. This will involve studying the existing water stream and natural flow patterns, which will not only improve water quantity and quality but also document the biodiversity within these river systems, ensuring that their ecosystems remain balanced and rich. During the meeting, a proposal for the third season of the travelogue series Rag-Rag Mein Ganga - Ek Jeevan Dhara was also approved. This new season will present the importance of the Ganga and the conservation efforts from a fresh perspective. The season will focus on ecological balance, protection of aquatic life, eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and promoting active community involvement.

Bhopal Diary | Scindia stays away from Vijaypur bypoll campaign

Despite Vijaypur assembly seat (one of the two seats where bypolls were held on Wednesday) being part of Gwalior-Chambal region, one of the senior BJP leaders from the area and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stayed away from party candidate and MP forest minister Ramniwas Rawats campaign. Rawat, the six-time former Congress MLA, despite being close to Scindia family, did not follow Scindia from Congress into the BJP in March 2020. Not only did Rawat stay back in Congress, but was also critical of Scindia for crossing over to BJP in 2020. Scindia was opposed to Rawats induction in the BJP during Lok Sabha polls. IIM-Indore signs MoUs with two foreign univs The Indian Institute of Management-Indore (IIM-M) recently signed two MoUs with Kristiania University College, Norway, and Soochow University, China. The collaborations have elevated IIM-Is network to 60 partner institutions across 24 countries. The MoU with the Norwegian institution aims to promote academic exchanges and collaborative research, encouraging the exchange of faculty and students. The pact with the Chinese university is likely to contribute to the high-quality development of respective regions while addressing global challenges. Actor Pankaj Tripathi is the face of MP tourism Acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi has been chosen the brand ambassador of Madhya Pradesh tourism. Some of his acclaimed movies, including Stree, Stree 2, Lukka Chuppi, Oh My God 2 and Ludo, have been shot extensively in the state only. Im deeply honoured to be chosen as the face of Madhya Pradesh Tourism. MP is not just a destination for meits a place that holds countless memories and connections, both personally and professionally. Having spent so much time here filming projects , Ive experienced the landscapes, warmth of people, and cultural richness that define MP, Tripathi said. Anuraag singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com

Over 76 per cent polling reported in twin assembly by-elections in Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal: More than 76 per cent polling was reported in the two assembly by-elections in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday. While union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans bastion Budhni reported 75.05 per cent voting, the Vijaypur seat reported a slightly higher 77.42 per cent voter turnout till the filing of this news report. While the by-poll to Budhni seat of central MP was necessitated by the resignation of ex-MP CM and current Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan following his election to Lok Sabha earlier this year, Vijaypur seat of Gwalior-Chambal went to by-poll due to resignation by its six-times sitting Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat, who as the state forest minister in present MP government is in the fray now as BJP candidate. Polling in Vijaypur, however, was marred by group clashes, protests by villagers and allegations of bogus voting and booth capturing. The Sheopur district election officer Kishor Kanyal, while refuting reports of booth capturing and bogus voting, admitted that a clash between two groups resulted in injury to at least four persons in one place. He also added that some minor incidents were reported from other places in the constituency, but the polling process remained unaffected. Till now no case has been registered against anyone anywhere. As a precautionary measure, both the prime candidates, the BJPs Ramniwas Rawat and Congresss Mukesh Malhotra, were confined to separate guest houses in two different parts of the constituency, Kanyal said. Also, both the state presidents of BJP and Congress, VD Sharma and Jitu Patwari respectively, were prevented by administration and police from entering the limits of Vijaypur assembly constituency of Sheopur district earlier in the day. The opposition Congress partys delegation led by its state media wing head Mukesh Nayak, submitted a detailed six-point complaint earlier in the day at the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO-MP) office in Bhopal. Talking to journalists after submitting the complaint, Nayak said, What happened in Vijaypur during the by-poll is unprecedented, never has anything like this happened in the history of electoral politics of the country. Police along with BJPs goons stopped the tribal and minority community voters from exercising their franchise. Our candidate in Vijaypur was kept in police custody and many of our party workers were unnecessarily targeted and detained by police in Vijaypur. Even in Budhni constituency, an Angawadi worker seated inside one of the booths, was campaigning for the BJP. The female voters were being told by that particular Anganwadi worker that failure to vote for the BJP will see them lose their benefits under the Ladli Behna Scheme from next month, Nayak alleged. Meanwhile, according to local media reports, voters of the Telipura polling booth protested outside the Virpur police station of the Vijaypur assembly constituency and later blocked the Sheopur-Morena road. The protesting tribal voters accused the OBC Rawat community (the community to which the forest minister and BJP candidate belong to) of stopping the tribal voters from exercising their franchise. In Andhipura village, villagers alleged that ruling BJP workers didnt allow them to vote, while similar allegations were made by voters of two other tribal-dominated villages, including Khadi.

Six killed, one injured after car collided with truck in Dehradun

DEHRADUN: A devastating road accident occurred near Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Chowk late Monday night, claiming six lives. The victims included three boys and three girls, all in their twenties. Police received instant information about the incident and rushed to the scene. The accident was horrific, and our team responded immediately, said a police official. According to the Kotwali police, the accident occurred at around 2 am. We pulled all seven occupants out of the car and rushed them to the hospital, the official added. Doctors declared six people dead on arrival, while one youth remains in critical condition. It was a devastating crash; the car was completely mangled, a police source said. The collision involved a truck and an Innova car, which was carrying a group of seven youngsters out for a drive. The victims included Guneet Kumari (19), Navya Goyal (23), and Kamakshi (20), all girls from different areas in Dehradun. The boys who lost their lives were Kunal Kukreja (23) from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, Atul Agarwal (24), and Rishabh Jain (24), both from Dehradun. One student, Siddhesh Agarwal (24), a resident of Dehradun, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident.

