Kolhapur News

Sharad Pawar's Reminder After Massive Clashes Over Tipu Sultan, Aurangzeb
Ndtv | 1 day ago | |
Ndtv
1 day ago | |

Sharad Pawar today spoke out about the violence in Maharashtra's Kohlapur. (File)Pune: Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar today said the violence that took place in Kolhapur and some other places over the posters and social media posts allegedly glorifying Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan was not in line with the culture of Maharashtra.Tension gripped Kolhapur city, 285 kilometres from Mumbai, on Tuesday after some persons allegedly kept an image of 18th-century ruler Tipu Sultan and an offensive audio message as their social media status, resulting in a protest by some Hindu outfits at Shivaji Chowk the next day.Police had to resort to lathicharge (baton charge) to quell the stone-pelting and violence that the protest descended into, following which 36 people were held in connection with the incidents in the western Maharashtra city.Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Mr Pawar said, "People of the state and these places where such incidents took place must maintain peace. Whatever happened at two to three places is not in line with the culture of Maharashtra. Maharashtra is known as a peace loving and patient state, and people here do not have a tendency to take the law into their own hands.""I also would like to tell those who try to create disputes deliberately that common people have to pay the price for all this. I appeal that for the betterment of the common people, ensure such things do not take place. People must fully cooperate with police," the former Union minister added.Sharad Pawar said Kolhapur has a very rich history and peace must prevail by remembering the towering ideals of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and Tarabai."The interests of common people should be protected. I am sure the situation will change if a majority of the people and state government adopt a wise approach. I am sure this picture will change," Mr Pawar asserted.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comSome persons were booked in Ahmednagar for allegedly carrying posters of Aurangzeb during a procession in Fakirwada area there on June 7. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Sharad Pawar's Reminder After Massive Clashes Over Tipu Sultan, Aurangzeb
Kolhapur violence: 36 arrested for stone-pelting, vandalism, rioting
The Indian Express | 1 day ago | |
The Indian Express
1 day ago | |

The police in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district have arrested 36 people for stone pelting, vandalism and rioting reported on Wednesday during a bandh called by pro-Hindutva outfits seeking action against certain objectionable social media posts. Six others were arrested in connection with an earlier incident of stone pelting and rioting in Kolhapur city on Tuesday over the same reason, the police added.The Kolhapur district police have registered four separate first information reports (FIRs) – three on the violence on Wednesday and one on the incident on Tuesday – officials told The Indian Express.Five more FIRs were registered in police stations across Kolhapur district in connection to the social media posts showing images of 18th-century Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan accompanied by an objectionable slogan in the form of an audio.Internet services that were suspended in Kolhapur city on Wednesday evening for 24 hours are expected to be restored on Thursday evening.“The situation in Kolhapur city and district remains peaceful. Considerable police force remains deployed across our jurisdiction,” Kolhapur District Superintendent of Police Mahendra Pandit said.On the number of people injured in the stone pelting and lathi charge, the Kolhapur police maintained that they were yet to get the information. A senior police officer said, “Some people are feared injured…We do not know the exact number yet because some of them went to private hospitals, some to state-run hospitals and some may have not gone to hospitals at all.”Kolhapur district police officials had said that a large number of people, mainly youth belonging to various pro-Hindutva organisations, had gathered at Chhatrapati Shivaji Chowk in Kolhapur on Wednesday morning. While the outfits had called for a bandh in Kolhapur city, and many businesses remained shut, a protest was also held. Officials had said that as people were returning after the protest, some miscreants resorted to stone pelting on some houses in a residential area. Police officials said they had to resort to a lathi charge and lob tear gas canisters to control the unruly mob that was indulging in stone pelting, vandalism and rioting.The same objectionable slogan that was used with images of Tipu Sultan in some youngsters’ social media posts in Kolhapur was chanted along with a poster of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb during a procession held in Ahmednagar district a few days ago, the police probe has revealed. The incident was reported during an Urs procession of Dam Bara Hazari Baba dargah in the Fakirwada area of Ahmednagar around 9.15 pm on June 4.

