Be ready to buy flat in Lahore: Indresh Kumar Shishir Arya| TNN | Jul 1, 2018, 23:38 IST

NAGPUR: RSS executive committee member and Muslim Rashtriya Manch (MRM) patron Indresh Kumar said the BJP broke ties with PDP in Jammu & Kashmir after all its objectives for the state, including surgical strikes, were fulfilled. He was addressing over 100-strong audience at the Hedgewar Blood Bank in city on Saturday.

He also said the day may not be far when Indians will be able to buy properties in Pakistan. “Soon you may get a chance to buy a flat in Mianwali, Lahore or Rawalpindi. Better keep some money aside now. Don’t regret if you miss the opportunity later,” he said, adding the Indian Army is ready for a Mahabharata.

Some goals were fixed for J & K that were attained after which BJP made a sacrifice and the alliance was broken, he said. Though BJP leaders have been reported saying that the tie was broken as it was untenable.

“As much as 250 key terrorists were eliminated, the NIA and IB had brought down the terror-funding network completely. “The state government’s help was needed to implement the surgical strikes which also happened. Pakistan was taught a lesson that the Army can even reach Lahore at will. After all that happened, the alliance with PDP was broken,” said Kumar.

The Army is waiting to do its job. Now, it is for Pakistan to choose between a political or military solution,” he said.

In an apparent attempt to get Dalits’ attention, Kumar said both Dr Ambedkar and Dr Hedgewar have worked for ending discrimination. In coming days, the ideals spread from Deekshabhoomi and Smruti Mandir will guide the entire nation, he said.

The RSS executive committee member said Mahatma Gandhi could have prevented the partition. “Had Bapu stuck to his stance of not dividing he country, no leader of that time would have dared to counter him. This would have prevented forcible conversion of lakhs or breaking of temples when the country was split,” he said

Vehemently defending the Modi government, the MRM patron said the change has begun after 2014. “Why should a government, which wants to bring a change, not be given another 20 years to serve the country. It is better than bringing the corrupt to power again and again. In the last four years not a single scam has been heard of. Do you want a scam-ridden regime again,” he said.

‘Offer blood on concessional rate’

Indresh Kumar urged the Hedgewar Blood Bank to offer blood at a concessional rate if the requests were routed from Deekshabhoomi, Anujman Trust or coming from Maoist-hit areas. “I visited the blood bank, and the management agreed to implement the suggestion,” he said. The blood bank at Gokupleth is among the establishments run by the RSS.









https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/be-ready-to-buy-flat-in-lahore-indresh-kumar/articleshow/64810222.cms

Of 181 plantations, only 60 successful 3 yrs later: Report Vijay Pinjarkar| TNN | Jul 2, 2018, 03:26 IST

Nagpur: Even as the BJP-Shiv Sena government is going gaga over 50 crore plantation drive in the state under ‘Green Maharashtra’ mission, the forest department’s review of its three-year-old plantations has exposed many failures, with only 60 of the 181 plantation sites evaluated declared successful.

As per provisions of Evaluation Code 1969, evaluation is done every year by a separate wing of the forest department for third and tenth year of plantation works under various schemes. The evaluation wing last year carried out random assessment of 2014 rain plantations (3-year-old) regarding survival, quality of operations, deficiencies and expenditure among other issues. The report was released a few days ago.

As per the report, of 1,584 plantations in 35,673 hectares, 181 plantation sites on 4,172 hectare were evaluated. Out of 181 sites, shockingly, only 18 sites have survival percentage over 66%, while 95 sites have survival below 40%, and 68 sites showed survival rate between 41-65%.

It is surprising that in the third year itself 53% of the sites have survival below 40%. Out of this, 21 sites have survival below 10% and 32 between 11-24%.

HS Hooda, CCF (evaluation) did not respond to TOI calls.

“The extent of works and intensity of supervision declines substantially from third year after planting, and hence all these plantations face high risk of failure,” the report states. This also indicates that failure threat looms over 95 sites (52%) plantations with less than 40% survival currently.

There is no let up in poor plantation works by the department. TOI had reported a previous evaluation report, which showed 76% plantations had survival below 10% in the tenth year.