Kaun Banega Crorepati 16: Vikrant Massey shares I have spent 20 years in the industry and this is the first time I am meeting Amitabh Bachchan face-to-face

IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and actor Vikrant Massey graced the latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16. Manoj reminisced about his childhood in Chambal and how the show aided his UPSC preparations. Vikrant, who portrayed Manoj in the film '12th Fail,' shared his emotional connection with the story and his own journey of assuming responsibility at a young age.

Bypoll battle: Chouhan, Pilot hit campaign trail

BHOPAL: Ahead of bypolls on November 13 in Madhya Pradesh, BJP and Congress hit campaign trail in the state with focus on Budhni. While former Rajasthan deputy CM Sachin Pilot campaigned in Vijaypur assembly constituency of Gwalior-Chambal region on Thursday, former MP CM and current union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan campaigned in his bastion Budhni. Interestingly, he had campaigned for Congress candidate and then five-time former MLA Ramniwas Rawat, who switched to BJP, from the same constituency during the 2023 assembly polls. Addressing a gathering in Gurjar community dominated Goras village, Pilot said, Vijaypur and adjoining Rajasthan share an inseparable Roti-Beti bonding.You vote the Congress candidate to victory and four years later, well bring Congress back to power in Rajasthan. He added, BJPs graph in the entire country is declining and the INDIA grouping will win the upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. I have been to Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) and there is a one-sided wave prevailing in that state. Meanwhile, Chouhan is campaigning for his loyalist and BJP candidate Ramakant Bhargava. Budhni witnessed ghar vapasi of an ex-BJP politician Deepak Joshi, the former MP minister son of ex-CM Late Kailash Joshi. Joshis return in presence of Chouhan is likely to strike a chord with the Brahmin voters.

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Form Joint Panel for Coordinated Cheetah Conservation Efforts

BHOPAL: In light of recent incidents involving cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh wandering into Rajasthan, a joint committee has been established to oversee and enhance the conservation of these animals. This collaborative effort aims to manage the wildlife corridor connecting both states, officials reported on Tuesday. The committee will assess the potential for new habitats to facilitate future relocations of cheetahs from Madhya Pradeshs Kuno National Park (KNP) and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. It will also provide recommendations for habitat improvements, including upgrades to existing environments, an official statement said. Under Indias ambitious cheetah reintroduction initiative, eight cheetahs from Namibia were introduced to KNP in Sheopur district in September 2022. Another twelve cheetahs arrived from South Africa in February 2023. However, incidents involving cheetahs straying have prompted the need for closer coordination between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Notably, a cheetah entered Rajasthans Karoli district in May 2023 and was safely brought back to KNP, while a similar event occurred in December 2023 in Baran district. The newly formed committee will draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to facilitate studies on wildlife corridors for cheetah movement and conservation. Discussions will also focus on training officers and frontline staff involved in cheetah monitoring and protection along the corridors linking Kuno and Rajasthan. In addition, the committee plans to explore potential joint tourism initiatives in regions like the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary, Kuno National Park, and Ranthambore National Park. The committee is co-chaired by the Principal Chief Conservators of Forest and Chief Conservators (Wildlife) from both states. Other members include senior wildlife officials from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, representatives from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, and an expert from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun. Over the past two years, KNP has witnessed the birth of 17 cheetah cubs, marking a positive milestone in Indias cheetah reintroduction project. However, the initiative has also faced challenges, with eight adult cheetahs and five cubs reported lost within the same period. Currently, KNP is home to 24 cheetahs, including cubs, according to officials. MORE M.P. NEWS...... Elephant Deaths in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve: Field Director Suspended Amid Investigation MP-Cabinet Approves 35% Reservation for Women in Govt-Jobs Madhya Pradesh CM Announces 4% DA Hike for State Employees Ahead of Diwali

MP-Rajasthan joint panel formed for coordination on cheetah project

Bhopal: In the wake of incidents of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh straying into neighbouring Rajasthan, a joint corridor management committee of both the states has been formed to work for conservation of the felines, officials said on Tuesday. The panel will also discuss development of suitable areas for future shifting of cheetahs from Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park (KNP) and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary area and recommend measures for improvement including the pre-augmentation base, an official said in a statement. Under the ambitious cheetah reintroduction project, eight Namibian cheetahs were released into enclosures at the KNP in Sheopur district on September 17, 2022. Later, another 12 cheetahs were brought to the park from South Africa in February 2023. In May this year, a cheetah from the KNP strayed into Karoli district of Rajasthan and was later rescued. In December 2023, a cheetah strayed into Rajasthan's Baran district and was later brought back to the KNP. The official said a joint committee comprising officials from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan has been constituted for corridor management of the cheetah project. The panel will discuss and prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for a study about the development and management of corridors for the movement and conservation of cheetahs. It will discuss capacity building of officers and front-line staff engaged in monitoring, patrolling and other works for the management of cheetahs moving through the existing corridor from Kuno to Rajasthan, the official said. The committee will also evaluate the possibilities of joint tourist routes in the areas bordering both states like the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary area, Kuno National Park and Ranthambore National Park, etc. The principal chief conservator of forest and chief conservator (wildlife) of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have been appointed as the joint chairpersons of the committee. The other officials nominated as members of the panel include the additional principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, director (Lion Project-Cheetah Project) Shivpuri, representatives of the National Tiger Conservation Authority for the two states, and a representative nominated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, the official said. According to officials, 17 cheetah cubs were born on Indian soil over the last two years at the KNP. However, the project has also seen setbacks with eight adult cheetahs and five cubs dying during the same period. At present, there are 24 cheetahs, including cubs, in the KNP, as per the officials.

