Maha govt orders field verification in 18 more talukas to assess drought severity
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) The Maharashtra government on Friday approved ground truthing (field verification) to assess drought severity in an additional 18 talukas to achieve a more accurate and objective assessment of the drought situation in the state. Under this initiative, a 20 per cent survey of the five major crops in these talukas will be conducted to cross-check satellite imagery and computational data with ground realities, helping to provide a clearer picture of the drought's actual severity. A Government Resolution (GR) to this effect has been issued by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who heads the Cabinet Sub-Committee on drought, said the state government had taken this crucial step to accurately assess drought conditions and provide necessary aid and concessions to farmers. Based on Kharif season 2026 conditions, drought was declared in 265 talukas through the GR dated September 25, 2026, based on Trigger-1 criteria, introducing 12 different relief measures and concessions. Following directions issued at the Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting held on September 29, 2026, and considering the rainfall deficit and other factors during the June-September 2026 period, the decision was taken to conduct field inspections in 18 additional talukas. The Relief and Rehabilitation Department has released the official GR regarding the move. The inspections will be conducted in 18 talukas across eight districts: Nanded (Mudkhed, Mukhed); Chandrapur (Jivati, Brahmapuri, Ballarpur); Gondia (Amgaon, Deori, Salekasa, Gondia); Wardha (Karanja); Bhandara (Mohadi, Tumsar); Nashik (Trimbakeshwar, Chandwad, Niphad); Satara (Patan); and Sangli (Shirala, Walwa). The verification will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Manual for Drought Management, 2016. Findings obtained through satellite images, maps, and digital or computational data will be verified through direct field visits. Surveying 20 per cent of the five major crops will allow for a more effective evaluation of actual crop conditions and drought intensity. This process will bridge technical data with real on-ground conditions to present a more accurate picture of the drought, enabling the government to obtain objective information to review the situation and take further decisions, Bawankule said. The government's decision coincided with the visit of a Central team to drought-hit districts from October 8 to 11. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team from the Union Government arrived in Maharashtra on Thursday to conduct an on-ground assessment of the drought situation and crop losses during the Kharif season 2026. During the visit, scheduled from October 8 to 11, the team will review the state's drought conditions and directly inspect rainfall levels, crop damage, drinking water availability, and the fodder situation for livestock. Muktanand Agrawal, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is leading the team. The delegation includes administrative and technical officers from various Central ministries and departments, including Agriculture, Water Resources, Rural Development, Drinking Water Supply, Food and Public Distribution, Animal Husbandry, Finance and NITI Aayog. Following the Central team's arrival in Mumbai, Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, at a high-level meeting, drew attention to issues arising from rainfall deficits in parts of Maharashtra, including water scarcity, the potential need for water tankers, challenges faced by agricultural labourers and landowners dependent on farming, possible labour migration, and farmer distress and suicides.
