Chhattisgarh: Saur Sujala Yojana cuts down costs, enhances income of farmers
Digital Desk | Dhamtari (Chhattisgarh), Nov 1 (IANS) The Saur Sujala Yojana, a solar irrigation scheme of the Chhattisgarh government, is doing wonders for the farmers of Dhamtari district as many of them, having installed solar pumps under the scheme, are benefiting from it. Many residents of Dhamtari, having subscribed to the scheme, have installed solar pumps in the fields, and this has reduced their agricultural costs, including electricity bills. A couple of farmers in Dhamtari district spoke to IANS and shared their experience and how this scheme was having a positive impact on their pockets. Indresh Ghate, a local farmer, said that he previously relied on expensive grid electricity for irrigation but now was using solar energy to irrigate his fields, and this has significantly lowered his operational costs. According to Indresh Ghate, the installation of a solar pump allowed him to irrigate his fields at any time during the day. This not only eased the burden of electricity costs but has also made irrigation of fields much more convenient. Indresh says that the 'Saur Sujala Yojana' helped reduce his farming expenses and increase his income. Furthermore, using solar energy for irrigation is also environmentally friendly. Expressing his gratitude to the government for the initiative, the farmer stated that the scheme has empowered him to become self-reliant. Describing this as a programme to bring prosperity to the lives of farmers, he said that farmers in Dhamtari are increasingly adopting solar energy, making agriculture both easier and more cost-effective. Ghate told IANS, I cultivate five acres of land. Previously, I had to depend on grid electricity for irrigation, which resulted in very high electricity bills. Upon learning about the 'Saur Sujala Yojana,' I had solar panels installed on my farm. This has freed me from high electricity bills and has doubled my income. I express my gratitude to PM Modi for giving the country a new identity. Under his leadership, the nation is making significant progress, he added.
Chhattisgarh Farmer Reaps Benefits from Solar Irrigation Scheme
A Dhamtari farmer shares how the Solar Sujala Scheme has reduced costs and increased income through solar-powered irrigation. Chhattisgarh Farmer Reaps Benefits from Solar Irrigation Scheme
Major Investment Scam Uncovered in Dhamtari, Suspect Arrested in Indore
Dhamtari police arrest a suspect linked to a 3.12 crore investment scam promising monthly profits from share trading. Major Investment Scam Uncovered in Dhamtari, Suspect Arrested in Indore
Chhattisgarh: Train reaches Raoghat for first time since Independence
Digital Desk | Bilaspur, Oct 20 (IANS) In a landmark development for Chhattisgarhs rail network, Indian Railways on Tuesday inaugurated the TadokiRaoghat and AbhanpurKurud broad-gauge lines. New passenger services between RaoghatRaipur and RaipurKurud were also flagged off, while the foundation stone for an electric locomotive maintenance facility was laid in Raipur. The events were held in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who joined via video conferencing. The arrival of a train at Raoghat for the first time since Independence marks a historic milestone in connecting the remote southern regions of the state to the national rail grid. The 95-km Dalli-RajharaRowghat line, completed for Rs 1,628 crore, reached full operational status with the 17.5-km TadokiRaoghat stretch. This connectivity will ease access to education, healthcare, employment and trade for local residents while accelerating iron ore transportation from the Rowghat region to support the Bhilai Steel Plant and the wider iron and steel industry. Chief Minister Sai thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Vaishnaw on behalf of the states three crore people. He highlighted that Chhattisgarh has received over 7,000 crore in the railway budget this year, reflecting sustained focus on infrastructure, connectivity and passenger amenities. The projects, he said, will give fresh impetus to industrial, commercial and socio-economic growth in remote areas. Minister Vaishnaw congratulated the people of Chhattisgarh and listed key ongoing and completed works, including the Dalli-RajharaRowghat line, gauge conversion of the KendiAbhanpurRajimDhamtari section, multi-tracking projects and the recently approved Pendra RoadBilaspurUslapur third line. The KharsiaParmalkasa double-line work is also in progress. Under the AbhanpurDhamtari gauge conversion, the 22-km AbhanpurKurud section has been completed, expanding travel options to Raipur and boosting regional trade and daily commuting. Remaining work on the KurudDhamtari stretch is expected soon. The new RaipurRaoghat service will cost passengers only 55, offering affordable travel for students, youth and daily commuters. The proposed electric locomotive maintenance facility in Raipur will handle up to 300 high-horsepower locomotives, improving availability, meeting growing freight needs and strengthening overall rail operations. These initiatives collectively enhance connectivity, passenger facilities and economic opportunities across Chhattisgarh.