Power Grid, Tata Steel, Gujarat Gas, Shipping Corporation Among 90+ Companies To Declare Q2 Results Today

A total of 98 companies including some of the biggest names from India's steel and power sector companies will declare their results for the quarter that ended September on Wednesday. The list of companies announcing their second quarter results on Nov. 6 includes Tata Steel Ltd., Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., and Power Grid Corp. Ahead of their Q2 results, here is a look at how these major companies performed in the June quarter. Jindal Steel & Power's Quarterly Results In the June quarter of the current financial year, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd. had witnessed a decline in net profit. The company reported a 21% year-on-year fall in its bottom line to Rs 1,338 crore as compared to Rs 1,692 crore in the same quarter last year. Revenue rose 8% at Rs 13,618 crore during this period versus Rs 12,588 crore in the same quarter last year. Jindal Steel & Power's Q1 FY25 Highlights (Consolidated, YoY) Revenue increased 8% to Rs 13,618 crore versus Rs 12,588 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 13,194 crore). Ebitda rose 8% to Rs 2,839 crore versus Rs 2,628 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 2,719 crore). Ebitda margins were flat at 20.9% versus 20.9% (Bloomberg estimate: 20.6%). Net profit down 21% to Rs 1,338 crore versus Rs 1,692 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 1,319 crore). Tata Steel, Power Grip Corp, Jindal Steel, Apollo Hospitals Q2 Results Today Earnings Estimates Tata Steel's Quarterly Results In Q1, Tata Steel reported a 7.9% fall in revenue to Rs 54,771.4 crore versus Rs 59,489.7 crore in the same period last year. Net profit increased 75% YoY to Rs 6,694.5 crore from Rs 5,173.9 crore. Tata Steel's Q1 FY25 Highlights (Consolidated, YoY) Revenue fell 7.9% to Rs 54,771.4 crore versus Rs 59,489.7 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 56,339.7 crore). Net profit rose 75% to Rs 918.6 crore versus Rs 524.8 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 1,215.4 crore). Ebitda increased 29% to Rs 6,694.5 crore versus Rs 5,173.9 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 6,379.9 crore). Ebitda margins were at 12.1% versus 8.7% (Bloomberg estimate: 11.3%). Power Grid's Quarterly Results Power Grid Corp. reported a slight downtick in its Q1 revenue to Rs 11,006 crore from Rs 11,048 crore in the same quarter a year ago. Net profit of the company was up 3.5% at Rs 3,724 crore versus Rs 3,597 crore on a YoY basis. Power Grid's Q1 FY25 Highligts (Consolidated, YoY) Revenue was down 0.4% to Rs 11,006 crore versus Rs 11,048 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 11,778 crore). Ebitda fell 0.8% to Rs 9,602 crore versus Rs 9,683 (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 10,183 crore). Margin at 87.2% versus 87.6% (Bloomberg estimate: 86.5%). Net profit was up 3.5% to Rs 3,724 crore versus Rs 3,597 crore (Bloomberg estimate: Rs 3,893.3 crore). List Of Companies Declaring Q2 Results on Nov. 6 Among the list of companies declaring their Q2 results on Nov. 6 are Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd., ABC Gas International Ltd., Adcon Capital Services Ltd., Sri Amarnath Finance Ltd., Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., Avalon Technologies Ltd., BITS Ltd., Blue Chip Tex Industries Ltd., Blue Star Ltd., Bombay Cycle & Motor Agency Ltd., Chambal Fertilisers & Chemicals Ltd., Cochin Malabar Estates & Industries Ltd., Delta Corp., Dhanuka Agritech Ltd., Dhoot Industrial Finance Ltd., Divyashakti Ltd., Dugar Housing Developments Ltd., Elango Industries Ltd., Endurance Technologies Ltd., Ester Industries Ltd., FDC Ltd., Gandhar Oil Refinery India Ltd., Gayatri Sugars Ltd., and GE Power India Ltd. Also declaring results are Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd., Granules India Ltd., Gujarat Gas Ltd., Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd., GP Petroleums Ltd., Hi-Tech Pipes Ltd., ID Info Business Services Ltd., Infra Industries Ltd., India Radiators Ltd., Invigorated Business Consulting Ltd., India Pesticides Ltd., Jackson Investments Ltd., Jay Bharat Maruti Ltd., Jayabharat Credit Ltd., JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., JJ Finance Corp., JK Lakshmi Cement Ltd., JMJ Fintech Ltd., Jyoti Structures Ltd., Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd., Karnimata Cold Storage Ltd., Kemp & Co., Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd., Kovilpatti Lakshmi Roller Flour Mills Ltd., KP Energy Ltd., KP Green Engineering Ltd., KPI Green Energy Ltd., Kreon Financial Services Ltd., Krishna Ventures Ltd., Majestic Auto Ltd., and Media Matrix Worldwide Ltd. Some other companies that will be announcing their earnings include NDR Auto Components Ltd., Neuland Laboratories Ltd., Oasis Securities Ltd., Organic Coatings Ltd., Pan India Corp., Pasupati Acrylon Ltd., Pacheli Industrial Finance Ltd., Power Grid Corp., Pricol Ltd., Prima Agro Ltd., Prima Industries Ltd., Radix Industries India Ltd., Rain Industries Ltd., Ranjit Securities Ltd., Raymed Labs Ltd., Revati Organics Ltd., RITES Ltd., RPSG Ventures Ltd., Shivalik Bimetal Controls Ltd., SBL Infratech Ltd., Shipping Corporation of India Land and Assets Ltd., Singer India Ltd., Shelter Infra Projects Ltd., Sonata Software Ltd., Southern Magnesium & Chemicals Ltd., Spel Semiconductor Ltd., Spencers Retail Ltd., Saptarishi Agro Industries Ltd., Sukhjit Starch & Chemicals Ltd., and Tarc Ltd. Among other companies declaring results are Tata Steel Ltd., TeamLease Services Ltd., Thangamayil Jewellery Ltd., Tiaan Consumer Ltd., Trident Ltd., Umang Dairies Ltd., Usha Martin Ltd., Virinchi Ltd., Wardwizard Innovations & Mobility Ltd., Waterbase Ltd., Welspun Investments and Commercials Ltd., and Zuari Agro Chemicals Ltd. Stocks To Watch: Tata Steel, HUL, Titan, NTPC, Hindustan Zinc, GAIL, Oil India . Read more on Earnings by NDTV Profit.

