Latest news with #GaneshNaik
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Business Standard
6 hours ago
- Climate
- Business Standard
Govt sanctions ₹2.7 cr for relief to rain-hit people in Palghar district
The Maharashtra government as approved Rs 2.7 crore for immediate assistance to people who suffered damages due to unseasonal rains in Palghar district in the last two months, officials said on Sunday. The unseasonal weather events during April 4-6, May 6-7 and 23-25 resulted in widespread damage across the region. "A total of 38 houses were completely destroyed, while 3,852 homes suffered partial damage. Additionally, 10 huts and six cowsheds were damaged due to high winds and heavy rainfall," the district administration said in a release. In view of the extensive damage caused to houses, agriculture, fruit cultivation, fish products and livestock in Palghar during the unseasonal rains, district Guardian Minister Ganesh Naik raised the issue during a recent cabinet meeting and secured a sanction of Rs 2.70 crore for immediate relief efforts, it said. The approved amount was being disbursed to the affected families on a priority basis, the release said. "Many families were left homeless in the aftermath of the unseasonal rains and storms. This assistance will offer essential support for their rehabilitation," Palghar Collector Dr Indu Rani Jakhar said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
51% of all new forest dept jobs to be reserved for women: Naik
1 2 3 Chandrapur: In a landmark step towards gender inclusivity in forest governance, Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik on Thursday announced that henceforth, 51% of all new recruitments in the forest department will be reserved for women. Naik made this announcement while inaugurating two-day national conference 'Van Shakti 2025' in Chandrapur, focused on recognising and amplifying role of women in forest conservation and management. Addressing a packed audience of IFS officers, frontline workers, self-help group members, and eco-tourism stakeholders, the minister urged women to step forward and actively participate in the forestry sector. The conference, themed around empowering women across the forestry spectrum, aims to foster dialogue, share experiences, and co-develop a policy paper that enhances equitable participation of women. It also seeks to explore legal and structural reforms for their professional growth in the sector. Addressing media persons on the sidelines, Naik also clarified the department's stand on transferring captured wild animals to private zoos, a topic recently raised in a meeting at the Mantralaya. "While some MLAs have suggested handing over injured or mentally unstable tigers to private facilities for treatment, we will strictly follow central govt regulations before taking any such decision," he said. Land identified for 'Suryatara' wildlife rehab centre: Naik also disclosed developments regarding the proposed 'Suryatara' wildlife rehabilitation centre on the lines of Gujarat's 'Vantara'. "We have identified land in Thane and have also corresponded with Anant Ambani, director on the boards of Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, and brain behind 'Vantara' project. A team of senior forest officials will study and take the project forward within legal frameworks," Naik stated. AI-backed surveillance to curb human-wildlife conflict: In view of increasing human-wildlife conflicts, especially in vulnerable districts like Chandrapur, Naik announced deployment of AI-backed surveillance technologies. "We will install camera systems integrated with alarms in sensitive forest pockets to immediately alert residents about predator movement," he said. Other mitigation steps include solar and chain-link fencing, and habitat development to reduce the outflow of herbivores. The minister also directed forest secretary Mahesh Mhaisekar to draw up a proposal to scrap all 10-year-old vehicles in the department and replace them with sturdy, new ones for frontline staff. "It was during my earlier tenure in 1995 that vehicles were first introduced for forest officers. Today, we're taking that commitment further," he said. Firearms to officers, junior staff in vulnerable pockets: Forest minister also assured to provide firearms to all officers and even junior staff in vulnerable pockets, in coming days. 11 crore tree plantation initiative: Naik also informed about a mega 11 crore tree plantation initiative across Maharashtra. He also announced that the number of honorary wildlife wardens will be increased, with plans to appoint wardens at taluka level instead of existing district-level model. The conference was attended by a host of dignitaries on dais, including MLAs Kishor Jorgewar, Devrao Bhongale, and Karan Deotale, upper chief secretary Milind Maheshkar, PCCF and head of Forest Force Shomita Biswas, PCCF (wildlife) Kanchan Devi, Telangana PCCF Dr Suvarna C, and Chandrapur CCF Jitendra Ramgaonkar. Chief secretary Sunita Saunik addressed the gathering virtually. Chandrapur: In a landmark step towards gender inclusivity in forest governance, Maharashtra forest minister Ganesh Naik on Thursday announced that henceforth, 51% of all new recruitments in the forest department will be reserved for women. Naik made this announcement while inaugurating two-day national conference 'Van Shakti 2025' in Chandrapur, focused on recognising and amplifying role of women in forest conservation and management. Addressing a packed audience of IFS officers, frontline workers, self-help group members, and