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Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
PDKV nod to Maharajbagh Zoo Foundation After 14 yrs
1 2 Nagpur: Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola, finally approved the formation of the Maharajbagh Zoo Foundation after a long wait of 14 years. The move aligns with guidelines set by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), New Delhi. This step aims to steer the zoo towards more efficient development, and professional management. The order, issued by PDKV, establishes a nine-member executive committee with the dean (agriculture) of PDKV, Akola, acting as chairman. The zoo's in-charge, Dr Sunil Bawaskar, will serve as secretary, supported by senior officials from Nagpur's College of Agriculture. The committee will have five members from PDKV and four from the College of Agriculture. The foundation is expected to be registered with the charity commissioner's office soon. Bawaskar emphasised the initiative's significance saying, "The foundation marks a historic milestone in ensuring Maharajbagh Zoo meets modern zoological standards." He also expressed gratitude for the guidance and support extended by PDKV vice-chancellor Dr Sharad Gadakh. Drawing 3,500–4,200 visitors monthly and generating about Rs2 crore annually, Maharajbagh Zoo is Vidarbha's only zoological park frequently used for school picnics and educational tours. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Wirolegi: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo The CZA had suggested a local governing body for zoological parks as they are being operated by different govt agencies. In some cases, the forest department, civic body or state govt run zoos in the country. In such scenarios the management of zoos becomes complicated with park keepers requiring several permission for even minor works. The move to form a trust shall help Maharajbagh Zoo upgrade its facilities and directly follow up with concerned authorities for funds. The Maharajbagh zoo's redevelopment has been in limbo for years as it was seen just as an extension of the PDKV which primarily focuses on agricultural and related activities. Officials at PDKV acknowledge that the university's focus often leans toward academic priorities, with zoo-related matters receiving less attention. A comprehensive Rs83.24 crore development proposal, submitted to the Maharashtra govt in 2020-21, is still awaiting approval. The plan includes modernising animal and bird enclosures, installing moats instead of rusted iron cages to enhance visibility, improving visitor facilities (like washrooms, internal roads, a library, cafeteria, and landscaped gardens), and boosting animal infrastructure at Maharajbagh Zoo. Dr Bawaskar had followed up regularly with state authorities. "Once the Maharajbagh Zoo Society (Foundation) is formed, the proposal will be expedited," he said. 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
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Maha's anti-venom pioneer targeted by predatory journal
Mumbai: The world of medical research is battling its own version of cyber frauds: predatory or 'pseudo' journals, deceptive publications that claim to be scholarly but rarely follow ethical publishing practices and seek hefty payment from authors. On Friday, Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar (75), a Mahad-based physician who won a Padma Shri in 2022 and is known for his rural Maharashtra medical practice and research, wrote in 'The Lancet' about his two-year struggle with a predatory journal that swiftly published his work, then started demanding 1,000 pounds and issued threats when he objected. "I received threatening emails stating they would take serious action and damage my reputation in India," he said. Mahad-based Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar, whose pioneering work in anti-venom for scorpions and snakes has been published in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals, was so "devastated" by his struggle with a predatory journal that he developed "anxiety, insomnia and palpitation". Within six months, the 75-year-old doctor lost 8 kgs and needed psychiatric help. In recent months, various medical associations across the world have voiced concern about the growing number of predatory journals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tausende schwärmen von diesem Nagelpilz-Gerät – wir haben es überprüft Med-Aktuell Undo The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors in Feb estimated there are over 15,000 such journals. While medical research paves the way for new treatments, these journals are undermining its credibility. Dr Bawaskar's ordeal began when he submitted his self-funded diabetes research to high-impact journals. After many rejections, a case report journal approached him. "In my submission to this journal, I stated I work without funding and would not be able to pay fees," he said. Yet the journal sent him a proof in a couple of days. "I was shocked—how could the peer review and publication process be completed so quickly? I again appealed, stating my inability to pay. The journal ignored my requests and proceeded to publish the article, then sent me an invoice with exorbitant fee," he added. The journal then sent threats and said they were giving him "a 40% discount." "But during a call with my son who is a cardiologist in the US, my wife mentioned my stress to him," said the doctor. His son identified the predatory nature of the journal and blocked their communications. While the doctor hasn't paid the journal, this experience has prompted him to work out a checklist. He said, "Since this episode, I have not attempted to publish again. Instead, I find fulfilment in seeing my patients recover and walk again—living testaments to my diagnosis and management; these are my true publications." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