Bhopal Diary |Patna Mohli residents last Diwali in their village

For residents of Patna Mohli village in Sagar district, this was perhaps the last time they celebrated Diwali and associated festivities in their village. Their village is among those that will soon be part of the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, leading them to look for alternative locations. Joining in their last Deepawali, Annakoot and Govardhan Puja celebrations in their village, was the former minister and their veteran BJP MLA Gopal Bhargava, who turned emotional while recounting his four decades old bonding with the village, which is last village of his Rehli assembly constituency. No entry into Mahakal without RFID wristbands Devotees at the treasured early morning Bhasma Arti at the world-famous Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, will have to wear smart RFID wristbands into the temple. After Deepawali, the temple management has introduced the new system for Bhasma Arti to prevent unauthorized and fraudulent entry of people during the early morning prayers. According to the temple management sources, the new system is being introduced to ensure only those who are issued the authentic entry passes actually attend arti. Also, it is aimed at shielding devotees from touts. MP Congress chiefs Diwali with tribals in Vijaypur With the tribal voters holding the key to the partys poll prospects in the November 13 Vijaypur assembly seat by-election, state Congress chief Jitu Patwari celebrated Diwali with the community in the by-poll bound constituency of Gwalior-Chambal region recently. He also asked the tribal voters to teach the ruling BJP the befitting lesson on November 13. From decades, the Vijaypur seat has been synonymous to its six-time Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat, who is this time the BJP candidate after becoming states forest minister. Taking on Rawat is ex-BJP man and tribal politician Mukesh Malhotra, who is now the Congress candidate. Anuraag singh Our correspondent in Madhya Pradesh singhanuraag.jaurno@gmail.com

Congress targets BJP bypoll candidate over jumbo deaths in Bandhavgarh

BHOPAL: With turncoat politician and Madhya Pradeshs forest minister Ramniwas Rawat being the ruling BJPs candidate in one of the two assembly bypolls in Madhya Pradesh on November 13, his former party and opposition Congress has started targeting him over the deaths of 10 elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR). Its sad that 10 elephants symbolising Lord Ganesha died at BTR ahead of Deepawali. We worship Lord Ganesha, but forest minister Ramniwas Rawat couldnt protect the elephants, which had come from Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. The government should question careless forest officials, LoP and former forest minister Umang Singhar said on Friday. State Congress chief spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta, too, raised the issue of the elephant deaths to corner Rawat, who is the BJP candidate from Vijaypur seat of Gwalior-Chambal in the November 13 byoll. Rawat is six-time Congress MLA from the seat from which he resigned after being made forest minister in the current BJP government in July 2024. He ended his decade-long association with the Congress during the Lok Sabha polls. Rawat will take on former BJP leader Mukesh Malhotra, a tribal, in the bypoll. The seat has a sizeable chunk of Saharia tribal voters. These voters who have largely been loyal to BJP, may rally behind the Congress candidate this time. The Vijaypur seat also houses the Kuno National Park, the first home of cheetahs after their re-introduction in Indian wilds in September 2022. Meanwhile on Friday, forest department staff at the BTR burnt standing Kodo millet crop, which was consumed in large volume by the 13-strong elephant herd on Monday in an agricultural field, hours before they started dying on Tuesday.

Ahead of bypoll, Congress targets Madhya Pradesh forest minister over deaths of 10 elephants

BHOPAL: With Madhya Pradeshs forest minister Ramniwas Rawat being the ruling BJPs candidate in one of the two November 13 assembly by-polls in the state, the opposition Congress -- his old party -- has targeted him over the recent deaths of ten elephants in the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR). Its very sad that ten elephants symbolizing Lord Ganesha died at the BTR ahead of Deepawali. We worship Lord Ganesha, but the states forest minister Ramniwas Rawat couldnt protect the elephants and doesnt want to talk about tribals living in the forest. The biggest negligence is of the forest department. The government hasnt made arrangements for these elephants. Now there is a need to give adequate powers to the forest committees and to establish coordination with the tribals living around this Tiger Reserve area. The government should now question the careless forest officials about the death of these elephants, the states leader of opposition and former MP forest minister Umang Singhar said on Friday. The state Congresss chief spokesperson Bhupendra Gupta too raised the issue of the elephant deaths in a bid to corner Rawat, who is the BJP candidate from Vijaypur seat of Gwalior-Chambal in the byelection on November 13. Rawat is the six-time sitting Congress MLA from the same seat from which he resigned after being made forest minister in the current BJP regime in the state in July. He had ended his decades-long association with the Congress during the Lok Sabha polls earlier this year. Rawat will take on ex-BJP man Mukesh Malhotra (a tribal politician) in the by-election from the constituency which has a sizeable chunk of Saharia tribal voters. These voters whove largely been loyal to the BJP in the past may flock behind their man and Congress candidate this time. The Vijaypur seat also houses the Kuno National Park the first home of cheetahs after their re-introduction in the Indian wilds in September 2022. Death toll of wild elephants rises to 10 at MPs Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Standing Kodo crop destroyed in BTR jungles Forest department staff at the BTR destroyed and burnt on Friday the standing Kodo millet crop, which was consumed in large volumes by the 13-strong elephant herd on Monday evening in an agricultural field, hours before they started dying on Tuesday. The autopsy of the elephants has revealed presence of large volume of Kodo in their stomach. Vets and forensic experts who conducted the autopsies suspect the role of mycotoxins in Kodo due to fungal moulds in the elephants death. But anything on this aspect will only be fully established, once the detailed reports of analysis of samples sent for forensic and other tests are out, MP forest departments principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF-Wildlife) Vijay N Ambade said in the BTR on Friday. BTR deputy director PK Verma said, According to initial autopsy reports, there is a possibility of mycotoxin present (fungal mould) in the Kodo millet crop being behind the deaths. The viscera of the elephants have been sent to Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI-Bareilly) State Forensic Lab (SFL-Sagar). Based on their reports, further reasons can be found out. There is literature available which suggests similar incidents in the past with elephants elsewhere and the villagers too have informed about similar tragedies having happened with buffaloes and cows after they consumed raw Kodo from fields.