eco-tourism stakeholders, the minister urged women to step forward and actively participate in the forestry sector. The conference, themed around empowering women across the forestry spectrum, aims to foster dialogue, share experiences, and co-develop a policy paper that enhances equitable participation of women. It also seeks to explore legal and structural reforms for their professional growth in the sector. Addressing media persons on the sidelines, Naik also clarified the department's stand on transferring captured wild animals to private zoos, a topic recently raised in a meeting at the Mantralaya. "While some MLAs have suggested handing over injured or mentally unstable tigers to private facilities for treatment, we will strictly follow central govt regulations before taking any such decision," he said. Land identified for 'Suryatara' wildlife rehab centre: Naik also disclosed developments regarding the proposed 'Suryatara' wildlife rehabilitation centre on the lines of Gujarat's 'Vantara'. "We have identified land in Thane and have also corresponded with Anant Ambani, director on the boards of Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, and brain behind 'Vantara' project. A team of senior forest officials will study and take the project forward within legal frameworks," Naik stated. AI-backed surveillance to curb human-wildlife conflict: In view of increasing human-wildlife conflicts, especially in vulnerable districts like Chandrapur, Naik announced deployment of AI-backed surveillance technologies. "We will install camera systems integrated with alarms in sensitive forest pockets to immediately alert residents about predator movement," he said. Other mitigation steps include solar and chain-link fencing, and habitat development to reduce the outflow of herbivores. The minister also directed forest secretary Mahesh Mhaisekar to draw up a proposal to scrap all 10-year-old vehicles in the department and replace them with sturdy, new ones for frontline staff. "It was during my earlier tenure in 1995 that vehicles were first introduced for forest officers. Today, we're taking that commitment further," he said. Firearms to officers, junior staff in vulnerable pockets: Forest minister also assured to provide firearms to all officers and even junior staff in vulnerable pockets, in coming days. 11 crore tree plantation initiative: Naik also informed about a mega 11 crore tree plantation initiative across Maharashtra. He also announced that the number of honorary wildlife wardens will be increased, with plans to appoint wardens at taluka level instead of existing district-level model. The conference was attended by a host of dignitaries on dais, including MLAs Kishor Jorgewar, Devrao Bhongale, and Karan Deotale, upper chief secretary Milind Maheshkar, PCCF and head of Forest Force Shomita Biswas, PCCF (wildlife) Kanchan Devi, Telangana PCCF Dr Suvarna C, and Chandrapur CCF Jitendra Ramgaonkar. Chief secretary Sunita Saunik addressed the gathering virtually.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
After Sena's 'will go alone in Navi Mumbai polls' warning, BJP minister Naik hits back
Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Ganesh Naik on Monday said "no one needs to teach Navi Mumbaikars common sense", his comment being seen as a reply to Thane Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske who had claimed his party could fight the civic polls there alone. Addressing a Sena gathering on Saturday night, Mhaske had said the civic polls will be contested by the Mahayuti but the Sena would fight independently in Navi Mumbai "if no one is ready to join the Shiv Sena-saffron alliance". Navi Mumbai is a stronghold of the BJP, which is part of the Mahayuti alliance comprising the Sena as well as the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Her heart is not functioning properly; please help her! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Speaking to reporters after his 'janata darbar' here, Naik extolled the benefits people were getting in Navi Mumbai due to the civic body there. Asked about Shiv Sena leaders asking him to solve water woes before taking such meetings, Naik said, "Navi Mumbai is a city that has not increased house rent or water rent for the last 25 years. The education, health, parks, solid waste management departments in Navi Mumbai are 100 times ahead of other cities. Therefore, there is no need to teach common sense to Navi Mumbaikars." Live Events "People shout that there is no water in this village, that village. The water from our villages was stolen. See from where the water of Navi Mumbai was stolen, return the stolen water, then there will be no shortage of water in Navi Mumbai. Everyone knows who stole Navi Mumbai's water," he said without elaborating. On the construction of the Navi Mumbai International Airport , Naik said it was not the responsibility of the civic corporation alone and highlighted the need for coordinated efforts in developing supporting infrastructure like elevated bridges, metro, railways and roads for a comfortable life for citizens. He said the country was on the path to progress and happiness and "recent action", a reference to Operation Sindoor, has made not just Pakistan but the entire realise the "potential of Bharat". "In future without blaming anyone it is better everyone carries out their responsibilities," he said in a swipe at detractors. Lamenting the presence of corruption in various sectors, including politics, administration, media and "even law and judiciary", Naik said the need was for unity.