Dhamtari Police Arrest Youth for Heroin Trafficking in Operation Nishchay
Dhamtari police arrested a youth for heroin trafficking, seizing drugs and valuables worth over 4.5 lakh under Operation Nishchay. Dhamtari Police Arrest Youth for Heroin Trafficking in Operation Nishchay
Chhattisgarhs Free Solar Power Scheme Transforms Lives in Dhamtari
The Prime Ministers free solar power initiative is significantly reducing electricity bills for residents in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarhs Free Solar Power Scheme Transforms Lives in Dhamtari
District Panchayat Dhamtari Accountant Recruitment 2026
District Panchayat Dhamtari has released Notification No. 397/Z.P./VBGRAM-G/Estt./2026-27 for the recruitment of 4 Accountant posts. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications till 22 October 2026. Further details are available at dhamtari.nic.in.
Devotees Flock to Chhattisgarhs Shitala Shakti Peeth for Navratri Blessings
Thousands gather at Shitala Shakti Peeth in Dhamtari during Navratri, seeking blessings and fulfilling wishes. Devotees Flock to Chhattisgarhs Shitala Shakti Peeth for Navratri Blessings
PM Modis Every Home Moringa campaign is praised by Dhamtari locals for promoting health and nutrition through this medicinal plant. PM Modi Highlights Every Home Moringa Initiative in Mann Ki Baat, Dhamtari Residents Praise the Effort
Cyclone Arnab batters Chhattisgarh, schools shut statewide amid flood threat
Digital Desk | Raipur, Sep 26 (IANS) Cyclone Arnab, which formed over the Bay of Bengal, has unleashed three days of torrential rainfall across Chhattisgarh, severely disrupting normal life in the Raipur, Bilaspur, Bastar, Durg and Surguja divisions. Several roads remain submerged, traffic has halted on multiple routes, and connectivity has been severed in many areas. Rivers and streams across the state have swollen dangerously, prompting authorities to issue Orange and Yellow alerts for several districts. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has ordered a complete holiday for all government, private, and aided schools in the state on Saturday. Heavy rains could lead to waterlogging, rising water levels in rivers and streams, and difficulties in commuting. The decision ensures schoolchildren face no risks, the Chief Minister said on his X handle. He urged parents to keep children at home, remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel. District Collectors and concerned departments have been instructed to implement the order effectively and stay on high alert for relief and rescue operations. In Mahasamund district, intermittent heavy rain over the past two days has disrupted daily life. The Mahanadi Rivers water level has risen sharply due to continuous rainfall and releases from the Gangrel Dam, causing rivers and streams to overflow. In Bamhani village, the government liquor shop was completely surrounded by floodwaters, trapping two security guards, Chhagan Lal Kurre and Eid Kumar Tandan. They released a video confirming they were safe. A team later carried out a successful rescue. The administration has issued an alert for 18 villages situated along the riverbanks. The Bastar division and adjoining districts have borne the brunt of the cyclones impact. Continuous torrential rain has caused most rivers and streams to overflow, submerging main roads and completely severing inter-district connectivity. All 14 gates of the Gangrel Dam in Dhamtari have been opened after the reservoir reached over 98 per cent capacity. Approximately 50,000 cusecs of water are being released into the Mahanadi via the Rudri Barrage. The Murumsilli Dam stands at full capacity (100 per cent), while the Dudhawa and Sondhur dams in Balod have exceeded 90 per cent. The overflowing Hatkul River near Dhamtari headquarters has cut off several surrounding villages. Water has also been released from the Bango Dam in Korba and the Khatiguda Dam in Odisha, sending around 500,000 cubic metres downstream and rapidly raising the Indravati Rivers level. Hundreds of villages in Sukma, Kanker, Bijapur, Jagdalpur, Narayanpur and Dantewada face an imminent flood threat following the large-scale release from Odishas Kalahandi region, reports and sources said. District administrations have placed rescue teams on standby, directed officials to maintain constant vigilance, and identified safe locations in every riverside village along the Mahanadi for potential relocation of residents. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the system gradually weakens, with the safety of citizens remaining the top priority.