In the present case, out of 181 plantations, teak was planted at 12 sites but all failed. The main reason of failure and poor growth of these plantations is unsuitable site selection, poor silvicultural operations, protection and supervision.

Out of 181 sites, bamboo was planted on 21 sites but only four sites are successful. The main reasons for failure and poor growth, the report states, was improper site selection, fire and grazing, poor silvicultural operations, and inadequate supervision at all levels, especially after end of first year.

The report states that the expenditure for 51 successful sites was Rs8.81 crore; 61 partially successful sites cost Rs10.44 crore, and 39 failed sites had cost Rs5.16 crore. On an average, expenditure per site comes to Rs16.17 lakh.

“Despite spending huge sums expected results are not achieved. This serious situation needs to be addressed,” admitted forest officials.

There is marked difference between survival per cent calculated by evaluation teams and those reported by territorial divisions. The reported survival count should be cross checked intermittently to identify highly exaggerated figures, says the report.

The report has also recommended strict action by CCFs against erring staff in case of serious issues pointed out in the report.









https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/of-181-plantations-only-60-successful-3-yrs-later-report/articleshow/64819291.cms

42 lakh seedlings planted on day 1 of plantation drive Vijay Pinjarkar| TNN | Jul 2, 2018, 03:27 IST Barring Sudhakar Deshmukh, no MLC or MLA attended plantation programme inaugurated by Chandrashekhar Bawankule

Nagpur: Despite forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar sensitizing MPs, MLAs, and MLCs about the importance of 13 crore plantations, the leaders kept away from the official event that kicked off from Gorewada on July 1.

Barring West Nagpur MLA Sudhakar Deshmukh, who arrived at the end of the programme, no MLC or MLA from Nagpur city and district attended the plantation programme inaugurated by guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

On day one, till filing of the report, 42 lakh saplings had been planted in the state. Marathwada and Western Maharashtra were leading in the plantation activity.

The forest department invitation had mentioned names of at least 20 dignitaries, including Union highways minister Nitin Gadkari, but none attended the programme. Those present included forest officials, employees, schoolchildren and families.

“This indicates politicians lack seriousness about saving environment and climate change issues. The negligence by MLAs comes despite state government allowing them to spend Rs25 lakh on plantations in their district,” said Shrikant Deshpande of Nature Conservation Association (NCA).

Bawankule said, in a bid to encourage plantations, Mahagenco plans to rope in women self-help groups (SHGs) to protect its plantations. “On the basis of polluter pays principle, the power generation company will plant seedlings on 10 acre land. Around 200 women from SHGs will get employment to protect and conserve these saplings for five years, for which they will get Rs5,000 per month. The saplings will be planted on 1,000 acre land in the district,” said Bawankule.

The minister also proposed development of green belts in all tehsils of the district. Each green belt will be developed in an area of 10 acre. To encourage students, the state government is contemplating to link plantations by giving additional marks to students. Bawankule said education minister Vinod Tawde is working on the plan.

Earlier, addressing the gathering, PCCF (production & management) SH Patil said, “To ensure the success of the drive, 26 crore saplings have been produced. I’m confident that the target will be achieved well in time.”

CCF (budget) Kalyan Kumar said drones are being pushed into service to monitor the plantations at select sites and area of plantations covered. “The saplings will be monitored by drones in October and later in May,” Kumar said.







https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/42-lakh-seedlings-planted-on-day-1-of-plantation-drive/articleshow/64819297.cms

NMC starts tulsi garden at Jaripatka in plantation drive Anjaya Anparthi| TNN | Jul 2, 2018, 03:45 IST Mayor Nanda Jichkar inaugurated NMC’s mass tree plantation drive by planting saplings in the premises of All S... Read More

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has started to develop a tulsi garden adjacent to badminton hall at Dayanand Park in Jaripatka. This is part of the civic body’s mass tree plantation drive that kicked-off from Sunday.

NMC standing committee chairman Virendra Kukreja planted tulsi saplings at the proposed garden on Sunday. Total 100 saplings of different varieties of tulsi were planted. More tulsi plants will be planted in the coming days. Some 150 other species of plants were also planted across Dayanand Park.

