Watch: Sloth bear sighting creates stir in Chhattisgarh; crowd gathers for photos
Eyewitnesses said the animal roamed around the temple premises for some time, attracting a large crowd that included many children.
Several people were seen taking photos and videos of the bear on their mobile phones.
The forest department was alerted and a team arrived to monitor the situation. Officials said steps were taken to ensure the safety of both the bear and the onlookers.
Sloth bears are found across the Indian subcontinent and are known to wander into human settlements, often in search of food.
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Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Can children walk or cycle to school safely in Pune city?
1 2 Pune: Once known for its picturesque and walkable roads, Pune has become a battleground for space today. Vehicles, infrastructure projects and businesses are all encroaching on each other's turfs, leaving little to no space for those most vulnerable — pedestrians. A smaller slice of this pie, schoolchildren, are at an even bigger risk, especially when commuting alone Although Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in Aug 2023 released the School Priority Zone Guidelines to create 'safe school zones' across the city, children can still be seen darting across junctions and walking amid oncoming traffic while going to and from school. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Prior to launching the guidelines, PMC had also initiated the School Travel Improvement Plan (STIP) initiative in 2022, with a similar aim. Under STIP, a competition was held in the launch year across nine zones. Winning teams of three zones were given a chance to implement solutions proposed by them on a pilot basis for five days, facilitating safe access for schoolkids. Based on the impact of this pilot run, the proposals were to be altered for more structured directives to be implemented across the city. Two of these pilots, one in Kharadi and the other on Laxmi Road, were carried out in Dec 2022 and March 2025, respectively. Alongside, the NGO Parisar has been proposing design changes to PMC for implementation of STIP at various school zones across the city. A programme associate from the organization, Aditya Chawande, told TOI, "As streets get tougher to navigate and more unsafe for pedestrians, there is an urgent need for assessment and to build safer, risk-free systems. These can help improve the travel experience for children going to school walking, cycling, or by bus." Entrepreneur and Kharadi resident Gati Shinde, a city-based mother, told TOI, "I'm concerned about the safety of children riding a cycle to school because of hazardous road conditions. Spaces designated for students to park cycles are often occupied by private vehicles. Roads are plagued by potholes, speeding traffic, and a lack of signals, creating a chaotic environment. Given these risks, I wouldn't feel comfortable allowing my child to ride a bicycle to school, despite the convenience it might offer. " Experts and activists have long emphasized the dire need for better infrastructure to augment environment friendly modes of commute in the city. Despite this, implementation of STIP has been slow, with 19 more PMC-selected school zone areas left to tackle. Kharadi pilot: Even basic updates bring visible change and ease commute Architect and urban designer Abhijit Kondhalkar, who won the PMC STIP competition, created a proposal that was implemented on Kharadi South Road. This stretch hosts the PDEA Eon Gyanankur English Medium School, PDEA English Medium School and Rajaram Pathare School, besides Silver Bell Tree School and Kidzee. "Allowing children to cycle or walk to school has umpteen benefits. The biggest one is that it gives them a chance to connect with their surroundings, which is crucial for their overall development," Kondhalkar told TOI. "Before designing the plan, I held meetings with stakeholders — especially the children — to understand their issues in commuting to and from school. In addition to crossings being a major hurdle because of a wide junction, there were some specific safety issues they raised," Kondhalkar said, adding, "Girls complained of harassment by delivery agents and cab drivers parked along the stretch; boys claimed strange men often invited them into a public toilet that falls on the way. The final design proposed kept these factors in mind." In addition, Kondhalkar learned about problems children faced while cycling, such as uneven surfaces, lack of shaded areas and garbage or debris on roadsides. Schools raised issues like the absence of zebra crossings or speed breakers on the stretch, constant heavy vehicle movement, and Kharadi Gaon junction being unsafe, among other complaints. The Kharadi police highlighted black spots in the area. All this came together to help Kondhalkar create a SWOT analysis for better ideation. His design then went forward to implement several traffic calming measures, like painting signages in the school zone, adding stop and speed limits signs on the route, speed breakers, cones and barricades, and painting lines, dashes and arrows on the road. A play zone was also created along the route to promote child engagement. The architect cautioned, "A lot more needs to be done in terms of changing the infrastructure over a larger area. However, even basic