Kolhapur violence: 36 arrested for stone-pelting, vandalism, rioting
"Not Coincidence": Devendra Fadnavis On "Riot-Like Situation" Comments
Ndtv | 2 days ago | |
Ndtv
2 days ago | |

Devendra Fadnavis said statements of some politicians on riot-like situation can't be coincidenceMumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday said statements of some politicians fearing a riot-like situation in the state and a section of people of a particular community glorifying Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan cannot be a mere coincidence.Speaking to reporters in Navi Mumbai, Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, said the acts of glorifying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb will not be tolerated in Maharashtra.He said a probe would be conducted to identify the people who are instigating a section of youths.He was speaking against the backdrop of some youths displaying photos of 17th Century Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in a procession in Ahmednagar and tension in Kolhapur city on Wednesday over the alleged use of Tipu Sultan's image along with an objectionable audio message as social media "status" by some local people.The BJP leader claimed that a riot-like situation is developing in some areas of the state only because people of a particular community are glorifying Aurangzeb."Some politicians had been saying that there could be a riot-like situation in the state. Responding to the comments of these leaders, youths of a particular community showcased pictures of Aurangzeb. They also glorified Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan. It cannot be a mere coincidence."Why suddenly these images have been displayed in various districts of Maharashtra? It does not happen easily or automatically. As it cannot be a mere coincidence, we will have to dig deeper into this matter," he said.Fadnavis also said he was surprised that in Kolhapur, a chief leader of the opposition said that he was aware that riots will happen."After his statement, some youth there glorified Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan, and thereafter comes a reaction. Is there a connection between the statement and the incidents? We are conducting a probe into who is glorifying Aurangzeb and who is provoking people to do so. Once the probe is over, I will reveal those things," he said.Earlier in the day, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had claimed "The rulers are responsible to establish law and order in the state. If the ruling parties and their people come out on roads and create a rift between two religions, then it is not a good sign".Without taking names, Fadnavis said "I can easily see that all these leaders are talking the same language. People of a particular community are helping them and glorifying Aurangzeb. The riot-like situation is taking place in some areas only because people of a particular community are glorifying Aurangzeb"."Maharashtra follows the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We all have seen some leaders attempting to show Aurangzeb as a patriot. We will have to inquire how some leaders talk the same language and how they receive a quick response," he added.Later speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said suddenly Aurangzeb's "aulad" (progenies) have taken birth in Maharashtra but the government will find out the people responsible for creating the law and order situation."Displaying Aurangzeb's photos and keeping a mobile status (on Tipu Sultan); this is creating tension in society. We will find the real culprits who are deliberately disturbing the law and order and defaming the state," he said.Notably, police recently registered a case against four persons for allegedly carrying posters of Aurangzeb during a procession on Sunday.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comIn Kolhapur, a group of right-wing activists held a protest against the alleged use of Tipu Sultan's image along with an objectionable audio message as social media "status" by some people. Later, some people hurled stones, forcing police to use force against them, a police officer said. PTI ND COR CLS GK NSK(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

"Not Coincidence": Devendra Fadnavis On "Riot-Like Situation" Comments
Tension Grips Maharashtra Town Over Social Media Posts On Aurangzeb, Tipu Sultan
Ndtv | 2 days ago | |
Ndtv
2 days ago | |

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has appealed for peaceKolhapur/New Delhi: Some Hindu outfits today staged a massive protest in Maharashtra's Kolhapur over controversial social media posts on Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan, officials have said.Calling for a shutdown, the outfits alleged that the posts were intended to glorify the two rulers.The protest turned violent when the protesters ransacked some shops and vehicles at Kolhapur's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, demanding action against those men.The police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the protesters, officials said. There were reports of clashes between two groups from other parts of the town as well."Some organisations had called for a Kolhapur bandh and the members of these outfits gathered at Shivaji Chowk today. Some people also started throwing stones, forcing police to use force against these people to disperse them," said Mahendra Pandit, Superintendent of Police, Kolhapur.Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that he is in contact with the senior police officials. He also appealed to the public to maintain calm."Investigation is underway and action will be taken against those found guilty," the chief minister said. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, is also monitoring the situation, officials said."There is no forgiveness in Maharashtra for those who praise Aurangzeb. Police are also taking action. At the same time, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that peace is maintained," Mr Fadnavis said.PromotedListen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.comSecurity has been increased in the town to avoid any untoward incident, police said.    