Mayor Nanda Jichkar inaugurated NMC’s mass tree plantation drive by planting saplings in the premises of All Saints Cathedral Church, Civil Lines. Municipal commissioner Virendra Singh, additional municipal commissioner Ravindra Kumbhare and other office bearers and officials were present. Activists of NGO Green Vigil Foundation were also present.

Jichkar and Singh urged each citizen to plant at least one plant to make the city green and clean.

NMC garden superintendent Amol Chaurpagar told TOI 50,000 plants will be planted in all 38 wards under the drive. “Already we have planted 7,500 plants to mark World Environment Day on June 5. Some 1,463 plants were planted on Sunday. The remaining will be planted in coming days at gardens, AMRUT gardens, open spaces, premises of NMC, and government departments and on roads. All plants will be two to four feet in height. We will also ensure good survival rate this year,” he said.

NMC has created a special stretch along Pora river at Sahakar Nagar and planted a lot of plants. NMC has also barricaded the entire stretch to prevent destruction of plants by cattle.

NMC has started the drive since 2012 when MLC Anil Sole was mayor. Since then, the civic body is also holding various activities to spread awareness about conservation of trees and benefits of tree plantation.







https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/nmc-starts-tulsi-garden-at-jaripatka-in-plantation-drive/articleshow/64819440.cms

‘Gadkari assured to stop demolition of shrines not on roads’ Anjaya Anparthi| TNN | Jul 2, 2018, 03:46 IST

Nagpur: City MP and union minister Nitin Gadkari has reportedly assured people of East Nagpur to stop demolition of unauthorized religious structures on playgrounds, public utility (PU) lands and open spaces in layouts. It is also learnt that the BJP is planning to file a petition in the Supreme Court (SC) to save religious structures not on roads or streets.

A large number of people from East Nagpur took out a bike rally from Satnami Nagar to Gadkari’s residence at Gokulpeth on Sunday morning. The rally was led by BJP leaders from East Nagpur — Hitesh Joshi, Chandan Goswami, Mahendra Raut, Pravin Zilpe and Manisha Dhawade. All explained to Gadkari the tension among all religions over the demolition drive.

Goswami told TOI Gadkari assured them he will direct Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and collector office to stop demolition of religious structures that are not obstructing traffic or causing problems to citizens. “We have no issue if structures causing problems to citizens are demolished. Religious structures on open spaces are being demolished, which is totally wrong. Proposals to regularize the structures are pending at various levels,” he said.

Joshi said Gadkari also assured to direct NMC to challenge the HC orders in the SC. “Ram Mandir at Minimata Nagar was standing for years now, that too on PU land. It was a famous pilgrimage spot for hundreds of people. The temple was demolished a couple of days ago,” he said.

BJP sources told TOI the saffron party was also planning to approach the Apex Court to halt the ongoing drive.

Gadkari also asked associations running the religious structures to also file petitions in the SC. “Action is being taken as per orders of the HC. The central or state government did not give any such directives,” he reportedly said.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena has decided to gherao mayor Nanda Jichkar at Town Hall, Mahal, where the NMC general body is slated to meet from 11am onwards on Monday. Sena leader Bandu Talwekar said nine of 13 temples in ward no. 3 have received notices for demolition.





https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/gadkari-assured-to-stop-demolition-of-shrines-not-on-roads/articleshow/64819449.cms

NMC to use seized plastic for pothole repairs, asphalting roads

Anjaya Anparthi| TNN | Jul 2, 2018, 04:54 IST


Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has decided to use seized plastic products to repair potholes and asphalt roads. As mixing 8% plastic in bitumen is permissible, the civic body will first use the seized quantity in its hot mix plant and later give it to others, may be Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) or the state’s public works department (PWD), if it has leftover stock.

In last nine days, NMC has seized 2,594kg plastic stock and Rs7.3 lakh fine from distributors, retailers, vendors and shopkeepers.

Two years ago, Union minister Nitin Gadkari had allowed mixing 8% plastic in bitumen, following which National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and PWD started using plastic waste to resurface the roads.

An NMC official said that the civic body would adopt various other scientific methods to dispose off plastic if it gets more plastic than what is required at the hot mix plants.