NCP cadre demoralised over Pune Graduates seat loss: Praful Patel
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 7 (IANS) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) national working president Praful Patel on Wednesday said it was demoralising for party workers across five districts, particularly in western Maharashtra, that the party did not retain the Pune Graduates Constituency for the Legislative Council election scheduled for October 23. Patel made the remarks a day after Maharashtra NCP president and Lok Sabha MP Sunil Tatkare termed the party's failure to secure the Pune Graduates Constituency within the ruling Mahayuti alliance a collective failure. It is certainly demoralising for our cadre in the five districts under which the Pune Graduates Constituency falls. The seat was with us, and we had won it on our symbol in the previous election, Patel said when asked about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) contesting the seat instead of the NCP. Patel said the decision was finalised in a meeting involving Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the two Deputy Chief Ministers, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. But now that the decision has been made, it will be contested as a Mahayuti seat, he said. Patel's remarks come amid claims by party sources that no prior meeting was held with senior NCP leaders before discussions on the matter took place. Party sources also pointed to the example of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who, despite the BJP announcing its candidate for the Pune Teachers' Constituency, allotted a ticket to Mangesh Chivate. According to a senior party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, several leaders had suggested that the NCP should avoid making any commitment regarding the Pune Graduates seat as it previously belonged to the party. The leader claimed that negotiations involved only a limited number of leaders before the decision was finalised. The source further said that Shinde had fielded his party worker despite pressure from the BJP and had kept the window for negotiations open. On Tuesday, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare termed the development a collective failure. The Pune Graduates Constituency seat rightly belonged to the Nationalist Congress Party. However, it is a fact that the party did not get this seat. We must have fallen short somewhere, and this must be considered a collective failure, Tatkare had said on the last day for filing nominations for the Council elections. United NCP's Arun Lad had won the seat on the Clock symbol six years ago. His son, Sharad Lad, later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was reportedly interested in contesting the seat. The BJP ultimately secured the seat and fielded Smita Jadhav as its candidate. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader and Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has been appointed the overall campaign chief for the Mahayuti alliance for both the Pune Graduates and Pune Teachers constituencies. As far as the Maha Vikas Aghadi is concerned, its leaders, including Congress leader Satej Patil, are seeking to capitalise on cross-party rebellions within the Mahayuti to rally graduate voters across the Pune division, comprising Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur and Kolhapur districts. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction issued AB forms to both Pradeep Mane and Harshada Deshmukh-Jadhav ahead of the final nomination deadline as a tactical move.
Maharashtra Seeks Rs 17,500 Crore From Centre For Drought Relief
The state government has also directed the collectors of Sangli, Satara and Pune districts to submit fact-finding reports following a demand to include 10 talukas from these districts in the drought-affected list.
Chinese Consul General Visits Village in Sangli District, Maharashtra
The Chinese Consul General engaged with locals in Sangli, Maharashtra, discussing agriculture and education during his visit. Chinese Consul General Visits Village in Sangli District, Maharashtra
Maharashtra weather update: Thunderstorms, gusty winds forecast across state
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rain and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph at isolated places in Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Ahilyanagar, Pune, Kolhapur, Satara and Sangli
SC Agrees to Examine Plea against Acquittal of 22 Accused in Sohrabuddin Shaikh Encounter Case
According to the prosecution case, Sohrabuddin, his wife and Prajapati were travelling by bus from Hyderabad to Sangli in Maharashtra when they were allegedly taken into custody by a police team on the night of November 22-23, 2005
MPSC drug inspector exam paper leak case: Four more arrested, tally reaches 11
The two candidates arrested have been identified as Sajid Sande from Sangli and Vijay Kingar from Buldhana. The Crime Branch also arrested alleged middlemen Sandeep Khalate and Bhairavnath Kadam from Navi Mumbai on September 24
Three-day Pluck and Pay Festival begins in Mizoram to promote eco-tourism
Digital Desk | Aizawl, Sep 23 (IANS) The three-day Pluck and Pay Festival began in Mizorams Khawzawl district on Wednesday, showcasing the states pristine environment, forests and natural resources while promoting eco-tourism and sustainable use of its rich biodiversity. The three-day Pluck and Pay Festival was organised for the first time in Mizoram jointly by the Tourism Department and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Khawzawl. Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar said that the natural beauty of Mizoram, its clean environment, forests and natural resources are among the major attractions for tourists. He expressed his appreciation for the organisation of the Pluck and Pay Festival as an initiative to showcase the natural beauty and agricultural wealth of the State. The minister also lauded the decision to organise the festival without the use of single-use plastic and stated that efforts would be made to promote similar green festivals in future. Lalnghinglova Hmar encouraged tourists from outside Mizoram to visit the festival while emphasising that people living within the state should first appreciate, preserve and take pride in the beautiful and important places in their own land. He said that the people of Mizoram can become ambassadors of the state by visiting and promoting its natural beauty. The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the people of Chawngtlai and Tualte for their active participation and efforts, and extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the festival. Khawzawl Deputy Commissioner Pu K. Vanlalthiana stated that the organisation of the Pluck and Pay Festival at Tualte and Chawngtlai marks a significant milestone for the development of Khawzawl District. He invited visitors to enjoy the three-day festival by witnessing the hard work of local farmers and purchasing their fresh produce. Additional Director, Horticulture Department C. Zosangliana spoke about the initiatives undertaken by the Department to promote fruit and vegetable cultivation in Tualte and Chawngtlai. He stated that the Horticulture Department began promoting tomato cultivation in Tualte around 2019. More than 200 households have since taken up tomato cultivation as a livelihood. To date, they have produced more than one lakh quintals of tomatoes and generated an income of over Rs 14 crore. He also informed that during 2025-2026, 151 households in Tualte were selected for passion fruit cultivation under the MIDH Scheme, and the initiative is currently progressing. In Chawngtlai, around 10 households began cultivating passion fruit as early as 1995. Despite facing various challenges over the years, cultivation has since been revived, and the number of growers has steadily increased. Tomato cultivation in Chawngtlai began on a more organised scale around 2020, and more than 120 households are currently engaged in tomato cultivation as a livelihood. To date, more than 8,000 quintals of tomatoes have been sold, generating an income of over Rs 40 crore. Chawngtlai is currently among the major tomato-producing areas in Mizoram, and its intensive agricultural activities serve as an example for other villages. During the three-day Pluck and Pay Festival at Chawngtlai and Tualte, visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to visit the farms of local farmers in the host villages, where they can pick and purchase a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Several stalls showcasing agricultural produce and products made by local artisans have also been set up. Various traditional Mizo sports and recreational activities have also been organised for visitors. A concert featuring several popular Mizo artistes will also be held in the evening.
Lend A Hand India partners with Sangli district administrators to train educators and scale practical skill education under NEP 2020.
Delhi-NCR likely to stay mostly dry; air quality remains in satisfactory category
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Delhi and most parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) are likely to experience predominantly dry weather on Saturday, with no major spell of heavy rain forecast for New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and several other areas, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather agency has forecast partly cloudy skies over Delhi, with the maximum temperature expected to remain between 34 degrees celsius and 36 degrees celsius. The minimum temperature is likely to settle in the range of 22 degrees celsius to 24 degrees celsius. The forecast comes at a time when the Southwest Monsoon is showing signs of retreat from northwest India. According to the IMD, atmospheric conditions are becoming favourable for the withdrawal of the monsoon from some parts of West Rajasthan on Saturday. However, Delhi is expected to continue witnessing largely dry conditions in the immediate forecast period. For New Delhi, the IMD has predicted partly cloudy skies and has issued no weather warning. The wider Delhi region is also expected to remain free of significant rainfall, with temperatures staying within the forecast range. Some parts of the NCR could, however, see isolated changes in weather. Gurugram is likely to remain partly cloudy, with the possibility of one or two spells of rain or thundershowers during the day. No warning has been issued for the city. Meanwhile, several districts of Maharashtra, including Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Satara, Dhule, Jalgaon and Nandurbar, are expected to receive rainfall on Saturday. Rain is also likely in areas including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, Latur, Parbhani, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna and Osmanabad. The IMD has forecast scattered monsoon showers and thunderstorms over Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab and West Rajasthan on Saturday. East Uttar Pradesh may also experience similar conditions on Saturday and Sunday. Himachal Pradesh is likely to receive isolated rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms through September 24. Central India is also expected to remain active weather-wise. West Madhya Pradesh and East Madhya Pradesh may witness fairly widespread to widespread rainfall along with thunderstorms on Saturday. Chhattisgarh could also receive fairly widespread rainfall, with thunderstorms and lightning in several areas. In southern and coastal regions, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep are likely to experience fairly widespread rainfall through September 24. Parts of Karnataka may also see similar conditions during the period. North Interior Karnataka, South Interior Karnataka and Telangana are likely to receive rainfall on Saturday . Coastal Andhra Pradesh may witness isolated to scattered rainfall between Saturday and Sunday. Meanwhile, the air quality of Delhi remained in the satisfactory category. CRRI Mathura Road (131), Burari Crossing (99), North Campus DU (125), IGI Airport (T3) (102), Pusa (89), Aya Nagar (75), Shadipur (79), ITO (88), DTU (94), R K Puram (128), Ashok Vihar (91), Dwarka-Sector 8 (116), Narela (120), Rohini (107), Chandni Chowk (98), and IIT Delhi (131).
