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India Gazette
09-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Sambhal administration plans to restore more rivers following the Sot river revival
Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 9 (ANI): After the successful revival of the Sot River, the Sambhal district administration has identified four more rivers for restoration under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). These include the Mahwa, Areel, Vardhaman, and Mahishmati rivers. Speaking to ANI, District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya said that while the Sot River has already been revived, restoration work is currently underway on the Mahwa, Areel, and Vardhaman rivers. 'Five rivers have been identified, out of which the Sot river has been revived. The restoration work of the Mahwa, Areel, and Vardhaman rivers is going on under MNREGA,' he said. He added that the Mahishmati River Tirth, listed among the 87 'Dev Tirth' (sacred river confluences), is being studied for revival. 'The 'Mahishmati River Tirth' is one of the 87 'Dev Tirth'. It is being studied and the same team that revived Lucknow's Kukrail river, has been called in. The path of the river will be identified and verified, and the river will be restored as a perennial river,' Pensiya said. The Sot River, a tributary of the Ganges, had disappeared from the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh due to encroachment and years of neglect. However, the river has been revived thanks to a collaborative effort between the district administration and social workers. The project to revive the Sot River was started in 2021 by the then Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sambhal, Sot River Revival: A success story of Janbhagidari in MNREGA from Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. During his Mann ki Baat program in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the revival process of the Sot River. Prime Minister Modi mentioned the Sot river in his Mann Ki Baat radio address, which excited the people of the area. The district administration then took up the task of reviving the river with the help of social workers. Following the success of the Sot River revival, the district administration now aims to replicate the model to restore more rivers and rejuvenate the region's natural water heritage. (ANI)
Time of India
05-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Green corridor & fruit tree initiative to give Barekuri's gibbons new lease of life
Dibrugarh: In a landmark move for wildlife conservation, Tinsukia DC Swapneel Paul unveiled two ambitious initiatives on World Environment Day aimed at safeguarding the endangered Hoolock Gibbons in Barekuri village. The projects — a green corridor connecting Barekuri to a nearby wildlife sanctuary and a large-scale plantation of fruit-bearing trees — mark a significant step in ensuring the long-term survival of the primates, which have shared a unique bond with the villagers for generations. Barekuri, a small village in Tinsukia district, gained national fame after PM Narendra Modi highlighted its community-led conservation efforts in his Mann ki Baat address last August. The village, recently honoured with the Asom Gaurav Award, has become a beacon of hope for wildlife preservation, particularly the Hoolock Gibbon — India's only ape species, classified as endangered by the IUCN. Two years ago, Barekuri villagers raised alarms over rising gibbon deaths caused by electrocution from exposed power lines. Responding swiftly, the district administration insulated all bare transmission lines in the area, drastically reducing fatalities. The success of the project laid the foundation for Thurday's initiatives. The first initiative — green corridor development — aims to link Barekuri's gibbon population with those in the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary. The second initiative — fruit-bearing tree plantation — addresses the gibbons' dietary needs sustainably. The district administration distributed 5,000 saplings of indigenous fruit trees, including Bhimkol (a local banana variety), jackfruit, and figs, to villagers. "Today marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to protect the Hoolock Gibbons. These initiatives will not only ensure the safety of our gibbon population but also create sustainable pathways for their long-term survival," DC Swapneel Paul said The launch event saw enthusiastic participation from students, conservationists, and villagers. In a poignant moment, DC Paul plucked a Bhimkol from a banana tree and offered it to a gibbon—a tradition villagers have followed for decades.