On June 30, TOI had reported that NMC had signed an MoU with Parle Agro Private Limited to recycle PET bottles by installing reverse vending machines at malls. The machines would display videos on plastic pollution and its effects on environment.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry and Trade (CAMIT) has expressed dissatisfaction over the state government’s four amendments related to the plastic ban.

CAMIT president Dipen Agrawal said the government’s amendments would be welcomed if packaging of perishable and non-perishable products is exempted. “Despite assurance by CM Devendra Fadnavis, the notification mentions only exemption to kirana stores. Plastic is required for packaging in other trades like automobiles, vegetables, fruits, food etc.”

“All parts of automobiles are packed in plastic and transported in cartons. It is essential to prevent damage. We are hopeful that the CM will soon issue another notification,” he said.

A delegation of CAMIT, led by Agrawal, had met CM Fadnavis on June 25 at Mumbai and explained in detail the problems being faced by traders due to the plastic ban. CAMIT has no issues with the remaining three amendments.






https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...w/64819528.cms

Co disposing off garbage treatment plant clandestinely Anjaya Anparthi| TNN | Jul 3, 2018, 16:49 IST


Nagpur: BJP corporator Dharampal Meshram has charged Hanjer Biotech Energies Private Limited of selling and shifting their garbage treatment plant machinery worth Rs27 crore from Bhandewadi dumping yard. He alleged that employees of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation were hand in glove with the company which was appointed to treat the city garbage. Meshram made the charges during the general body meeting on Monday.

Hanjer had reportedly completely shut down the plant in March. The 1,100 tonne garbage that was being generated from the city was not being treated for the last four months. The company was to continue garbage treatment for two or more years till the proposed waste to energy project was to be commissioned at the dumping yard.

Saying that the case is very serious, mayor Nanda Jichkar directed municipal commissioner Virendra Singh to conduct an inquiry and initiate action against Hanjer and the employees. She also directed Singh to register an FIR against Hanjer.

Meshram said Hanjer has already sold a part of the plant worth Rs3 crore few months ago. “The company was to run the plant for 12 years from 2009 and hand it over to the NMC in working condition. It is a major loss for the NMC,” he said.

According to the corporator, NMC lodged a complaint with Nandanvan police station on March 16 alleging scrap was stolen from the plant. “NMC’s security personnel are posted at the dumping yard entrance and nothing can be moved out without their notice. It proves the NMC employees are in nexus with Hanjer,” he said.

In case of violations in the contract, the NMC was to get the plant from the date of termination. As reported by TOI, the NMC had issued a termination notice to Hanjer on April 21.

As against the agreed amount of treating 600 tonnes per day, Hanjer used to treat only 200 tonnes and 900 tonnes of the remaining 1,100 tonnes raised every day was lying untreated. With the proposed waste to energy plant expected to take two or more years for start, more garbage would have been left not treated.

In another decision, the general body approved BJP corporator Narendra Borkar’s demand for reducing the buffer zone from the existing 500 metres to 200 metres. Many unauthorized houses are expected to be regularized due to this.





https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/co-disposing-off-garbage-treatment-plant-clandestinely/articleshow/64841738.cms

Airport bidders want to exploit surplus land after two years Shishir Arya| tnn | Jul 3, 2018, 17:26 IST

Nagpur: The project monitoring and inspection committee (PMIC) overseeing privatization of Nagpur airport will meet on July 4.

Mihan India Limited (MIL), the current operator, is expected to put forth a proposal to allow the private partner to go ahead with infrastructure development on the city side, two years after taking over the airport. The present conditions in the concession agreement permit the private player to carry out city side development only six years after take over.

City side development relates to commercial real estate on the land beyond the present airport premises. MIL has over 1,500 acre under its possession, out of which 247 acre are out of the airport limits towards Chinchbhuwan locality. This will be offered to private players for commercial real estate development.

The idea behind having a six-year gap was to ensure that the private partner initially focuses on airport development rather than deploying resources in building real estate like hotels or convention centres outside. However, during pre-bid meetings, the private parties shortlisted to bid for the airport insisted that period be cut short, said sources.

The proposal will have to be put forth before the PMIC for approval, said a source. The PMIC is a committee of the state government headed by the chief secretary.