Tension Grips Maharashtra Town Over Social Media Posts On Aurangzeb, Tipu Sultan
‘Ruling party encourages communal violence, this is being planned’: Sharad Pawar hits out at BJP-Sena government
The Indian Express | 2 days ago | |
The Indian Express
2 days ago | |

Confronting the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra head on, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar said on Wednesday that the ruling party “encourages” instances of communal violence.“Incidents of communal clashes in Ahmednagar and Kolhapur have taken place over some mobile messages. What is the meaning of hitting the streets over such messages? Today’s ruling party encourages such things. Rulers should ensure peace and law and order. But if rulers start hitting the street and create enmity among two communities, that is not a good thing for the state,” Pawar said, addressing a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday morning.Pawar said that it was good that the incidents were limited to certain parts of the state only. “But I am saying that this is being planned. I saw it on TV that someone showed Aurangzeb’s photo in Aurangabad, then what is the meaning of a communal clash over this in Pune?” he asked.“Churches were attacked in states like Orissa or others. I do not understand the reason behind attacking a religious place for an action of an individual. This is not a work of an individual but an ideology works behind this. This ideology is not good for the society,” Pawar said.Maharashtra has witnessed a number of localised communal clashes since the formation of the BJP-Sena government. On Tuesday, the Sangamner area of Ahmednagar district witnessed communal clashes between two groups after a rally by Sakal Hindu Samaj. In Kolhapur, right-wing Hindu organisations called for a bandh on Wednesday over a reportedly objectionable message involving Mughal king Aurangzeb.

‘Ruling party encourages communal violence, this is being planned’: Sharad Pawar hits out at BJP-Sena government
Pune accident: Holiday gone wrong for family; mother dies, young daughter has ‘miraculous escape’
The Indian Express | 1 month ago | |
The Indian Express
1 month ago | |

Four-year-old Athira and her mother Nisha, 36, were excited about their trip to Mumbai’s Dombivli from Kolhapur. With summer vacations having started, both were on their way to visit Nisha’s mother.On Saturday night, the two waved goodbye to Nisha’s husband Pramod Bhaskar before setting off. Former corporator from Kolhapur Niyaz Khan, a friend of the family, said, “At around 4.30 am, I got a call from a friend about a girl Athira who had survived an accident on the Pune-Bengaluru highway. The girl said her father’s name was Pramod and lived in Shastri Nagar in Kolhapur.”Fearing the worst, Khan and Pramod rushed to Sassoon Hospital in Pune where the bodies of the four who died after a truck hit a private bus at Jambhulwadi in the early hours of Sunday were taken. Several of those injured in the tragedy on the Mumbai-Bangalore Highway were also rushed to this hospital.On arrival, Pramod realised that his worst fears had come true. Nisha had been brought dead to the hospital. The only consolation was that Athira, the couple’s only child, had survived with injuries and was admitted in the casualty ward. “It was a miraculous escape for Athira,” said Khan, who is “a long-time friend of the family”.“The police said the girl was trapped inside the wrangled remains of the bus for almost 15 minutes with smoke and fire. The rescue team took time to cut open the steel frame when they realised that she was alive. Once in the hospital, Athira could only manage to say her father’s name and their locality,” Khan added.Soon, Nisha’s brother and mother reached the hospital from Mumbai. At Sassoon Hospital, a distraught Pramod was helped by others to complete the paperwork for his deceased wife. “The last the family spoke was at 12.30 am when they discussed dinner and the journey. This is a shock which can’t be expressed in words. Within a few hours, the whole family collapsed,” said Khan.“Initially, we didn’t tell Nisha’s mother that her daughter is no more, only that she was under treatment,” Khan shared. According to the family members, Nisha’s last rites will be conducted in Kolhapur and Athira will be shifted to a hospital there.