Happy Diwali: HRTC Adds 155 Extra Buses for Diwali Travel in Himachal Pradesh

In a recent announcement, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has rolled out 155 additional buses to cater to the rising travel demand during the Diwali festival. This service, which begins on Tuesday, aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers during this busy season. Tickets can be booked online, allowing travelers to secure their seats in advance and avoid the last-minute rush. Additional Services HRTC's extra services primarily target the popular routes between Delhi and various locations in Himachal Pradesh, which often see heavy traffic during Diwali. On October 30, the corporation will deploy 60 extra buses from Delhi to key districts, including Palampur, Baijnath, Jogendranagar, Pathankot, and Dharamshala. Passengers can choose from both standard and luxury buses for routes to Dharamshala, ensuring comfort during their journey. From Chandigarh, HRTC will operate 70 extra buses on October 29 and 30, covering several destinations within Himachal Pradesh. On the first day, two buses will serve Chamba and Dharamshala. The following day, four additional buses are scheduled for Bilaspur, providing ample options for travelers heading home or visiting family during the holiday. Furthermore, 25 extra buses will be added for the town of Baddi on both days, improving travel convenience in that area. Regular Bus Services These additional services are set to run outside HRTCs regular bus schedules, helping to ease congestion on usual routes and improving travel for the Diwali rush. With these extra options, HRTC aims to make holiday travel more efficient and safer for everyone. In addition to increasing bus services, HRTC has also revised its fare structure, which will affect both passenger fares and luggage charges. Some ticket prices may see significant hikes, with certain fares potentially doubling. Recently, a proposed toilet tax has sparked political debate in Himachal Pradesh, prompting the Chief Minister to address concerns raised by the BJP and provide clarifications. HRTC's addition of 155 extra buses highlights its commitment to ensuring that families can travel conveniently to celebrate Diwali together. This initiative underscores the important role of public transportation in facilitating festive gatherings and maintaining connections among people during significant occasions like Diwali. Through these efforts, HRTC plays a crucial part in fostering the spirit of celebration and togetherness in the region. Diwali, Chhath Puja 2024: Indian Railways Runs 200 More Special Trains, Check List Here Diwali Delights: A Culinary Journey Through India's Diverse Festive Flavors Ayodhya's Deepotsav: A Dazzling Display of 28 Lakh Diyas and 18 Colorful Tableaux To Show

Young couple dies by suicide after jumping from train in MP

Bhopal: A young couple reportedly jumped from a moving train into the Dhasan River in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, on Saturday afternoon, in an apparent suicide pact. Shocked passengers and villagers on the riverbank witnessed the couple leap from the Howrah-Chambal Express as it crossed a bridge near Harpalpur railway station, about 200 km from Gwalior, on the UP-MP border. Villagers immediately informed the police and attempted to rescue the couple, but the fall proved fatal. Their bodies were recovered and sent to Naugaon Hospital for postmortem examination. Police have identified the young man as Sanjeev Ahirwar, 20, from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, while the young woman's identity remains unknown. Authorities are investigating the circumstances behind the suspected suicide pact and are exploring potential motives.

Rise in human-wildlife conflicts in HP as black bear, leopard populations thrive: Wildlife census

CHANDIGARH: Human-wildlife conflicts are increasing in Himachal Pradesh, with Asiatic black bears and leopards being major contributors, according to the recent wildlife census titled Population Estimation and Assessment of Human-Wildlife Conflict released by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The report highlights that these animals, whose primary prey consists of sheep, goats, cattle, and occasionally dogs, are increasingly coming into conflict with humans, particularly in the districts of Kullu, Chamba, Mandi, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and parts of Sirmaur. The census identified approximately 529 black bears and 510 leopards across the state, with 307 bears and 333 leopards being individually recorded. The study reveals that leopards are responsible for conflicts in 30.85% of the affected areas, while black bears account for 18.65%. Among the attacks, 83.79% target sheep and goats, followed by cattle at 13.20%, and horses at 4.75%. Leopards also occasionally prey on dogs, with 3.40% of such incidents reported, though there are no records of dog predation by black bears. The report states, The human settlements constructed in isolated areas near forests are a key factor behind attacks, highlighting that the growth of human population around protected areas, encroachment, and increasing reliance on forests are significant contributors to these conflicts. Seasonal variations also influence conflict patterns. Leopards predominantly attack livestock during spring (highest in Bilaspur at 32.6%), with fewer incidents in autumn (14.2%). Bear attacks are most frequent in summer in Chamba (31.55%), followed closely by autumn (31.18%). According to the census, Shimla, Kangra, Mandi, Sirmaur, and Kullu report the highest number of bear attacks, while leopard attacks are most common in Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Una, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Kangra. In terms of bear populations, Kinnaur has the highest number with 90 bears, followed by Kullu (76), Shimla (71), Chamba (32), Kangra and Mandi (15 each), and five bears in both Sirmaur and Solan. Only one bear each was recorded in Lahaul and Spiti. For leopards, Shimla leads with 58, followed by Solan (56), Mandi (50), Sirmaur (48), and Kinnaur (44). Lower numbers were recorded in Bilaspur and Kangra (13 each), Chamba (5), and Hamirpur (4). The ZSI report further suggests that educating local communities on wildlife conservation is crucial, especially in conflict-prone districts such as Chamba, Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur, where 1,298 residents surveyed cited leopards as the primary threat to their livestock.