An earlier proposal to increase the timeline for developing the airport terminal building and construct a second runway had been turned down by the PMIC. Instead of the original condition, which called for expansion of terminal building and constructing a second runway in four years, the private players wanted the deadline to be extended to eight years, said a source. This was turned down by PMIC.

There are plans to get investment of over Rs1,400 crore from the private player. Five companies — GVK, GMR, Essel Infra, PNC Infra, and Tatas, have been shortlisted to place financial bids for the airport. Earlier it was planned to invite the bids by middle of June, which has been extended by two months as the companies sought more time to assess the airport deal.

At present, the airport is run by MIL, a joint venture between state government’s Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), and Airports Authority of India (AAI). There are plans to offload 74% stake in MIL to the private player, who will develop the airport.





https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/airport-bidders-want-to-exploit-surplus-land-after-two-years/articleshow/64842453.cms

Impure water supply to Mohan Nagar continues Proshun Chakraborty| tnn | Jul 3, 2018, 17:26 IST

Nagpur: Despite Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) claiming to have fixed the water contamination problem, about 50 more cases of jaundice and other waterborne diseases were reported from Mohan Nagar, Khalasi Line and Gaddigodam on Sunday. The number of people diagnosed with jaundice in the area might have crossed the 200 mark.

“Till Monday, the NMC did not take any corrective measures to stop supply of contaminated water to the affected areas,” said Dinesh Naidu, a Mohan Nagar resident.

“The NMC supplies water twice a day, from around 7am to 9am, and 5pm to 7pm. We get contaminated water for at least the first 10 minutes to half an hour, which serves no purpose,” he said. Four members of the Naidu family have also contracted jaundice.

“Cases of waterborne diseases are rising as we are not aware about the supply of contaminated water,” said Harish Dorsatwar, another Mohan Nagar resident. He said that tap water is turbid and has a foul odour. Dorsatwar’s wife Meena is bed-ridden for the last couple of days due to jaundice.

Residents told TOI that the quality of water was so bad on Sunday that they were not able to use it. Health officials sprinkled bleaching powder in the water but it was of no use. The residents were forced to flush the water into the drain.

At several places, sewer and water lines run parallel to and cross each other. Encroachment upon Shakti nullah is also hindering NMC’s cleanliness drive, sources said.

“The NMC officials are not equipped to handle the recent contamination problem, and did not follow the procedure that is mandated in such cases,” said a retired NMC health officer on condition of anonymity.

“For instance, water supply through pipelines should have stopped immediately after the first reports of water contamination were received from these areas, and water should have been supplied through tankers. But no such precautionary measures were taken,” the retired officer said.

Meanwhile, Orange City Water (OCW) has started disconnecting double lines in Mohan Nagar. An OCW official said that the complaints about contaminated water would stop after the work is completed. The OCW is also flushing pipelines and repairing leakages, he added.

PROBLEMS GALORE

* Shakti nullah choked

* Pipelines, Shakti nullah run parallel to each other

* NMC unable to take corrective measures due to encroachments on Shakti nullah

* Stinking, contaminated water running from taps since months

* Jaundice cases continue to rise







https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/impure-water-supply-to-mohan-nagar-continues/articleshow/64842444.cms

Nanded leading in tree plantation drive Vijay Pinjarkar| tnn | Jul 3, 2018, 17:27 IST


Nagpur: The 13 crore tree plantation drive initiated by forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar resulted in 1.19 crore trees being planted on the second day on July 1. The state forest department has also gone digital to ensure transparency about the plantation.

In the current drive, Nanded is leading by planting over 29.56 lakh seedlings on both forest and non-forest lands. It is followed by 6.32 lakh saplings in Chandrapur; 6.24 lakh in Latur, 5 lakh in Nashik, 4.95 lakh in Beed, and 4 lakh in Ahmednagar.

Of the 1.19 crore saplings, 82.77 lakh have been planted by the forest department alone. PWD that felled large number of trees for road widening has a target to plant 14.52 lakh saplings but has planted just 4,000 in two days.

Praveen Srivastava, additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF) for policy, planning and information technology, said the official website of the department — mahaforest.nic.in — has been upgraded to ensure transparency. People can log on with username as guest and Guest@123 as password and know the progress of the drive.