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Indian Express
‘We have been able to inspire many more women': How ‘drone didis' are transforming Telangana's agricultural fields
Wearing a green t-shirt over her saree and riding a three-wheeler with a large box strapped to the back, 33-year-old M Bhavani arrives at the training ground at 7 am every day. With a remote in her hand and glee on her face, Bhavani is learning to operate agricultural drones. Hailing from Esojipet village, about 30 kilometres from Telangana's Sangareddy town, Bhavani is one of 54 women selected to operate these drones under the Namo Didi Drone scheme. In his monthly Mann ki Baat radio address on May 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised these 'women who are working in the fields as well as touching the heights of the sky.' Referring to them as 'sky warriors', Prime Minister Modi said, 'These women are telling us that change comes when technology and determination go together.' Women in command As part of the initiative, the women underwent a nine-day training programme and continue to practice until the drones are officially handed over to them. The programme is still in its pilot stage, says Kranthi Valluru, Sangareddy's district collector. 'Initially, six drones are being deployed. Since the scheme is taken up as a pilot, the government will handhold them, and we will expand to other mandals later,' she says. Under the scheme, each woman receives a drone worth Rs 10 lakh for just Rs 2 lakh, thanks to an 80 per cent subsidy and bank linkage. 'We expect the drones to be delivered to the women in another two weeks. By skilling our women in drone operations, we can leverage the scheme's subsidies, providing them with a valuable and substantial income-generating opportunity,' says Kranthi. Each woman is projected to earn Rs 20,000 per month as profit. 'Ideally, each of the 28 revenue mandals should have two or three women pilots. They can charge up to Rs 500 per acre. Each acre can be sprayed in 10 minutes. Each day, they will be able to spray pesticide on around 20 acres,' she says. To address a challenge — transporting heavy drones to different fields — authorities are considering providing three-wheelers to women. Community-led demand The demand for the implementation of the scheme is community-driven. According to Kota Janga Reddy, additional district rural development officer and additional project director, due to the industrial nature of Sangareddy district and its proximity to Hyderabad, there is a massive shortage of labourers. 'Farmers are moving quickly towards mechanisation due to labour shortage. One or two private farmers are using drones for spraying pesticides. So we selected 12 mandals and prepared proposals and sent them to the state and centre,' says Reddy. Empowerment, freedom The sight of women confidently manoeuvring their hands at these drones in open fields has become a symbol of empowerment. Villagers often stop to watch in awe, and more women are enquiring about the programme after Prime Minister Modi's address. The women have also found support from family and friends. 'Earlier, people used to ask what a woman can do. After our training, all of them have realised what we can do. We have been able to inspire many more women,' says Bhavani. Forty-year-old P Balamani agrees. 'Before the training, I had seen a drone only at weddings, where they use it for photography. Now, I have not only learned to pilot a drone, but I have also learned to ride a three-wheeler to transport the drone around villages,' she says. Balamani and her husband, who cultivate about 3.5 acres of land, believe the benefits of using these drones are many. 'When expenses are lower, we can earn more profits. Moreover, using a drone is better for our health than manually spraying pesticides. We are going to buy a drone now,' says Balamani, adding her family and friends have been extremely encouraging. 'We cultivate paddy and cotton for seven to eight months. We can use the drone for our field as well as for the neighbours and villagers. This is definitely a good idea for earning revenues through what can be a part-time job,' she says. A manual labourer typically charges around Rs 1000 per day for spraying pesticides, Balamani explains, and the coverage is often inconsistent. 'With a drone, all you need to do is set the location, and you will not miss a spot. While you need 100 litres of water for spraying pesticide on a one-acre land using a manual pump, it takes only 10 litres of water per acre.' Balamani quips that the entire family used to work in the field earlier, and now only two women are required per field. While one of them will pilot the drone, the other will assist. 'We have sufficient water and electricity for farming. What we don't have is labour. We should move forward to adopt as much mechanisation as possible. It would be great if the government started a scheme for giving away seeds sowing and transplanter machines too. That will save a lot of time and energy for farmers,' she says. Rahul V Pisharody is an Assistant Editor with the Indian Express Online and has been reporting from Telangana on various issues since 2019. Besides a focused approach to big news developments, Rahul has a keen interest in stories about Hyderabad and its inhabitants and looks out for interesting features on the city's heritage, environment, history culture etc. His articles are straightforward and simple reads in sync with the context. Rahul started his career as a journalist in 2011 with The New Indian Express and worked in different roles at the Hyderabad bureau for over 8 years. As Deputy Metro Editor, he was in charge of the Hyderabad bureau of the newspaper and coordinated with the team of district correspondents, centres and internet desk for over three years. A native of Palakkad in Kerala, Rahul has a Master's degree in Communication (Print and New Media) from the University of Hyderabad and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Long motorcycle rides and travel photography are among his other interests. ... Read More