Maha faces severe dry spell as 83 talukas in 19 districts received no rain for over 20 days
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 16 (IANS) With the monsoon taking a prolonged break, Kharif crops across Maharashtra are facing a severe crisis, pushing several districts to the brink of drought. During Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and several ministers expressed deep concern over the situation. Although no immediate relief package was announced, CM Fadnavis instructed state administrative machinery to stay on high alert. Following Cabinet discussion, the government clarified that a formal drought declaration cannot be made immediately. Under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines and Central Drought Management norms, official crop-damage surveys (Panchnamas) and ground verification must be conducted after October 5 to qualify for financial relief. Premature surveys would risk disqualifying farmers from central aid packages. Conducting assessments before that date would disqualify the affected farmers from official relief aid and result in an inaccurate estimation of damage. The government is currently preparing a comprehensive list of relief measures for farmers, and officials have been urged to coordinate effectively. This was stated by the agriculture department in its presentation, government sources have said. The Cabinet reviewed regional reports indicating severe dry spells (ranging from 20 to over 40 days) across 18-19 districts, with Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Western Maharashtra being the hardest hit. Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and the CM instructed all District Collectors and field administration to remain on high alert and prepare preliminary relief proposals. The local administration across affected districts (especially in Marathwada) has been ordered to prioritise and reserve existing dam storage strictly for drinking water purposes to prevent potential urban and rural water crises. While waiting for the official October 5 survey window, the government is drafting emergency relief lists, evaluating fodder supply availability for livestock, and instructing agricultural departments to guide farmers on protective irrigation for the surviving Kharif crops. According to the compilation made by the state agriculture department on region-wise crop status, in Beed, 37.21 per cent of the sown area has been damaged; in Jalna, 27.83 per cent; and 7.06 per cent in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. In Latur, Dharashiv, and Parbhani, soybean, green gram (moong), black gram (udid), and cotton crops on light soils are drying up. A widespread outbreak of the Yellow Mosaic virus on soybean crops has also been detected. Long dry spells across rain-fed tracts of Solapur, Satara, Sangli, and Ahilyanagar from Western Maharashtra have put severe stress on moong, udid, soybean, maize, and bajra crops. Yields in these regions are expected to drop by 20 to 25 per cent. In the Vidarbha region, Soybean and cotton crops face significant risk. Several talukas in Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, and Washim have reported a 2 to 3-week spell without rain. Soybeans on light soil have withered; farmers with irrigation facilities are using protective watering to save crops. Paddy transplantation has been delayed in parts of Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli due to deficient rainfall. In North Maharashtra, Nandurbar and select talukas of Nashik, the lack of rain has stunted the growth of maize, cotton, and other crops. However, recent rains in parts of Dhule and Jalgaon have brought partial relief to Kharif crops. Nandurbar has received only 46.6 per cent of its normal rainfall. Severe rainfall deficits are reported in Solapur, Kolhapur, Beed, Latur, Dharashiv, Parbhani, Hingoli, Akola, Washim, Amravati, Wardha, Nagpur, and Chandrapur. Meanwhile, opposition leaders -- including Vijay Wadettiwar and Solapur MP Praniti Shinde from the Congress, and the Shiv Sena(UBT) leaders -- have demanded the immediate declaration of drought in the affected districts. They highlighted that 19 districts and over 83 tehsils face severe rainfall deficits and looming fodder and water shortages. The opposition has urged the state government to issue an immediate emergency relief package, waive crop loans, and set up fodder camps and tanker water supply without waiting for formal post-monsoon timelines. Mahayuti coalition leaders, including NCP MLA Dhananjay Munde, have also written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting a drought declaration for the hard-hit Marathwada region.