“We have added new features that were not available during the earlier 2 crore and 4 crore tree plantation drive. One can now also upload their plantation videos on Mahaforest Greentube channel. These will be made live. It can be sent on greentube.mfd@gmail.com,” said Srivastava. During the last two years, the dashboard on websites only used to display the numbers of pits, target, seedlings planted by each agency and other details district-wise and statewise. Access to this information was only for department users.
When asked about the plantation and survival scenario of earlier drives, Srivastava said information was available on the website mrsac.government.gov.in. “We need some time to club it with forest department’s website so entire information is shared at one place,” he added. Srivastava said drones have been introduced for the first time to monitor plantations. The pictures captured by drones will also be available at the website.









https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/nanded-leading-in-tree-plantation-drive/articleshow/64842483.cms

Threatened by sand mafia, says Chimur’s BJP MLA Ramu Bhagwat| tnn | Jul 3, 2018, 17:29 IST
Nagpur: BJP legislator from Chimur, Kirtikumar (Bunty) Bhangadia, has claimed to have received repeated threats to life from a sand contractor operating in his constituency. The latest threat message was conveyed on Sunday to the editor of the Marathi newspaper that the Bhangadia family runs in Vidarbha.

The MLA on Monday filed a complaint with the SPs of Chandrapur and Bhandara giving all details of how sand contractor Dhanraj Mungle issued threats to him through his close associates after 15 to 20 trucks illegally ferrying sand without paying royalty and evading government levies were seized by the police acting on Bhangadia’s complaints.

“It is common knowledge that 400 to 500 trucks laden with smuggled sand move between 8 and 10pm every day through Chimur, Brahmapuri, Sindewahi areas. The state is losing huge revenue. The sand mafia is excavating sand using excavators and even overloading the trucks. Many youths have died in road accidents involving these sand trucks on Nagbhid-Brahmapuri road in my constituency. As an MLA, it is my duty to address the problem.

“On receiving a tip off, I alerted the DSPs of Chandrapur and Bhandara about the illegal sand movement on May 11 midnight. Responding to it, the Brahmapuri police managed to seize 15 to 20 trucks that night. These trucks belonged to Mungle who is a big sand smuggler,” Bhangadia told ToI.

He explained that the threat was real as only last week another sand smuggler had attempted to burn alive a tehsildar of Chimur who had tried to stop the sand racket.

“Mungle first told my associate Muntazir Lakhani that it would be easy to bump off any person with a truck on the Nagpur-Chimur Road and asked him to warn me to desist from any moves against sand mafia. But, on Sunday, when Mungle came all the way to Nagpur and met Bhaskar Londhe (editor and CEO of Marathi newspaper Lokshahi Varta) to convey the same intimidatory message again, I was shocked,” said the MLA.

Bhangadia has sought appropriate action against Mungle whose excavator machines was earlier seized by the police in March. He has also intimated Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Speaker of the state Assembly about the threatening messages.






https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/threatened-by-sand-mafia-says-chimurs-bjp-mla/articleshow/64842498.cms

CM ready for probe into Navi Mumbai land deal Ramu Bhagwat| TNN | Jul 4, 2018, 03:36 IST


Nagpur: Refuting allegations of a Rs1,700-crore scam in Navi Mumbai land earmarked for rehabilitation of Koyna dam oustees, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday that his government was ready to face any type of probe that the opposition would seek.

The opposition had alleged that 24 acres of CIDCO land in Navi Mumbai valued at Rs1,700 crore was transferred to a private builder for a paltry sum by duping eight project-hit families of Koyna dam. Leader of opposition, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, had demanded a high court-monitored probe into the deal. Fadnavis said there was absolutely no wrongdoing in land transfers, which were handled by the district collector.

“The matter is lingering for over two decades. The collector has powers to allot land to the people displaced by the dam project. After the land was handed over to the project-affected persons, they had entered into deals with builders to sell their lands and the high court had allowed such deals. Over the years, many such plots were sold by the oustees and the government has nothing to do with it,” Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis also rubbished Vikhe-Patil’s allegation that the chief minister was involved in the ‘scam’ as he also held urban development portfolio. “The land transfer is effected by the collector and these cases do no not even come before the CM or the urban development department,” Fadnavis said, denying that the deals were done hurriedly in a few hours.