New Himalayan snake species named after Academy Award winner Leonardo DiCaprio,it will becalled...

The newly described snake species, 'Anguiculus dicaprioi' is distributed from central Nepal to Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh, whereas 'Anguiculus rappii' is distributed in Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

New snake species discovered in Himalayas, Named After Leonardo DiCaprio

A team of researchers discovered a new snake species in the western Himalayas which has been named after famous Hollywood actor and Producer, Leonardo DiCaprio for his contribution to the conservation. The species has been named Anguiculus dicaprioi or DiCaprios Himalayan snake. It was discovered by researchers from India, Germany, and the United Kingdom while searching the lesser-known species of India's reptiles during their project in 2020. Their study of the new species was published on Monday in Scientific Reports, a peer-reviewed journal. The new species was classified by the researchers under a new genus called Anguiculus, which means small snake in Latin. The study explained, The specific epithet dicaprioi is a patronym honouring Leonardo DiCaprio, an American actor, film producer, and environmentalist who has been actively involved in creating awareness about global climate change, increased biodiversity loss, and human health issues through pollution. The study also said, In addition to this, he has made funds available for field conservation activities and research. Suggested common name DiCaprios Himalayan snake. The researchers were visiting the mountainous regions in the western Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh for their ongoing project when they found a few brown-coloured snakes in the mud road. The study further mentioned, The individuals were seen basking and remained motionless until caught and made no attempts to bite. The study of these snakes, their DNA analysis, and their comparison with other snakes led to the discovery of new species. HT Lalremsanga, a professor in the Department of Zoology at Mizoram University, and a member of the team of researchers, said, Besides being found in areas of Himachal Pradesh like Chamba and Kullu, the new species has also been found in Nainital in Uttarakhand and Chitwan National Park in Nepal. The other researchers of the team are Zeeshan A Mirza, Patrick D Campbell, Harshil Patel, Gernot Vogel, Saunak Pal, and Virender K Bhardwaj. The study describes the new species as small-sized, reaching about 22 inches in length. It features a road collar with small dark brown spots, a obust skull, and a steeply domed snout. This species is found at heights of approximately 6,000 feet above sea level.

Viral video shows MP Congress MLA Babu Jandel using objectionable language about Lord Shiva

BHOPAL: Politics in BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh has heated up following a viral video, purportedly showing opposition Congress MLA Babu Jandel using objectionable language about Hindu deity Lord Shiva. In the 11 seconds viral video which was also shared on social media platform X, by state BJP spokesperson Narendra Saluja, the second-time Congress MLA Babu Jandel, who seems visibly drunk, can be heard using objectionable language and making obscene gestures about Lord Shiva. ... ... , , ... pic.twitter.com/GqFhJBJthh Narendra Saluja (@NarendraSaluja) October 16, 2024 The viral video was enough to trigger angry protests from the ruling BJPs rank and file in the state. The BJP workers led by the first-time Indore III MLA Rakesh Golu Shukla burnt the concerned Congress MLAs effigy. We demand immediate action against the concerned MLA by the Congress, failing which we will ensure that whenever he comes to Indore, his face is blackened for insulting Lord Shiva and Sanatan Dharma, Shukla said. In the state capital Bhopal, meanwhile, the state BJP chief VD Sharma raised the issue, asking the Congresss state and national leadership whether it was running a Mohabbat ki Dukan or Galiyon ki Dukan (shop of love or abuses). We want to know from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as well as the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi what action will be initiated against the Congress MLA from Sheopur seat of MP. The concerned Congress MLA, Babu Jandel, who is a second-time legislator from the Sheopur seat of the Gwalior-Chambal region, termed the video as doctored. This video is very old and is from inside my house, where I was seated along with my trusted friends. We were talking about Satsang, coming from a rural background, I couldve used rustic language. Im an ardent Shiva Bhakt myself and cannot even dream of denigrating my worshipped deity. This video which is viral is actually doctored. The state Congresss media wing head Mukesh Naik (who has himself been a religious preacher in the past) also defended the party MLA, saying This is a five years old video and possibly depicts the MLAs haas, parihaas, vyang and vinod (funny and lighter) moments. He has donated 5 acres of land to build a Shiva Temple. The concerned video has been leaked by one of his friends, who is now in the BJP and wants to render the BJP electoral benefits in the coming by-election from Vijaypur assembly seat, which neighbours Jandels Sheopur seat. State Congress spokesperson Abhinav Barolia, meanwhile, countered the BJPs attack on the issue, by questioning what action had the ruling party taken against its own leaders, including ex-minister Kusum Mehdele, current MLA Pradeep Patel and 2023 assembly polls candidate Monika Shah Bhatti, for making objectionable remarks about Hindu deities, Lord Shiva, Lord Ram and Sita Mata in the past. He also dared the BJP leaders to make public the entire 20-minute video of Jandel along with his friends, instead of just sharing some portions of the long video. The latest viral video and its timing assume particular significance, as it has gone viral, nearly a month before the November 13 by-election to Vijaypur seat of the Sheopur district of the Gwalior-Chambal region. The by-poll bound constituency neighbours Jandels seat Sheopur. Former Congress veteran and sixth-time sitting MLA Ramniwas Rawat (currently the states forest minister) who joined the BJP during the LS polls is the BJP candidate from his citadel Vijaypur. Just a day back, the loudmouthed Congress MLA Babu Jandel, had announced that he would get his face blackened if the Congress lost the November 13 by-polls in the neighbouring Vijaypur constituency.