Earlier they had to transport their produce all the way to Sangli or Pune in Maharashtra or pay more at private processing units
Mailardevpally Police seize banned gutkha worth Rs 7.5L, 1 held
Hyderabad: Mailardevpally Police arrested a man for allegedly transporting banned gutkha worth Rs 7.5 lakh in a truck parked in the area, police said on Thursday, August 27. The accused was identified as Anwar Mansur Sayyad, 40, a driver from Sangli district in Maharashtra. Acting on a tip-off about a DCM vehicle loaded with prohibited Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Tragic Double Murder in Maharashtra Over Garbage Dispute
Sangli, August 18: A shocking incident has emerged from Sangli district in Maharashtra. A couple was allegedly attacked by a neighbor over a garbage disposal dispute, resulting in their deaths. According to police officials, the conflict began in the Kupwad area of Sangli when neighbors argued about throwing garbage at the doorstep. The altercation escalated ... Read more Tragic Double Murder in Maharashtra Over Garbage Dispute
FDA Takes Major Action: 16 Licenses Suspended in Maharashtra Hotels and E-commerce
Pune, August 14: The neglect of food safety regulations is now leading to serious consequences. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licenses of 16 hotels, restaurants, e-commerce, and dairy establishments across Maharashtra as part of its Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra campaign. Notable names from Pune, Lonavala, Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur ... Read more FDA Takes Major Action: 16 Licenses Suspended in Maharashtra Hotels and E-commerce
FDA Suspends Licenses of 12 Hotels and Restaurants in Pune and Sangli
Pune, August 11: In a significant crackdown ahead of the festive season, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the licenses of 12 hotels, restaurants, and bakeries in Pune and Sangli due to unsanitary conditions and violations of food safety regulations. The action also included the seizure of approximately 1.49 lakh worth of sweet ... Read more FDA Suspends Licenses of 12 Hotels and Restaurants in Pune and Sangli
FDA Cracks Down on Food Safety in Pune and Sangli, Suspends Licenses of 12 Establishments
Pune, August 11: In a significant move ahead of the festive season, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched a major campaign in Pune and Sangli to ensure food safety. The FDA has suspended the licenses of 12 hotels, restaurants, and bakeries due to issues related to cleanliness, expired goods, and violations of regulations. ... Read more FDA Cracks Down on Food Safety in Pune and Sangli, Suspends Licenses of 12 Establishments
Sangli-based daily-wage earner training students to become pole vaulters in rural Maharashtra
I was 27 when I started practising pole vault; it was too late. I saw children in my village turning to addictions easily, so I approached one student to train with me as a runner but he insisted on learning pole vault, said Anis Shikalgar
Solinas Integrity, an IIT Madras-incubated climate deep-tech and robotics company, today announced a USD 5.5 million Series A1 funding round led by Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures and co-led by Mela Ventures, with participation from Luthra Group. Existing investor SBI Ventures, through the SVL-SME Fund, doubled down on its position, alongside continued backing from Rainmatter and 8X Ventures Fund I. The round follows Solinas's Series A, led by SBI Ventures through the SVL-SME Fund (Neev II) in May 2024, and underscores the deepening alignment between India's climate-tech innovation ecosystem and global sustainability-focused capital. Team Solinas Integrity, robotics startup incubated at IIT Madras, backed by Hero Enterprise, Mela Ventures, SBI Ventures, Rainmatter, Luthra Group and 8X Ventures Founded by Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee, Solinas builds robotics and AI systems that inspect, clean, and digitize underground water and wastewater infrastructure, solving problems of water leakages, contamination & elimination of manual scavenging . Its technology is deployed across 35+ cities and 15+ states in India, with expanding operations in the Middle East, helping utilities run safer, smarter networks. Solinas has come this far by proving that the technology & the model works, city after city, contract after contract, at a sizable scale. As we enter our next phase, we have the leadership team as well as the backing of mission aligned institutional investors in place to build Indias largest tech company in the underground asset management space. From here, were also planning to extendinto