The CM said his government was ready to face the opposition, which, according to him, had resorted to rumour mongering through media. “Spreading rumours and provocative messages on social media is a criminal offence. After lynching of five innocent persons in Dhule, the police have launched a drive against those spreading rumours. But political rumours spread by the opposition will be dealt with politically,” he said.

Denying opposition’s claims that no farmer had received benefits of farm loan waiver or compensation for Kharif crop loss, he said the waiver scheme was in progress and would continue till the last eligible claimant was paid off. He said most of the waiver cases were settled and now one-time settlement cases were being processed.

He also claimed that the opposition had no moral right to criticize tur, chana dal procurement policy. The CM said in 14 years between 2001 and 2014, the Congress-led government had procured tur dal worth only Rs426 crore, while in three years, the under current government, pulses and oilseeds procurement hit a record of Rs8,000 crore.

“In fact, we had no place left to store and had to take private godowns on lease to keep 3 lakh metric tonnes of pulses. Those farmers whose tur could not be procured were given Rs1,000 per quintal as compensation,” he said.

Fadnavis added that the probe into irrigation scams was progressing well, though the pace was slow because of voluminous reports that need to be examined.








https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/cm-ready-for-probe-into-navi-mumbai-land-deal/articleshow/64847203.cms

NMRDA issues notices to 29 unauthorized layouts Anjaya Anparthi| TNN | Jul 4, 2018, 03:37 IST


Nagpur: The Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) has issued notices to 29 unauthorized layouts that have come up without any sanctions in Metro Region. Notices have also been issued to another 140 unauthorized buildings, taking the total to 1,468 from earlier count of 1,328 such structures.

TOI had on May 12 reported that 1,328 unauthorized buildings including resorts, water parks, open garden restaurants etc received notices in Metro region. Taking note of TOI’s report, leader of opposition in legislative assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, deputy leader Vijay Wadettiwar, and other Congress MLAs submitted LAQ for monsoon session slated to begin in the city from Wednesday.

NMRDA official told TOI the 29 unauthorized layouts comprise hundreds of plots and are situated across the Metro region. “Some 18 unauthorized layouts were identified in East division in Kamptee tehsil. Similarly, six unauthorized layouts were found in West division in Nagpur (rural), Kalmeshwar and Hingna tehsils, one in North division in Kamptee tehsil, and four in South division in Nagpur (rural) and Kamptee tehsils. Directives have been issued not to sell any plots in these unauthorized layouts,” he said.

The official added a decision on whether to regularize these unauthorized layouts will be taken on receiving applications from the owners. “Layouts in residential zone will be regularized. Residential usage is allowed within 750 meters from gaothan area for villages with population of less than 5,000, and 1km in case population more than 5,000,” he said.

As per NMRDA data, applications from owners of 310 of total 1,468 unauthorized buildings have been received for regularization under the state government’s special scheme. “Action will be taken against remaining unauthorized buildings in case they do not apply for regularization,” NMRDA officials said.

At present, NMRDA is searching for only unauthorized residential flat schemes and commercial complexes or ventures. Probably from next year, NMRDA will cover all types of unauthorized constructions.

Still, NMRDA has received applications for regularization of 3,895 unauthorized residential buildings as the government’s special scheme will end on October 31.

Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) fire and emergency services department has also started to serve notices to 1,468 unauthorized buildings.







https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/nmrda-issues-notices-to-29-unauthorized-layouts/articleshow/64847211.cms

Corporator’s hubby ‘assaults’ civic official Proshun Chakraborty| TNN | Jul 4, 2018, 03:44 IST

Nagpur: A civic anti-encroachment drive took an ugly turn in Hanuman Nagar zone on Tuesday when nuisance detection squad zonal leader Sudhir Sudke was manhandled by Parshu Thakur for taking action against a builder for encroaching on the main road. Thakur is the husband of BJP corporator Rupali who is also the chairperson of the zone.

NDS commandant Veersen Tambe told TOI that retired Indian army subhedar Sudke, who was heading the squad, had issued a show cause notice to one Rajubhau Rahate for dumping construction material like sand and bricks on the main road. He was given 48 hours to clear it. As Rahate failed to remove the material, Sudke issued a challan and collected a fine of Rs2,000 from him.