Indian Skimmers Get Lower Manair Under Focus

Hyderabad: Recently, over 110 endangered Indian skimmers, which represent 4.4 per cent of its world population, were sighted at the Lower Manair Dam (LMD) in Karimnagar. This is the second recorded instance of these birds in Telangana, with the first sighting occurring in Manjeera, Sangareddy. Last year, 25 skimmers were spotted at LMD. However, this location was not categorised as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), unlike the other 18 listed areas. Telangana is home to three Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) - Manjeera, Pocharam, and Pakhal - while Amrabad is a shared IBA with Andhra Pradesh. Overall, the region has a total of 18 IBAs, with the majority located in Andhra Pradesh. Parveen Shaikh, a scientist at Bombay Natural History Society, told Deccan Chronicle: Not all the places where birds are spotted can be declared as an IBA, Now that 110 Skimmer birds are spotted in LMD, this will be taken into consideration for the future list. We are also trying to understand the reason why they are choosing LMD. As we continue to monitor these birds, it will be fascinating to observe their movements, especially as they may remain in the region until January,she added. After their first sighting at LMD in January 2023, we are hopeful they will return to the same spot again, as they tend to use the same area during winters. This year, a local birder reported seeing them last week and he reported it on the eBird platform. When we visited the place, we counted them to be a total of 110. Sri Ram Reddy, a bird watcher said. Indian skimmers are wetland birds typically found in coastal estuaries and larger sandy rivers across western and eastern India. During the winter months, they migrate throughout India, nesting in rivers such as the Chambal and Mahananda. Their breeding season runs from March to June, and they prefer to lay their eggs on river islands. The Indian skimmer is particularly interesting because of its distinctive feeding method, according to those who study birds. With a long lower beak which is significantly longer than the upper one, these birds skim the water's surface while flying, using their beak to catch fish. This behaviour, known as skimming, allows them to access their prey efficiently. The Indian skimmer is listed as an endangered bird, with its population declining by 34-46 per cent over the past three generations. Current estimates suggest fewer than 2,450-2,900 mature individuals are alive around the world. The decline is primarily due to habitat loss and changes in water levels caused by dams, irrigation, and sand mining. These factors lead to flooding and low water levels, both of which pose threats to their nesting colonies by exposing them to predators and human disturbances.

Earthquake of Magnitude 3.0 Hits Shimla; No Damage Reported

Shimla: On Saturday afternoon, earthquake tremors were felt in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported that the earthquake measured 3.0 on the Richter scale. The tremors were recorded at 3:32 pm IST, with the epicenter located at 31.21 north latitude and 77.87 east longitude, at a depth of 5 kilometers. Fortunately, there have been no reports of any casualties or damage to property. Following the tremors, residents came out of their homes in response. Himachal Pradesh is situated in seismic zones 4 and 5, which are known for being highly sensitive areas in terms of earthquakes. Specifically, the districts of Kullu, Kangra, Chamba, Lahaul, and Mandi fall under the very sensitive seismic regions of the state.Media reports highlight that the Chamba region in Himachal Pradesh is particularly high-risk for seismic activity. In 1904, the region experienced a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8, resulting in over 20,000 deaths. Over the past century, more than 200 earthquakes with a magnitude of 4 or higher have occurred in the Chamba region. India is divided into four seismic zonesZone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, and Zone 5with Zone 5 being the most sensitive to earthquakes. Globally, on the same day, an earthquake of magnitude 4.1 was recorded in Tajikistan. This earthquakes epicenter was located at 38.30 latitude and 73.14 longitude at a depth of 111 kilometers. PWD Issues Offer Letter for CM House to Atishi, Sets 8-Day Deadline for Acceptance BJP Prepares for Uttar Pradesh By-Elections: Key Leaders to Meet Amit Shah and JP Nadda Sanjay Raut Denounces IAF C-295 Landing at Mumbai Airport as 'Election Stuntbaazi'

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'Funds from Centre are Himachals right, not charity': CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

CHANDIGARH: Attacking the BJP-led NDA Government and the top BJP leadership Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the funds allocated by the central government to Himachal Pradesh are the state's rightful entitlement, not an act of charity. He said that Himachal Pradesh is an integral part of the federal structure, where each state has both rights and responsibilities. Where does the union government collect its taxes from? It is the states' contributions that form the central revenue. Therefore, states have a legitimate claim on this tax revenue. The union government is not distributing charity but returning what is due. The Revenue Deficit Grant is a rightful entitlement of the people of Himachal Pradesh, and we are also entitled to our share in central taxes, he asserted. He also criticized Jagat Prakash Nadda, stating that as a Minister in the union government and the National President of the BJP, Naddas recent statements are inappropriate. Sukhu further said, Those who have recently become Naddas advisors were previously associated with the Congress party. It would be wise for him to stay cautious of such advices. In response to a question, Sukhu said that the previous BJP government had poorly managed the health sector, and it will take time for Himachal Pradesh to recover. He said that the state government has allocated Rs. 200 crores each for the completion of the Chamba and Hamirpur medical colleges. These funds have been sourced from the states resources. We are also recruiting doctors and nurses using our own funds to ensure better healthcare services for the people of the state. The union government is not providing these funds, he emphasized. Sukhu stated that ever since the Congress Party secured 40 seats in Himachal Pradesh, he has been subjected to personal attacks. There have been ED raids in Nadaun, and discussions about toilet taxes have arisen. These allegations seem aimed at influencing the Haryana assembly elections. Not a single person in Himachal Pradesh has been charged such a tax. It was the previous Jai Ram Thakur government decided to impose a sewerage tax on additional toilet seats, which our government has now waived, he said. He also clarified that the state government has neither withdrawn the electricity subsidy for the common people nor issued water bills. However, the subsidies for five-star hotels and luxury properties have been rationalised. Should five-star hotels and luxury properties be receiving such subsidies? he questioned. Meanwhile, former Union minister Anurag Thakur said that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh took loans worth over Rs 27,000 crore in the last 18 months. While addressing public meetings at several places in his parliamentary constituency Hamirpur, including in Nadaun, the home assembly seat of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, yesterday evening , Thakur said,`` During the tenure of only 18 months so far, the state government has taken a loan of more than Rs 27,000 crore, despite that this government does not have the budget to get development work done in the state. The Congress government does not give anything, but it continuously makes plans to collect from the people. The condition of roads is bad in the entire state and the chief minister's assembly constituency Nadaun is no exception. There is a burden of taxes everywhere, be it electricity, water, roads, education or health. Electricity subsidy given by the previous BJP government has been stopped and the rural population has been burdened with water charges.