adjacent, highstakes sectors starting with Oil & Gas and Defence, where the same discipline around critical, unseen infrastructure applies , said Divanshu Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Solinas Integrity . Solinas will use the fresh capital to scale aggressively deepening penetration in existing markets while expanding into new states and municipal corporations across India, and building out its international footprint with a strategic focus on the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The company will also accelerate development of next-generation robotic inspection and cleaning technologies, strengthen its AI-powered software and asset management platforms, and expand its industrial solutions portfolio positioning Solinas as India's first end-to-end value creator for underground infrastructure, engineered to global technology standards. Solinas is targeting Rs. 100 crore in revenue by FY28, driven by growth in its core water and sanitation business alongside continued momentum in industrial asset management. Commenting on the fundraise, Sunil Kant Munjal (Chairman, Hero Enterprise) , At Hero Enterprise, we have long believed that India's most consequential infrastructure challenges will be solved not by incremental fixes, but by bold, technology-first thinking. Solinas Integrity embodies exactly that conviction, a team that has taken the hardest problem in urban infrastructure, underground water and wastewater networks, and reimagined it from the ground up with robotics. Their work directly addresses water security, worker safety, and the long-term resilience of our cities. This investment reflects our commitment to backing entrepreneurs who are building for India's future with both scale and purpose. Commenting on the fundraise, Krishnakumar Natarajan (Managing Partner, Mela Ventures): Current methods of maintaining Indias water infrastructure are manual, hazardous, time-consuming, and costly, with virtually no visibility into what lies beneath. Solinas is changing that through a vertically integrated robotics platform that maps underground infrastructure, diagnoses issues, and delivers end-to-end solutions. At Mela Ventures, we have followed Divanshu and the teams journey for four years, and their growth has been remarkable. Backing fearless founders solving globally hard problems from India is core to our investment philosophy, and Solinas is one of the best examples of that, Krishnakumar Natarajan, Managing Partner, Mela Ventures. Commenting on the fundraise, Akshay Panth (CIO, Neev Funds, SBI Ventures Limited) said, Solinas Integrity has done what few deep-tech companies manage - translating genuine engineering innovation into repeatable commercial traction at the exact intersection of water security, worker safety, and climate resilience. This follow-on reflects Neevs conviction that technology-led transformation in underserved infrastructure sectors is where India's next decade of impact will be built . Kumbhat Advisors, led by Akash Sethia, served as Exclusive Financial Advisor to the transaction. About Solinas Integrity Solinas Integrity, founded by Divanshu Kumar and Moinak Banerjee and incubated at IIT Madras, is a climate deep-tech company transforming the management of urban water and wastewater infrastructure. Through its proprietary robotics, AI-powered analytics, and digital asset management solutions, the company enables utilities and municipalities to inspect, clean, digitize, and manage underground networks more efficiently. The company is also leveraging its robotics and AI capabilities in the industrial sector, where it already works with leading automotive, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing companies for asset inspection and management, providing a strong foundation for further expansion in the industrial infrastructure market. Its innovations, including robotic inspection platforms and the Manhole Cleaning Robot, are helping drive safer, smarter, and more sustainable sanitation operations. Recognized and honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Solinas solutions have been deployed across 35+ cities and 15+ states in India, enabling large-scale inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of underground water and wastewater systems. The company has worked with leading urban utilities and municipal bodies including Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Sangli, Miraj Municipal Corporation, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, Tripura Jal Board, Greater Chennai Corporation, and Noida Authority. To date, Solinas has executed 100+ projects, identified over 25,000 defects across