alterations tangibly improved the children's commute to school. We are rigorously following up with PMC to ensure visible change, especially in terms of safe access to schools." "STIP is not just about infrastructure changes but also soft programming, for which partner-body World Resources Institute (WRI) India conducted two workshops for parents, the school, transportation authorities, local political leaders and school transport drivers about traffic awareness. Finally, the plan was implemented in a 1km radius over five days and the survey conducted after the trial period shows promise," Kodhalkar added. Laxmi Road pilot: All stakeholders must take part for long-term solution Amid the hustle bustle of Laxmi Road and Bajirao Road in the Peths lies a junction that plays home to two PMC schools — Huzurpaga and NMV. The proposed plan here recommended 26 safety measures to encourage walking and cycling among their students — of these, six were fully implemented in Dec last year. "Basic interventions like painted crossings, rumble strips, and signages have raised awareness, but major gaps remain in pedestrian infrastructure, cycle tracks, and street amenities. To ensure complete safety, a long-term approach with comprehensive planning and investment is necessary. Only then we can achieve a truly secure and accessible travel environment for school children," said Tanzeel Allapur, project associate at Parisar. "Various studies that highlight health and cognitive benefits of allowing children to explore and take in their surroundings while on their way to and from school. The proposed designs demand a lot of infrastructure changes, but even the most basic and low-hanging traffic calming measures help create change in the environment. They force motorists to slow down or think more cautiously while going through these areas," Allapur added. Here, PMC changed pedestrian infra with painted zebra markings, rumble strips, raised crossing, restricting heavy vehicles, school zone signages, thematic road and dedicated lane markings, colour-coded zones, and improving visibility with reflector-based markings. "A school mobility pattern map was created noting school timings, number of students, peak hour traffic and vehicular density. We identified issues like haphazard double parking and lack of space to wait for buses, forcing pedestrians onto roads. We noted missing cycle tracks, zebra crossings and safe pick-up/drop-off zones," Parisar programme associate Aditya Chawande said. Short-term implementation is the first step towards a more gradual transition and a permanent solution geared towards safety. Parisar, in its impact assessment, suggested developing a phased plan to introduce wider footpaths, cycle tracks, dedicated pick-up/drop-off zones, and universal accessibility in high-priority school zones. Other measures recommended were awareness programmes and strict enforcement of speed limits, parking restrictions, and honking bans near schools. Parisar also suggested securing funding through govt grants, public-private partnerships, or CSR. The district collector was urged to utilise Road Safety Funds collected as cess from vehicle sales. "In coming months, we will conduct a survey with the school, students and parents to get feedback on the changes implemented. Collaboration is crucial to this process," added Allapur. ---------------------- Official Speak We have started with temporary changes and floated a tender to make permanent improvements to infrastructure. There are a total of 19 areas where we plan to set up safe school zones and the next area we will be taking up on priority is Wanowrie. We are trying to pick areas where there are multiple schools for larger impact — Nikhil Mijar | Transport planner, PMC ---------------------- What Parents Say I am not comfortable sending my children walking or cycling to school even though we live only 300m away near Swargate. Footpaths are used by two-wheelers whenever there is traffic congestion, making walking on them unsafe. There need to be active CCTVs or police to fine such offenders. In the case of cycling, most larger vehicles don't follow traffic signals. So, I find it extremely risky. PMC should ensure stricter vigilance with help from the police and promote usage of safety gear like helmets for children who cycle to school — Preeti Sathe-Marathe | Scientist Now that my children are older, I am a little comfortable sending them to school on their own. However, in Kharadi, we have huge junctions and extremely wide roads with speeding vehicles. This remains a cause of worry. Safety is the biggest issue. Unless this changes and lane discipline improves, even sending my 16-year-old to school on foot can be scary. As for the younger ones — it's a big no — Neha Tamhe | Marketing professional and businesswoman Sending my son to school by cycle is not an option, largely because of the traffic situation in our city. I might be okay sending him alone via Ola/Uber once in a while, but it is important that he travels with someone known to me or my wife. Most motorists on NIBM Road drive without concern for anyone else. The infrastructure we have doesn't support pedestrians either. Sending children out walking, cycling or alone is not recommended — Amit Arora | IT professional Walking is okay but cycling can be traumatic for children and parents. My kids go to a school that is just 1.5km away. But we still pay for a school bus, as the road conditions in Dhayari are so bad that even motorists get scared, forget those who are cycling. I even bought a cycle for my daughter and would love for her to use it to go to school, but it will be stressful till she gets back home. I have no option — Ganesh Deshpande | IT professional ---------------------- Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