India Gazette
30-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Ahead of PM's visit, MP LoP Umang Singhar questions govt on women welfare, demands answers on key schemes
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], May 30 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Congress MLA Umang Singhar on Friday raised a series of pointed questions ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bhopal, where he would address a women-centric program on Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniversary. Speaking to ANI, Singhar said, 'PM Modi is coming to talk about women empowerment, but I want to ask him directly--will Ladli Behans actually receive Rs 3,000 under the Ladli Behna Yojana? Will self-help groups (SHGs) of women, who do not have employment and are running only on paper, receive any real financial assistance? Will they be connected to livelihood? PM Modi should tell us.' Singhar also criticised the BJP, accusing it of prioritising image-building over substance. 'Why has the government stopped providing benefits under the Ujjwala Yojana? Will the cylinders, which are kept empty, be refilled again? Will inflation be reduced in the state and the nation? We see there is a shortage of urea. Will Madhya Pradesh get urea? Will the income of farmers double? What support will farmers and small businesses receive through MSMEs in Madhya Pradesh? Your government has also reduced funds allocated to MGNREGA and tribal welfare schemes. Today, the BJP has become a party focused only on advertisements. It has become a party above public sentiment,' the Congress leader said. The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP government has disrespected women. 'A female army officer was insulted (referring to MP minister Vijay Shah's remark against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi), who is a daughter of Madhya Pradesh. Will PM Modi ask for Vijay Shah's resignation? I think PM Modi talks about something in the Mann ki Baat program, but has something else in his inner heart,' he added. PM Modi will address the 'Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan' program at Jamboree Ground in Bhopal on May 31. The event, centered on women, is expected to witness the participation of around two lakh women from across the state. (ANI)
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor was not only a military operation, but a new resolve for justice: Bansuri Swaraj
An all-party delegation led by Shrikant Shinde and Bansuri Swaraj affirmed Operation Sindoor's objective. Swaraj highlighted a paradigm shift in India's anti-terror policy, emphasizing that terror and talks cannot coexist. The delegation visited the UAE and West African countries, receiving strong support, especially from the UAE. Operation Sindoor signifies bravery and power, not just adornment. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Member of the all-party delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, affirmed the objective of Operation Sindoor and described the "paradigm shift" in India's policy against speaking to ANI, Swaraj said, "Operation Sindoor was not only a military operation, but a new resolve for justice which India has presented before the world. Even in today's Mann ki Baat episode, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about made-in-India technology and made-in-India weapons."She noted, "There paradigm shift in India's policy regarding terror, where it has been said that terror and talks will not go together, blood and water will not flow together, Trade and terror cannot happen simultaneously"."This is the new example India has set in front of the world on this global war against terrorism. In this regard, the all-party delegation first went UAE and now to various West African countries like, Congo, Liberia and Sierra Leone."Describing the visit to the UAE, BJP MP Swaraj hailed the support received from various quarters of the Emirati said, "UAE has played the role of a solid friend. Along with India, given the message of unequivocal support. It has given complete support and the kind of support which we got there, not only from the leadership but also the Indian diaspora was worth noticing and made the hearts joyous."Swaraj also underlined that the world is understanding the emotion behind the motto of Operation Sindoor. "Operation Sindoor has made it clear that Sindoor is no longer a synonym for 'Shringaar',but also a reflection of bravery and power."Swaraj is a member of the all-party delegation projects India's national consensus and resolute approach to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will convey to the world the country's strong message of zero tolerance for had launched Operation Sindoor in response to the Pahalgam terror attack . India launched precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Armed Forces responded effectively to subsequent Pakistaggression and pounded its two countries have reached an understanding to stop military action following a call made by Pakistan's DGMO to his Indian counterpart.