Pune accident: Holiday gone wrong for family; mother dies, young daughter has ‘miraculous escape’
Home nurse kills 70-year-old in Mumbai, injures wife in robbery bid
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

MUMBAI: A 70-year-old retired electricity board employee with walking difficulty was stabbed to death and his wife suffered a severe cut on the throat after their newly hired male home nurse allegedly attacked them with a knife in their Jogeshwari flat Monday. Showing presence of mind, the wife threw utensils out of window to alert neighbours. And when people came, the attacker fled the place only to be arrested from Dadar railway station within four hours. Police said he had planned to rob the couple. Woman throws utensils out of window to raise alarmA male home nurse attacked a 70-year-old man and his wife with a knife in their Jogeshwari flat Monday evening as he planned to rob them after he saw Rs 19 lakh balance in the retired electricity board employee's bank passbook and assumed there would be a lot of cash in the house, police said."Sudhir Chiplunkar (70) died due to a severe stab in his throat, while his wife Supriya (69) survived. She is undergoing treatment at Nanavati Hospital," said a police officer.Supriya, who was in a semi-conscious state, scribbled Pappu Jalinder Gawli's name on a newspaper and Meghwadi police swung into action. Within four hours, they tracked down Gawli (29) at Dadar station as he was about to board a long-distance train and arrested him.In January 2020, Gawli had left Mumbai after the pandemic outbreak. "Last month, he was arrested by Shirol police in Kolhapur in a bike theft case and was later released on bail. He returned to Mumbai in January and got the job to help Sudhir who had a walking difficulty," said the opolice fficer, adding that Gawli's wife and son have left him due to his drinking addiction.Police said Gawli first attacked Supriya who was preparing dinner in the kitchen around 7.30pm. "On hearing her scream, Sudhir managed to reach the kitchen, but Gawli stabbed him in the throat and twice in the stomach. As he dragged Sudhir to the bedroom, Supriya, showing presence of mind, threw utensils out of the window to alert neighbours," said the officer.Four children playing in the compound of Shri Samarth housing society ran up to the Chiplunkars' second-floor flat. "Gawli partly opened the main door, but kept the safety door closed. The children noticed blood on the floor and enquired about it, but Gawli told them Sudhir had injured himself after a fall from the bed and closed the door. The children were not convinced and informed the neighbours. When they rang the doorbell, Gawli opened the door and rushed out claiming that he was going to get a doctor," said the police officer.The neighbours entered the flat and were shocked to see the couple lying in blood on the floor. They alerted the police. "We found out about Gawli only after the victim's wife wrote his name on the newspaper. The building's CCTV footage showed him running out of the building after talking with the watchman," said the officer.The watchman, Shashikant Kedekar, told TOI, "Gawli had blood stains on his clothes. He told me that he is going to get a doctor as his employer had a fall. I did not suspect anything as he had brought Chiplunkar down for his morning walk as usual."Gawli went to his aunt's house in Andheri and borrowed Rs 500. He downed a few drinks and then reached Dadar station. "Five teams, led by ACP Avinash Palve and including Meghwadi police senior inspector Rajendra, caught Gawli before he could board Siddeshwar Express to head to his village either in Kolhapur or Solapur," said DCP (zone X) Maheshwar Reddy. The Chiplunkars' daughter, who lives in the UK, reached Mumbai on Tuesday. Their son, who lives in the US, is expected to arrive on Thursday, said police.