Six killed, 11 injured as truck rams stationary vehicle in Chhattisgarh
Digital Desk | Raipur/Balod (Chhattisgarh), Sep 25 (IANS) Six people were killed and 11 others injured in a road accident at Markatola Ghat on National Highway-30 in Chhattisgarh's Balod district on Friday, officials said. The incident occurred around noon in the Purur police station area when a wheat-laden 16-wheeler truck rammed into a stationary mini goods vehicle. According to police, the stationary vehicle was carrying members of a Dhumal music troupe from Kawardha (Kabirdham) to Jagdalpur. It had broken down near Markatola Ghat and was parked on the roadside. Some occupants had left the spot to find a mechanic when the truck, heading from Raipur towards Jagdalpur, struck the stationary vehicle with force, dragging it about 50 metres before overturning. The impact was so severe that eyewitnesses reported that the bodies of the deceased and injured were buried under sacks of wheat. Rescue operations began immediately amid heavy rain. Teams from two police stations, assisted by local residents, removed wheat sacks and debris to extricate the victims. The injured were rushed by ambulance to Dhamtari District Hospital. Balod's Additional Superintendent of Police Chandrakant Govarna said two persons died on the spot while four others succumbed during treatment. Of the 11 injured, seven in critical condition were referred to Raipur for advanced care. The deceased were residents of Kawardha. The truck driver fled the scene after the accident, and police are searching for him. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep grief over the tragedy. In a post on X, he wrote: The news of the untimely demise of many people in the horrific road accident at Markatola Ghat in Balod district is extremely saddening. My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this heartbreaking incident. I pray for the peace of the departed souls and the speedy recovery of the injured. Necessary instructions have been issued to the authorities to ensure proper treatment of the injured. The Chhattisgarh government stands with the affected families in this hour of grief. Police have registered a case and begun investigation into the cause of the accident. Post-mortem examinations of the deceased were underway. The injured remain under treatment, with some still in a state of shock and, as a result, their identities could not be ascertained immediately.
Enter at own risk: churches to non-Christians as anti-conversion law takes effect in Chhattisgarh
Warning boards have been put up as a precautionary measure to avoid action under the Chhattisgarh Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, says Diamond Philus, general secretary of the Dhamtari District Christian Forum
Entry Barred: 8 Dhamtari Churches Put Up Notice Boards Amid Conversion Row
Major Drug Bust in Dhamtari: Over
Dhamtari police seize heroin worth 1.02 lakh and arrest three suspects in a significant drug operation. Major Drug Bust in Dhamtari: Over 3.6 Lakh Worth of Heroin Seized, Three Arrested
DRI seizes about 740 kg of cannabis in eight operations; 13 held
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence conducted eight major operations across the country in the last fortnight and seized around 740 kg of cannabis and charas and arrested 13 people, an official statement said on Wednesday. The seizures included 709.6 kg cannabis (ganja), 24.5 kg highgrade hydroponic cannabis and 5 kg charas, the statement from the Ministry of Finance said. After receiving inputs, officers of DRI intercepted two trucks coming from Vishakhapatnam at Old Dhamtari Road near Raipur, leading to a recovery of 61 packets, concealed in 10 sacks kept in the loading areas of the trucks. A total of 375.95 kg cannabis, along with the two trucks, was seized under the NDPS Act, 1985, and four persons were arrested. Acting on specific intelligence during September 56, DRI intercepted a truck on the AurangabadPatna Highway near Patna, upon which officers were attacked and one was injured while the driver escaped, the statement noted. A search revealed 90 packets confirmed as ganja, and 140.5 kg and the vehicle was seized. Earlier, on August 26, 2026, officers seized about 124 kg of cannabis concealed in a truck near Raipur and