underground networks, and served 20+ industrial clients. Its technology supports significant reductions in water loss, saving up to 600,000 litres per kilometre of inspection per day while lowering operational costs by up to five times.. About Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures is the investment arm of Hero Enterprise, led by Chairman Sunil Kant Munjal. Rooted in over six decades of entrepreneurial legacy, Hero Enterprise channels the groups deep industrial heritage into backing the next generation of transformative businesses. Headquartered in New Delhi, Hero Enterprise Partner Ventures invests across growth-stage and deep-tech ventures that are entrepreneurial in nature, sustainable in scope, and potentially global in scale. The Investment Office focuses on companies with innovative business models and technologies that embed the principles of inclusive growth, with particular interest in climate resilience, clean infrastructure, applied AI, and impact-driven sectors. Hero Enterprise seeks to partner with founders building enduring enterprises that create measurable value for India and the world. About Mela Ventures Mela Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on DeepTech, EnterpriseTech, and ClimateTech companies. With a portfolio spanning GalaxEye, Mindgrove, Vunet, and other category-defining startups, Mela Ventures focuses exclusively on the B2B technology segment, with a sharp eye for category creators building scalable solutions to globally relevant problems. Melas Managing partners are Krishnakumar N and Parthasarathy NS, who previously founded Mindtree, a multi-billion-dollar IT services leader. www.melaventures.in About SVL-SME Fund SVL-SME Fund (Neev II) - is a private equity fund managed by SBI Ventures Limited, (a subsidiary of State Bank of India; and manages ~INR 300 Bn across different strategies including climate-tech investments, real estate and Fund of funds). Neev II aims to bridge the private equity gap required for Indias transition towards climate resilience and low emissions. The fund invests growth capital in high impact and commercially attractive business models across priority sectors including clean energy, circular economy, energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure. sbiventures.co.in/funds-managed/neev-fund-ii
Assam Police Seizes 37 Kilograms of Gold Worth 55 Crores in Major Operation
Guwahati, June 30: Assam Police conducted a significant operation on Tuesday, seizing approximately 37 kilograms of gold valued at around 55 crores in Guwahati. One individual has been arrested in connection with this case. The suspect has been identified as Akshay Bhansore, a resident of Sangli district in Maharashtra. A case has been registered at ... Read more Assam Police Seizes 37 Kilograms of Gold Worth 55 Crores in Major Operation
Shocking Murder Conspiracy Unveiled in Sangli: Wife and Lover Arrested
Mumbai, June 28: A chilling incident has emerged from Sangli, Maharashtra, where a wife conspired with her lover to murder her husband. The couple allegedly intoxicated the victim before brutally strangling him. The local Crime Investigation Branch (LCB) has uncovered this heinous plot. The incident occurred between 12:30 AM and 2:45 AM on June 25, ... Read more Shocking Murder Conspiracy Unveiled in Sangli: Wife and Lover Arrested
Maharashtra MLA Sudhir Gadgil Injured in Car Accident
Mumbai, June 27: Maharashtras BJP MLA Sudhir Gadgil was involved in a car accident on Saturday while traveling from Maheshal to Sangli. He sustained a minor injury to his finger, but the timely deployment of the cars airbags prevented a more serious incident. Reports indicate that the accident occurred when a two-wheeler suddenly came in ... Read more Maharashtra MLA Sudhir Gadgil Injured in Car Accident
Historic Steps for the Upliftment of Marginalized Communities: Ramdas Athawale
Satara, June 14: On the occasion of the completion of 12 years of the Modi government, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale addressed the media in Maharashtras Satara and Sangli, highlighting the achievements of the central government. Athawale stated that since 2014, the government has taken historic steps for the upliftment of marginalized, disadvantaged, and poor communities, ... Read more Historic Steps for the Upliftment of Marginalized Communities: Ramdas Athawale