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Greens sound alarm on illegal blasting by Karjat quarry operators; min orders probe
Navi Mumbai: State forest minister Ganesh Naik has ordered an inquiry into the alleged illegal use of explosives, including crude bombs and gelatin sticks, continuing unabated in Karjat taluka's rural areas for extracting earth and rocks from riverbanks and hillsides. Naik told TOI: "No such activity has been reported yet from the forest land. However, forest officials have been directed to conduct a thorough probe. Strict action will be initiated if any violations are found."Locals said a resident's complaint against illegal quarrying in Bhaktawadi and Shingdol-Ambevali areas led to retaliatory action. Quarry operators, they alleged, detonated two bombs near the complainant's residence, causing windows to shake. Environmentalists warned such illegal activities will also damage biodiversity."It is sad that while our country was in a state of emergency last week, some people are casually exploding crude bombs in rural areas of Karjat, while also destroying our rivers, forests, and nature to steal earth and rocks. The forested Karjat will be destroyed in the next few years if authorities do not stop this now. High land prices in Karjat have led to this destruction," said S Dash, an contacted, deputy superintendent of police D Tele said they will look into the complaint. According to a local activist, members of two local communities are primarily responsible for using explosives and heavy machinery to extract stones and rocks from these areas. Illegal activities resulted in the felling of mature trees to create access paths for JCBs to reach river banks for soil excavation illegally."We demand that there should be an immediate inquiry. Damage caused to the riverbank and forest hills is also a violation of the Environment Protection Act. State authorities must take this seriously and rope in the Petroleum & Explosives Safety Organization," said an RTI activist. Community activists are calling for deterrent action by increasing surveillance of these vulnerable areas by forest department and Karjat police to prevent further illegal blasting and confiscation of explosives.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Gorewada zoo entry gate to move closer to city for African Safari expansion
Nagpur: The popular Gorewada Zoo will come 'closer' to the city, with its main entry gate scheduled to be relocated as part of the African Safari expansion plan. Officially called Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park , the facility's main gate will move 800 meters towards the city, thus making it easier to access. Highly-placed sources told TOI that the gate will still be located on the same road (Nagpur-Katol) but will be moved to align with the ambitious African safari plans. "When the African safari opens for the public, it will be from the new gate," a senior official told TOI. Earlier this month, forest minister Ganesh Naik informed the media that the central govt's National Building Construction Company (NBCC) will be handling the African safari project. "We expect the construction to start by the end of this year, and a tentative timeline for completion is two years. But these are just estimates; delays can happen due to unforeseen reasons," said the official. The current entry gate of the Gorewada Zoo won't be closed, and even its massive parking lot will be utilised. The official said, "But the existing gate and parking lot won't be used by the public. The zoo's vehicles, be it buses or others, shall be parked there. Also, the cargo which comes into the zoo will enter from this gate." Widening of the Nagpur-Katol road is progressing rapidly, and it will prove beneficial for visitors who come to the zoo.