'Funds from Center are Himachals right, not charity,' says Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu

CHANDIGARH: Attacking the BJP-led NDA Government and the top BJP leadership Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the funds allocated by the central government to Himachal Pradesh are the state's rightful entitlement, not an act of charity. He said that Himachal Pradesh is an integral part of the federal structure, where each state has both rights and responsibilities. Where does the union government collect its taxes from? It is the states' contributions that form the central revenue. Therefore, states have a legitimate claim on this tax revenue. The union government is not distributing charity but returning what is due. The Revenue Deficit Grant is a rightful entitlement of the people of Himachal Pradesh, and we are also entitled to our share in central taxes, he asserted. He also criticized Jagat Prakash Nadda, stating that as a Minister in the union government and the National President of the BJP, Naddas recent statements are inappropriate. Sukhu further said, Those who have recently become Naddas advisors were previously associated with the Congress party. It would be wise for him to stay cautious of such advices. In response to a question, Sukhu said that the previous BJP government had poorly managed the health sector, and it will take time for Himachal Pradesh to recover. He said that the state government has allocated Rs. 200 crores each for the completion of the Chamba and Hamirpur medical colleges. These funds have been sourced from the states resources. We are also recruiting doctors and nurses using our own funds to ensure better healthcare services for the people of the state. The union government is not providing these funds, he emphasized. Sukhu stated that ever since the Congress Party secured 40 seats in Himachal Pradesh, he has been subjected to personal attacks. There have been ED raids in Nadaun, and discussions about toilet taxes have arisen. These allegations seem aimed at influencing the Haryana assembly elections. Not a single person in Himachal Pradesh has been charged such a tax. It was the previous Jai Ram Thakur government decided to impose a sewerage tax on additional toilet seats, which our government has now waived, he said. He also clarified that the state government has neither withdrawn the electricity subsidy for the common people nor issued water bills. However, the subsidies for five-star hotels and luxury properties have been rationalised. Should five-star hotels and luxury properties be receiving such subsidies? he questioned. Meanwhile, former Union minister Anurag Thakur said that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh took loans worth over Rs 27,000 crore in the last 18 months. While addressing public meetings at several places in his parliamentary constituency Hamirpur, including in Nadaun, the home assembly seat of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, yesterday evening , Thakur said,`` During the tenure of only 18 months so far, the state government has taken a loan of more than Rs 27,000 crore, despite that this government does not have the budget to get development work done in the state. The Congress government does not give anything, but it continuously makes plans to collect from the people. The condition of roads is bad in the entire state and the chief minister's assembly constituency Nadaun is no exception. There is a burden of taxes everywhere, be it electricity, water, roads, education or health. Electricity subsidy given by the previous BJP government has been stopped and the rural population has been burdened with water charges.

Bhopal Diary: Will MP BJP have its first-ever woman chief?

Investment proposals of Rs 23k cr for Bundelkhand First ever regional industry conclave in MPs Bundelkhand region has attracted investment proposals worth over Rs 23,000 crore, which when actualized are expected to generate over 27,800 jobs in the region, that has since decades witnessed large scale migration of local workforce to other states. The day-long conclave in Sagar on Friday saw the biggest Rs 3,200 crore investment proposal in steel manufacturing sector for Niwari district, Rs 2,000 crore investment proposal in cement sector for Panna district and Rs 1,700 crore proposal for setting up a B2B data centre in Sagar district. Will MP BJP have its first-ever woman chief? With several names in talks among the BJP circles for state party chiefs post (which is likely to be finalised soon), names of some key women politicians too have cropped up. The names include two former MP ministers Archana Chitnis and Usha Thakur (both upper caste politicians), two sitting MPs, OBC leader Kavita Patidar (first time RS MP) and Sandhya Rai (second-time LS member), besides first-time sitting MLA Riti Pathak. MP BJP has never had a women chief, but with the central leadership known to spring surprises, a woman heading the BJP doesnt seem impossible. Speculation over ex-BJP MLAs video with Congress Though the by-election to Vijaypur assembly seat of Sheopur district is yet to be announced, the local BJP circles in the district are concerned over a recent video showing its 2018 winner Sitaram Adivasi mingling with local Congress leaders. Adivasi who defeated Congress veteran Ramniwas Rawat in the 2018 polls from Vijaypur seat is a powerful tribal leader from the assembly seat forming part of the Gwalior-Chambal region. His visible proximity to the Congress will not be good news for sixth-time Congress MLA Rawat, who joined BJP ahead of LS polls and was made a cabinet minister in the state government in July.