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Time of India
30-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
New Mining Rules Set to Transform Chandrapur's Abandoned Coal Pits into Safe, Productive Assets
Chandrapur: The new mining regulations announced by the Maharashtra government are set to transform Chandrapur's abandoned mines into safe and productive community assets. A government resolution (GR) has been issued, mandating strict guidelines for the management and rehabilitation of abandoned and outdated minor mineral mines. Chandrapur district is home to numerous abandoned coal mines, many of which were left behind by Western Coalfields Limited after extraction. These now function as large, open reservoirs, posing serious risks to locals, particularly children. With the implementation of the new rules, the fate of these neglected sites is expected to undergo a dramatic change. Under the Maharashtra Minor Mineral Extraction (Development and Regulation) Rules, district collectors have been directed to inspect all non-operational mines and prepare comprehensive closure plans. These include backfilling, land restoration, and implementing protective safety measures to prevent water-related accidents. L easeholders have been given a one-year timeframe to complete these works, with a strict three-month deadline to begin rehabilitation. Non-compliance will invite legal action, including forfeiture of financial guarantees and recovery of restoration costs as land revenue dues. The government has also opened up avenues to convert these abandoned mine reservoirs into community assets. With formal approval, such sites can be repurposed for rainwater harvesting, fisheries, water sports, or even solid waste management. "Abandoned mines were endangering the lives of citizens. This decision will improve mine management, prevent accidents, and help protect the environment. It will especially enhance the safety of rural communities, livestock, and children," said revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Environmental experts and local authorities in Chandrapur have welcomed the move, calling it a timely intervention that not only strengthens public safety but also aligns with sustainable development goals. Amid growing concerns over water scarcity, these mine reservoirs could be developed into rainwater storage facilities, contributing to groundwater recharge and improving water availability in rural areas. At the same time, allowing activities like aquaculture and eco-tourism could create livelihood opportunities for local communities while promoting responsible land use.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Daga Hospital Leads Sickle Cell Fight, Treats 1,500+ Patients, Screens 10,000 Women
Nagpur: Daga Memorial Women's Hospital, under the state public health department, is at the forefront of combating sickle cell anaemia, a genetic blood disorder, aligning with the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission 2047. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The hospital registered over 1,500 patients who receive regular treatment, including hydroxyurea, and screens approximately 10,000 pregnant women annually, with 5% identified as carriers of the sickle cell trait. World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, observed on June 19, holds special significance in India, particularly in high-burden regions like Nagpur. This year's theme, 'Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy', underscores the importance of community-driven efforts. Daga Hospital medical superintendent Dr Dilip Madhavi said the screening is critical for early diagnosis. "Every pregnant woman registered at the hospital undergoes mandatory sickle cell testing. With around 1,000 women screened monthly, the hospital identifies carriers to prevent the disease's transmission," he said. Civil surgeon Dr Nivrutti Rathod said soon a centre for genetic testing, including amniocentesis (a prenatal test) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS), would be set up at Daga to further enhance prenatal screening. Dr Sanjay Deshmukh, in-charge of haematology centre at Daga Hospital, said sickle cell disease (SCD) involves inherited disorders affecting haemoglobin, leading to sickle-shaped red blood cells. These cause severe pain, anaemia, and heightened infection risks, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. For severe cases, bone marrow transplant remains primary treatment but is prohibitively expensive, costing up to ₹30 lakh, he said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Dr Deshmukh said through CSR funding from Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) and support from Sankalp Foundation, children under 12 eligible for transplants receive up to ₹12 lakh financial aid. He added that Daga Hospital will soon host a free HLA typing camp, a prerequisite for bone marrow transplants, in collaboration with Sankalp Foundation. Besides Dr Deshmukh, the Daga team includes counsellors Sanjeevani Satpute and Leena Borkar, and lab technicians Prachiti Walke and Rohit Jaiswal. Meanwhile, Gautam Dongre, secretary of the National Alliance of Sickle Cell Organizations (Nasco), urged mandatory sickle cell testing before marriage to prevent the pain and loss caused by the hereditary blood disorder. Sharing his experience as a parent unaware of his carrier status until his child's diagnosis, Dongre emphasised that timely testing and counselling could spare families immense suffering. He called for blood tests during pregnancy to ensure a sickle cell-free India for future generations.