Home nurse kills 70-year-old in Mumbai, injures wife in robbery bid
Sumangalam will guide world in protecting environment: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

KOLHAPUR: Chief minister Eknath Shinde said it was a matter of pride for Maharashtra that the Sumangalam event was being organised at the Siddhagiri mutt in the Kaneri village of Kolhapur district.Shinde was in Kolhapur on Saturday to review the preparations at the mutt ahead of the 'Sumangalam Panch Mahabhoot Lokotsav' event to be held between February 20 and 26. He was accompanied by Kolhapur guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar. Addressing the media after his visit to the mutt, Shinde said, "Today, the world is facing many environmental disasters like tsunamis, unseasonal rain, earthquakes, floods, drought, etc. We are standing on the threshold. If we don't think about nature, the world will see serious environmental challenges in the future. We need to create awareness to protect nature. It is a matter of pride for our state that the Sumangalam event is being held at the Siddhagiri mutt. The event will guide the world like a lamppost in protecting the environment."He said, "Preparations for the event are in the final stages and arrangements are being made on about 650 acres. Considering the possibility of 30 to 40 lakh people participating in this event, Siddhagiri mutt is being provided maximum assistance by various government departments. This assistance will continue in the future."Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the event on February 20. The organisers are expecting around 30 lakh people to attend this 7-day event. The state government has sanctioned Rs 2.84 crore in funds for the event, which aims to create awareness on the conservation of the five elements - earth, water, fire, air and sky.

Sumangalam will guide world in protecting environment: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde
  • Sumangalam Panchamahabhoot Lokotsav will be guiding path for entire nation: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde
  • Times of India

    KOLHAPUR: CM Eknath Shinde arrived in Kolhapur on Saturday noon to take a review of the preparations ongoing at Siddhagiri Math at Kaneri village in Kolhapur ahead of the major event 'Sumangalam Panch Mahabhoot Lokotsav' that will be held between 20-26 February. Shinde was accompanied with Kolhapur guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar. Sumangalam event will be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 20th February and around 30 lakhs footfall is expected by the organisers for this seven days event. State government has sanctioned a fund of 2 crore 84 lakh for the same. The event aims to create awareness about conserving five important elements of nature which are earth, water, fire, air and sky.Addressing the media after his visit at Kaneri Math CM Shinde said, "Today we are witnessing many incidents of environmental damage and the world is facing many problems like tsunami, heavy rain, earthquake, flood, draught, etc. We are standing at such a threshold today that if we do not think about nature today, the world may face serious environmental problems in the future. We need to create awareness for this. Recognizing this need, it is a matter of pride for our state that Sumangalam event is being held at Siddhagiri Math at Kaneri in Kolhapur and will guide the world like a lamppost for environmental protection.CM Shinde himself inspected all the preparations ongoing at the venue. "Preparations for the festival are underway in a vast area of about 650 acres and these preparations are now in the final stage. Considering the possibility that 30 to 40 lakh people will participate in this festival, the Siddhagiri Math is being given maximum assistance for planning through various departments of the government and this assistance will continue ahead” added Shinde.CM Shinde visited the gallery of the elements of earth, water, fire, air and sky, Siddhagiri Goshala, Siddhagiri Hospital and Siddhagiri Gurukul mala and inspected the various projects of the Math, and appreciated the philanthropic projects being done at the Math. The students of Siddhagiri Gurukulam presented a demonstration of 14 ancient sciences and 64 arts in front of him. CM Shinde asserted that there is a real need for such an innovative education system in today's generation.

SIT to probe journalist Shashikant Warishe’s death in Maharashtra, says deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis
Times of India | 3 months ago | |
Times of India
3 months ago | |

NAVI MUMBAI/KOLHAPUR: Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday ordered a special investigation team (SIT) probe by a senior IPS cadre officer into the death of Ratnagiri-based journalist Shashikant Warishe (45). Meanwhile, protests erupted in Ratnagiri and other parts of the Maharashtra against the Nanar refinery project. Warishe, who regularly wrote against the project, died after being hit by an SUV driven by Pandharinath Amberkar (39), who heads a group supporting the refinery and is a land broker and dealer.In Kolhapur, CM Eknath Shinde said, “Journalists are risking their lives to work. The death of journalist Shashikant Warishe is an attack on democracy. The person who attacked Warishe will not be supported. The accused has been arrested. A murder case has been registered against him. The accused will be punished.” Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leader of the UBT faction, wrote to Fadnavis on Saturday, citing concerns over the law and order situation in the state following Warishe’s death. Shinde did not react to the statement by Raut. “I don’t want to respond to political statements. I have issued instructions to all concerned not to support anyone who is guilty,” Shinde said. Raut alleged those involved in the death were “from the land mafia with political backing”.