arrested one person. On September 3, 2026, DRI intercepted three persons travelling in the general compartment of Amarnath Express train at Gorakhpur Railway Station. Personal search resulted in the recovery of around 5 kg charas (hashish), concealed by two of the passengers in knee-cap-like coverings wrapped around their thighs and hidden inside their sarees. Investigations indicated that the charas had been smuggled from Nepal. The recovered charas or hashish was seized and all three persons were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985. Further, 3 passengers, arriving from Hanoi, Vietnam and Bangkok, Thailand at Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports were held in the last 15 days, collectively resulting in the seizure of approximately 24.6 kg high potency cannabis.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stepped up its investigation into the alleged paper leak, irregularities and corruption in recruitment examinations conducted by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC). The ED's Raipur Zonal Office conducted searches at five locations across Raipur, Durg, Dhamtari and Jashpur districts on September 1. The searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation stems from FIRs registered by the Economic Offences Wing-Anti-Corruption Bureau (EOW-ACB), Raipur, and the Central Bureau of Investigation's Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBI-ACB) against several people, including former CGPSC chairman Taman Singh Sonwani.
Lifelong Imprisonment for Murder in Dhamtari: Helmet Attack Revealed
Dhamtari, August 29: In a significant ruling, a court in Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, sentenced the accused in the high-profile Birendra Devangan murder case to life imprisonment. The court found Khushwant alias Khuubu Sahu guilty of murder in connection with the discovery of a body between Manav Van and Shiva Resort. On August 27, the Additional Sessions ... Read more Lifelong Imprisonment for Murder in Dhamtari: Helmet Attack Revealed
Rakhi gifting gets premium, personal as smaller towns drive festive commerce
Tier 3 and Tier 4 markets record the fastest growth. Dadri in Uttar Pradesh leads with around 105% y-o-y growth, followed by Nabarangapur in Odisha, Kasganj, Dhamtari and Nainpur in Madhya Pradesh
Chhattisgarhs Crop Insurance Scheme Breaks Five-Year Record, A Boon for Farmers
Raipur, August 26: Once upon a time, farmers faced devastating losses due to natural disasters without any support. Many were driven to despair, even contemplating suicide when crops failed. However, the current Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has emerged as a blessing for farmers in Chhattisgarh. This year, farmers in Dhamtari have insured a remarkable ... Read more Chhattisgarhs Crop Insurance Scheme Breaks Five-Year Record, A Boon for Farmers
Empowering Women Through Azolla Cultivation: A Government Initiative in Dhamtari
Dhamtari, August 23: The central government is implementing various schemes aimed at empowering women, enabling them to achieve financial independence. Women across the country are benefiting from these initiatives. In Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh, women from the self-help group in Amali village have set an example by generating income from what is often considered a weed. Azolla, ... Read more Empowering Women Through Azolla Cultivation: A Government Initiative in Dhamtari
Mumbai Biker, 24, Dies After Trailer Rams Her. Was On Group Ride With 22 Women
Thakkar was first taken to a health centre in Charama for treatment. As her condition worsened, she was shifted to a private hospital in Dhamtari, where doctors examined her and confirmed that she had died from her injuries.
Chhattisgarhs Thenhi Becomes the First Solar Village Under PM Solar Home Scheme
Raipur, August 7: The ambitious PM Solar Home Scheme by the central government is providing significant relief from electricity bills to the common people. Millions of families across the country are benefiting from free electricity under this initiative. In this context, Thenhi village in Chhattisgarhs Dhamtari district has now become the first solar village in ... Read more Chhattisgarhs Thenhi Becomes the First Solar Village Under PM Solar Home Scheme