Solinas Integrity Private Limited , a deep-tech robotics company incubated at IIT Madras, has been selected as the subject of a case study published on Harvard Business Publishing - the world's foremost repository of business school teaching cases used by institutions across six continents. Authored by Dr. Suresh Srinivasan from the Great Lakes Institute of Management, the case thoughtfully captures Solinas journey, innovation, and growing impact across India. ENDOBOT enables robotic inspection to detect defects inside water, sewer, & stormwater pipelines, while HOMOSEP eliminates manual scavenging through mechanized manhole cleaning Operating at the intersection of public infrastructure and industrial systems, Solinas has emerged as a key player working closely with municipal corporations across multiple states, as well as leading industries. The company focuses on solving critical challenges in underground infrastructure, ranging from manual scavenging, water pipeline leakages, and contamination risks to unsafe sewer systems, areas that are often invisible yet vital to public health and sustainability. Through its advanced robotics, AI, and digitization solutions, Solinas is enabling cities to reduce non-revenue water, improve service delivery, and make data-driven decisions. At the same time, its solutions are helping industries ensure operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure reliability. Solinas is among a small cohort of Indian startups and fewer still from the WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene) sector to be featured in this publishing ecosystem. The case is now available as a teaching resource for MBA programs and business schools worldwide. The HBS case study highlights how Solinas is building a scalable and impact-driven business model in a traditionally underserved sector. It explores the companys approach to navigating complex government ecosystems, establishing credibility in industrial markets, and leveraging technology to create measurable outcomes. There is no playbook for building a technology company in the water and sanitation sector. Solinas has been built through constant experimentation and learning. Having studied Harvard Business School case studies during my education, it is incredibly meaningful to now see our journey featured as one, said Divanshu Kumar, Co-founder & CEO, Solinas. The case is expected to serve as a global learning resource for students, policymakers, and business leaders, offering insights into innovation, public-private collaboration, and building a startup in critical infrastructure sectors in WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene). About Solinas Integrity Private Limited Solinas is a deep-tech startup in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, incubated at IIT Madras. The company focuses on underground urban water and wastewater infrastructure, developing robotics and AI-led solutions for the inspection, cleaning, digitization, and management of underground networks. Its portfolio includes robotic inspection systems, AI-powered analytics platforms, and the Manhole Cleaning Robot designed to enable safer and mechanized sewer maintenance. These technologies allow cities and utilities to visualize, assess, clean, and manage infrastructure that is otherwise invisible, improving safety, reducing non-revenue water, and eliminating the need for manual scavenging. Recognized and honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Solinas partners with urban local bodies, water utilities, and industries to enhance the safety, efficiency, and resilience of critical public infrastructure. Solinas solutions have been deployed across more than 30 cities in India, enabling large-scale inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of underground water and wastewater systems. The company has worked with leading urban utilities and municipal bodies including Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), Sangli, Miraj Municipal Corporation, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation, Tripura Jal Board, Greater Chennai Corporation, and Noida Authority. Its technology supports significant reductions in water loss, saving up to 600,000 litres per kilometre of inspection per day while lowering operational costs by up to five times. ENDOBOT Robotic Crawler , and AI-driven analytics platforms, Solinas enables a proactive, data-driven approach to infrastructure management while advancing worker safety, operational efficiency, and climate resilience. The company has also expanded internationally, with its ENDOBOT robotic solution deployed with Dubai Municipality, and is now planning to scale its presence across the Middle East. Solinas aims to further expand its footprint across India and global markets, with a continued focus on enabling safer, more sustainable, and resilient urban infrastructure systems through robotics, AI, and intelligent underground infrastructure management.