Hindustan Times
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
HC allows to close criminal case against Mungantiwar, others
MUMBAI: The Bombay high court last week allowed the state government to close a criminal case against BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar and 21 others for rioting and causing damage to public property while protesting against Western Coalfields Limited in Nagpur, way back in June 2012. According to the police, on June 26, 2012, an agitation was organised in front of the Western Coalfields Limited headquarters in Nagpur, to protest the alleged pollution and environmental damage on account of the mining operations of the public sector undertaking. It was further alleged that on the pretext of submitting representation, the accused barged into the office of the company and damaged property worth around ₹1.50 lakh. The state government had filed an application in the high court, seeking permission to withdraw the prosecution, stating that a proposal to that effect was recently put up before the state-appointed committee. The proposal was backed by a report from the public prosecutor, stating that the incident arose out of social agitation and, in his opinion, prosecution deserved to be withdrawn. Based on this report, the committee had decided to withdraw the prosecution. A division bench of chief justice Alok Aradhe and justice NJ Jamadar accepted the reasoning given by the public prosecutor and the committee's decision to withdraw the prosecution, and allowed the criminal case against the former minister and others to be dropped. 'Prima facie, it appears that the genesis of the alleged offences is in an agitation over the ill effects of mining and the resultant environmental damage,' said the bench. 'The Committee has noted that there is no loss of life and damage to public property in excess of ₹5 lakh - the parameters stipulated under the Government Resolution for withdrawal of prosecution in cases arising out of social and political issues,' it added. The judges observed that the decision of the committee to withdraw the prosecution appeared to be guided by considerations for withdrawal of prosecutions arising out of social and political agitations. 'It does not appear that the prosecution is being withdrawn for an extraneous consideration,' the court said.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
WCL Sanctions Rs2 Crore for Irai River Desilting In Chandrapur
1 2 3 4 Nagpur: Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), in a major CSR initiative, has sanctioned Rs2 crore for the desilting and cleaning of the Irai river in Chandrapur. The district administration, Chandrapur, had initiated a mission from April 25 to June 20 to desilt the Irai river stretch from Chandrapur city to its confluence with the Wardha river, aiming to prevent monsoon flooding, improve hygiene, and mitigate serious public health hazards caused by water stagnation and pollution. WCL, being a key stakeholder in the local ecosystem due to the proximity of its operational mines, responded to the request made by the collector of Chandrapur. Accordingly, on June 9 an MoU for the said work was signed at a ceremony held at Niyojan Bhavan in Chandrapur. The MoU was signed by Harshad Datar, area general manager, Chandrapur Area on behalf of WCL and Vipin Paliwal, commissioner on behalf of the Chandrapur Municipal Corporation. The event was held in the presence of Chandrapur guardian minister Ashok Janabai Ramaji Uike, Chandrapur MP Pratibha Suresh Dhanorkar, Gadchiroli-Chimur MP Dr Kirsan Namdeo, Leader of Opposition, Maharashtra, Vijay Wadettiwar, collector Vinay Gowda GC, CEO of Zilla Parishad Pulkit Singh, SP Sudarshan Mummaka, KirtiKumar Bhangdiya, Kishore Jorgewar, Subhash Dhote, Karan Sanjay Deotale (MLAs), and Sudhakar Adbale and Abhijit Wanjarri (MLCs). WCL had previously contributed a total of Rs5.41 crore from its environment fund to support desilting of the same river under similar environmental and public safety concerns.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
New Canvas: Walls that educate and engage, draw students to NMC schools
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is painting a new picture, literally, of public education. With an aim to make its schools more appealing, vibrant and inspiring, the civic body launched a beautification initiative under which school walls are being transformed with colourful, educational and creative artworks. These "talking walls", as they are being fondly called, are sparking curiosity among students and earning appreciation from parents. As part of preparations for the upcoming 2025-26 academic session, NMC is targeting quality enhancement and holistic learning. With use of bright colours and educational murals, the "talking walls" aim to create a positive and immersive environment for students from the very first day. Five schools underwent major aesthetic revamps and now have walls lined with paintings of aircraft, science labs, mathematical formulas, planets, wildlife, cartoons, alphabets and more. The walls do more than just decorate — they now engage, educate, and excite. The transformation happened under the guidance of municipal commissioner and administrator Abhijeet Chaudhari, and the leadership of additional commissioner Vaishnavi B, along with education officer Sadhana Sayam. It was funded by Western Coalfields Limited's CSR initiative and implemented through the Jichkar Foundation under the 'Happy School Project'. In recent years, student enrolment in NMC schools has steadily declined. The 2023-24 academic year saw primary enrolment drop from 8,427 to 6,495, and secondary enrolment from 5,789 to 4,879. Over the past five years, enrolment decreased by 2-5% annually, with a sharper 10-20% decline in 2024-25. The trend led to the closure of nine schools, including Priyadarshini Primary and Sheshrao Wankhede Secondary schools. Despite infrastructure upgrades and cultural initiatives, parents prefer private English-medium schools. In response, NMC launched English-medium schools and the 'Navchetna' campaign to attract students and improve facilities. Vaishnavi B interacted with the parents to encourage admissions in NMC schools. With improved Class 10 and 12 board results last year, the perception of municipal schools is beginning to shift, slowly, but positively. Apart from the visual appeal, many classrooms have been cleaned and equipped with better seating arrangements. Playgrounds have been spruced up to ensure a wholesome learning environment. Also, several NMC schools are introducing digital smart classrooms and activity-based learning modules. The focus is shifting from rote learning to holistic development. Initiatives are being taken to include sports, art & craft, music and regular use of school libraries in the daily schedule. Teachers are being trained to make learning more engaging, and the improved infrastructure is motivating them to deliver high-quality education. The goal is to reduce dropout rates, build stronger connections between students and schools, and instil a love for learning in every child walking through the school gate.