This Muslim man has been teaching Sanskrit for 26 years
VIJAYAPURA: "Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara," the teacher's voice trails off after chanting the Sanskrit verse in clear, flawless diction. Then, he goes on to ask students their name, and about their village, town or taluk and they promptly give replies in Sanskrit. He corrects any grammatical error. He winds up the language class with "Jayatu Sanskritam, Jayatu Manukulam" (Victory to Sanskrit, victory to humankind). Meet Shakeel Ahmed Moulasab Angadi, who has been teaching Sanskrit in North Karnataka for 26 years. The 55-year-old professes lifelong love for Sanskrit. And he has come up with interesting games and engaging competitions in the ancient Indian language to celebrate "Sanskrit week and month" which started on Aug 9, called World Sanskrit Day or Vishva Samskrita Divas. After passing Class X, Angadi started working in Vrushabha Lingacharya Sanskrit Pathshala, Bolegaon in Indi taluk. Angadi drew the attention of Vrushabha Lingacharya Swamiji of Bathanal Mutt for his active participation in all religious activities of the mutt and the school. Later, the Swamiji encouraged Angadi to pursue PU Sahitya course under Prahlad Bhat at Laxminarasimha Sanskrit Pathashaale at Jamkhandi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Do you have a mouse? Desert Order Undo "The cultural influence of Swamiji was a big motivation for me. I've been teaching at Bolegaon Sanskrit Pathshala for 26 years. Sanskrit is a life language for me," he says. Angadi says he follows Islamic traditions at home, and teaching Sanskrit has never caused any conflict. "In fact, many Islamic religious heads have appreciated my work as a teacher," he said. His children Arfat, Arbaz, Alfiya, and Tasfiya are also studying Sanskrit. Prabhusarangadev Shivacharya, Sarangamath-Gachhinamath, Sindagi, said Angadi is a model for communal harmony. "He has shown there is no religious barrier to learning any language," he said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
51 rainwater recharge pits help addresswaterlogging, groundwater issues in city
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has made 51 groundwater recharge pits along newly laid cement roads operational with an aim to turn a widely criticised infrastructure push into an eco-friendly asset. While these pits are expected to counter waterlogging and replenish the city's falling water table, questions remain as several localities continue to face flooding in homes and allege that cement roads have made Nagpur's summers hotter. Under Phase 4 of its Rs260-crore cement road project, NMC plans to construct 196 rainwater collection and recharge pits along 33 stretches covering 23.45km. Spread across 14 work packages, these pits are placed at points where stormwater accumulates naturally. The idea is to capture monsoon runoff and feed it back into the aquifer instead of letting it into drains. Municipal commissioner and administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari, who recently inspected a pit near Joggers Park in Sneh Nagar, directed that the PVC inlet pipe from roadside drains be fixed one foot above chamber level. "This ensures even light rains contribute to recharge," he said. How it Works Each pit is of one-metre diameter, two-metre-deep shaft with a 20-metre borehole at its base, fitted with a percolated pipe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Susan Boyle Is Now so Thin and Looks Beautiful! Undo Layered gravel and sand act as filters, allowing only clean water to seep underground. In case of heavy rain — 50mm/hour — one pit can store up to 150 cubic metres, with each serving a catchment area of 2,000–4,000sqm, NMC's technical expert (project) Shashank Tatewar told TOI. The project design is by Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), with Pune-based M Creations Pvt Ltd overseeing execution. Cement roads, officials note, last 20–25 years longer than asphalt and reduce maintenance costs, but their impermeable surface blocks natural rainwater seepage — the very problem these pits aim to solve. Public Response — Mixed but Hopeful While residents near completed pits in Sneh Nagar and Khamla report improved groundwater availability and reduced street flooding, others in localities where cement roads were built without drainage solutions say rainwater still enters their homes. "Our houses are at road level. After cementing, the road is higher — water flows straight in," said Dhiraj Thote, a resident of Ayodhya Nagar. Environmentalists also caution that large-scale cementing could trap heat and contribute to higher day temperatures in the city, even if recharge pits mitigate water issues. For now, NMC hopes the remaining 145 pits — expected to be ready over the next year — will turn cement roads from heat-and-flood culprits into climate-friendly assets, making Nagpur both pothole-free and water-secure. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