SIT to probe journalist Shashikant Warishe’s death in Maharashtra, says deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis
  • SIT probe into Ratnagiri-based journalist Shashikant Warishe death; Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde calls it attack on democracy
  • Times of India

    NAVI MUMBAI/KOLHAPUR: Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday ordered a special investigation team (SIT) probe by a senior IPS cadre officer into the death of Ratnagiri-based journalist Shashikant Warishe (45). Meanwhile, protests erupted in Ratnagiri and other parts of the state against the Nanar refinery project. Warishe, who regularly wrote against the project, died after being hit by an SUV driven by Pandharinath Amberkar (39), who heads a group supporting the refinery and is a land broker and dealer. In Kolhapur, chief minister Eknath Shinde said, "Journalists are risking their lives to work. The death of journalist Shashikant Warishe is an attack on democracy. The person who attacked Warishe will not be supported in any way. The accused in the case of Warishe's death has been arrested. A murder case has been registered against him. The accused will be punished in accordance with the law."Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena leader of the UBT faction, wrote to Fadnavis on Saturday, citing concerns over the law and order situation in the state following Warishe's death. Shinde did not react to the statement by Raut. "I don't want to respond to political statements. I have issued instructions to all concerned not to support anyone who is guilty," Shinde said. Raut alleged those involved in the death were "from the land mafia with political backing". It is alleged that a few journalists along with others, including Amberkar, had purchased around 1,400 square metres of land in Barshu village, Rajapur, in June 2022.Amberkar has reportedly confessed to "killing" Warishe last week for writing about him in a local Marathi newspaper. SIT will look into all aspects, including land deals in and around the refinery project. Around 1,000 villagers took part in a 1km-long rally till Rajapur tehsil. MP Vinayak Raut in his address to protesters alleged, "A total 153 outsiders have purchased land in Barshu village, Rajapur." Ratnagiri Refinery PRO Anil Nagvekar said, "We have nothing to say on the land transaction issues. There is no way we have any relationship with Amberkar." Marathi Patrakar Parishad president S M Deshmukh promised Rs 21,000 aid to Warishe's family. Raut asked the state for Rs 50 lakh compensation.

  • Maharashtra orders SIT probe into murder of journalist Shashikant Warishe
  • The Economic Times

    The Maharashtra government on Saturday announced a special investigative team (SIT) probe into the death of a journalist, Shashikant Warishe, who was killed at Rajapur in Ratnagiri district last week. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the home department portfolio, asked a senior police officer to head the SIT probe.Warishe, a journalist who had done extensive reporting on the proposed Barsu refinery, was run over by a vehicle allegedly driven by Pandharinath Amberkar on February 6. Amberkar, who dealt in real estate, was keen for the refinery project to go ahead and allegedly killed Warishe as he was miffed with the stories done on him and the refinery.The development comes as the opposition upped the ante, with Shiv Sena (Uddhav) MP Sanjay Raut tweeting a picture of the arrested accused Amberkar with the state industry minister Uday Samant and alleged "political" reasons behind the murder. "A lot of politicians have brought land under benami names near the Nanar refinery. All those landowners affected by Shashikant's writings have conspired to kill him," said Raut.