At around 11.50am, Thakur along with some others reached the zone office and allegedly started abusing Sudke. “Soon, Thakur grabbed him by the collar and threatened him of dire consequences for penalizing Rahate,” said Tambe.

Sudke reported the incident to Tambe who passed on the information to NMC’s additional municipal commissioner Ravindra Kumbhare, deputy municipal commissioner Jayant Dandegaokar and health officer (sanitation) Dr Pradip Dasarwar. They asked him to lodge a police complaint.

When Sudke went to Hudkeshwar police station, the cops tried to persuade him to arrive at a compromise with Thakur. Hudkeshwar police station’s senior police inspector SB Mane confirmed the incident but said no complaint has been filed. Mane did not say why no FIR was filed till 8pm.

Admitting that he had got into an argument with Sudke, Thakur said, “He was collecting bribes. I have informed the zone’s assistant municipal commissioner Raju Bhivgade about it.”






https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/corporators-hubby-assaults-civic-official/articleshow/64847276.cms

Tipeshwar resort owners seek min’s help to regularize structures Vijay Pinjarkar| TNN | Jul 4, 2018, 03:44 IST

Nagpur: Resort owners, who constructed lodges without permission in eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, near Pandharkawda, on Monday sought intervention of minister of state for tourism, energy and FDA Madan Yerawar to regularize their structures.

These resort owners have created a fait accompli situation and are now seeking regularization of the structures from the forest and revenue department. On Monday, Yerawar called a meeting of forest and revenue department officials to sort out the issue and inquired how these resorts can be termed ‘illegal’.

Udaykrishnan Reddy of Hyderabad and Khamir Joshi of Gujarat have constructed concrete structures on 5 acre land, about 100 metre from Sunna gate of the park, and set up 11 villas on 33 acre property at Marath Wakodi, 4.5km from the park boundary in ESZ, respectively.

Talking to TOI, Yerawar said, “The two investors first constructed these structures and are now seeking NOCs from respective departments. But, I’ve no vested interest and law of land should be followed. I leave it to the concerned officials to do what is right.”

TOI was first to report the issue on April 4. Pandharkawda sub-divisional officer (SDO) Buvenswari S said that both the parties had not sought permission before constructing the lodges. “They have submitted applications now. As both the constructions fall in the ESZ, I will forward them to the monitoring committee headed by the district collector,” she said.

Sources said the SDO has issued notice to both the resort owners to stop work immediately.

The lodges were constructed despite Tipeshwar ESZ notification (now draft) stating, “Until the zonal master plan is approved, development for tourism and expansion of existing tourism activities shall be permitted by the regulatory authorities concerned based on the actual site specific scrutiny and recommendation of the monitoring committee and no new hotel/resort or commercial establishments construction is permitted within ESZ area.”

Tipeshwar draft notification was re-issued on January 17, 2018, but prior to that the first draft was issued on January 7, 2016, when the owners bought the lands. Till a final notification is issued by the MoEFCC, as per Supreme Court orders, the ESZ is considered 10km from the boundary of the park.

Divisional forest officer (wildlife) Pramod Panchbhai said that the violation is about EPA, 1986 and hence the territorial and revenue department officials have to act.

On the contrary, Pandharkawda deputy conservator (DyCF) KM Abharna said, “Where it is written that EPA violations are to be dealt with by territorial officials only? SC directions should be respected in right spirit.”

“The resort owners moved for permissions after TOI report in April. Now they are in a hurry as Tipeshwar final notification may be out any time. Though resort in Sunna had NA and conditional wildlife NOC, which barred the owner from making pucca constructions. Yet, concrete structure was made and a bore has also been dug in a perineal nullah coming from the sanctuary,” said Abharna.

She said in Marath Wakodi too constructions are close to reserve forest. The villas have been fenced blocking the corridor. “During inspection there was huge difference in plan and actual construction,” said Abharna.

Resort owner Reddy said that mistakes had taken place and construction was done without SDO permission. “But this was done unintentionally. I have temporary tents and my aim is to provide employment to the locals. I’m ready to abide by law,” Reddy said.







https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/tipeshwar-resort-owners-seek-mins-help-to-regularize-structures/articleshow/64847273.cms