Latest news with #PratibhaDhanorkar
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
25 killed, 108 injured in predator attacks in Chandrapur in 7 months: MoEFCC
Chandrapur: Over the past seven months, predator attacks have claimed 25 lives and left 108 others injured in Chandrapur district, revealed information provided by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in response to a query raised in the Lok Sabha by MP Pratibha Dhanorkar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The ministry informed that the Maharashtra govt has adopted several steps to mitigate the crisis, including the installation of AI-powered cameras to monitor animal movement, deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in villages bordering the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, and timely disbursal of financial relief to victims of wild animal attacks. The center's reply further stated that funds are being utilised for solar fencing and construction of physical barriers to limit wild animal incursions. Dhanorkar, however, questioned the effectiveness of these measures, alleging that despite rising casualties, the response from both the Centre and the state remains "confined to paperwork". She argued that under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the chief wildlife warden has the authority to order the capture or shoot animals posing a threat to human life, "yet decisive action to protect citizens is missing". "The deaths and injuries clearly show that existing deterrents like solar fencing and fencing barriers have failed on the ground," Dhanorkar said, pressing for stronger intervention to safeguard villagers living in forest-fringe areas. The Chandrapur MP alleged that while the Centre has underlined its continued support and funding for conflict-mitigation projects, the mounting human toll highlights the widening gap between policy measures and their impact on the ground.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Maha social media circular threatto democratic values: Dhanorkar
1 2 Chandrapur: Chandrapur MP Pratibha Dhanorkar has slammed the Maharashtra government's recent resolution issued on July 28 restricting social media use by government employees, calling it a direct attack on freedom of expression and a threat to democratic values. In a letter to CM Devendra Fadnavis, Dhanorkar demanded immediate withdrawal of the circular. The directive framed under Maharashtra Civil Services Rules, 1979, lays down strict conditions barring govt staff from making 'criticising the govt', engaging in 'self-promotion', and sharing confidential information online. It further mandates the separation of personal and official social media accounts, bans use of certain apps, and warns of disciplinary action for non-compliance. Calling the move 'draconian and unconstitutional', the Congress MP said the resolution seeks to silence govt employees and suppress their right to express views in a democratic setup. "This is not just a govt circular but an infringement on the constitutional rights guaranteed to every citizen, including public servants," Dhanorkar said. She argued that while protecting confidential information is important, the govt cannot 'misuse' such provisions to curb fundamental freedom. "Conditions like barring critical opinions or restricting creative expression will put undue pressure on employees and stifle their independent thinking," she said. "The circular is against the spirit of our democracy. I demand it to be withdrawn without delay in the interest of justice, transparency, and freedom," she added.