Fresh push for MIDC at Vikaswadi, 70ha of state govt land to be transferred initially
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

Kolhapur: The state government is once again considering a new industrial zone at Vikaswadi in Kagal tehsil of Kolhapur district.The demand for a new MIDC unit at Vikaswadi, which is near Karnataka, has been pending for the past 15 years. The last serious efforts were made in 2011. However, the plan then met with resistance from the farmers — mostly shepherds or and rearing farmers, a — who blocked land acquisition. Uday Samant, the industries minister, said, “To start with, we will get 70 hectare of land that is currently in possession of the state government transferred to the MIDC. For the rest of the land, we will hold a discussion with the local farmers, address their misunderstandings and then proceed to acquire the additional land we might need. Also, the proposal to reserve 20 hectare for small scale industries, to start plug-and-play units as demanded by the industrial associations has also been approved.”To set up the MIDC unit, at least 100 hectare of land is required. The initial plan was to acquire over 264 hectare. The cost of services get cheaper if the land is more and the investment increases in this case, according to the MIDC officials. Over 194 hectare is grazing land to which there is opposition from the farmers. Samant said that the existing MIDCs have no plots left for new industries to come up and, therefore, the government is planning to go ahead with renewing the plan to set up an MIDC unit at Vikaswadi.Samant added that a MIDC unit in the border area will also help Marathi speaking youths from the state of Karnataka to get jobs. “Soon we are going to hold a job fair for Marathi youths residing around the border. It will be organised at a college near Nipani and will help them get jobs in Maharashtra,” he said.

Fresh push for MIDC at Vikaswadi, 70ha of state govt land to be transferred initially
Hydrology experts to study Almatti effect on floods in Kolhapur & Sangli
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

KOLHAPUR: The Maharashtra government has sought the help of experts from the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), located in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, to carry out the simulation and hydrodynamic study of the backwater effect of Karnataka’s Almatti dam on the floods in Kolhapur and Sangli districts.The primary telephonic discussion between the state government authorities and the institute has already taken place , and a formal letter has been sent to Sudhir Kumar, the director of the institute, asking him to convey the fees the institute will charge for the study.The Karnataka government is planning to raise the height of the Almatti dam, which the activists in Maharashtra are opposing. If the study shows, scientifically, that the backwater effect indeed causes the swelling of the rivers, the Maharashtra government can pitch the same in the Supreme Court to stop Karnataka from advancing with the plan to raise the dam height.The letter written by Atul Kapole, the executive director of Krishna River Valley Development Corporation, Pune, states that the study of the backwater effect of the Almatti dam on the floods in Kolhapur and Sangli was carried out previously, but ambiguity still persists on whether it has any major impact on the floods. “The government wants to undertake the studies again. This time, more scientifically. The effect of the barrages, bridges, weirs and other structures built across the main rivers shall also be taken into account while carrying out the study,” reads the letter.Activists from the region believe that the dam, which stores water at a 519-meter height, obstructs the flow of the Krishna river. The river then breaches banks and causes floods. The activists cited instances of 2005, 2019 and 2021 floods, during which the rivers swelled more than in the earlier case.After an uproar from the activists, Nandkumar Vadnere, the head of the panel formed by the Maharashtra government after the 2019 floods to study the causes and suggest measures, wrote a letter to the government demanding more studies as the structures along the river, especially those in Karnataka’s jurisdiction, could not be studied for the hydrodynamic effect.Jyoti Devkar, the executive engineer of Sangli irrigation circle, has been appointed the nodal officer to coordinate with the experts of NIH. Speaking to TOI, Devkar said, “We usually exchange data with the Almatti dam authorities. For this study, we will do it again. We will send a letter to them and if required, we will request the senior state authorities to communicate with Karnataka authorities for doing the needful for this study.”

Hydrology experts to study Almatti effect on floods in Kolhapur & Sangli
Martyrs’ Day: MES to hold rally today
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

Belagavi: The Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) has planned a rally in the city on Tuesday to observe Martyr’s Day or Hutatma Diwas to honour those who lost their lives to the Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute.The rally would begin from Hutatma Chowk and return there after proceeding through Ramdev Galli, Samyukta Maharashtra Chowk, Khade Bazar, Ganapti Galli, Maruti Galliu, Ansurkar Galli, Ramling Khind Galli and Kirloskar Road.Every year, Hutatma Diwas is observed in Belagavi city, Khanapur town and Kangali (KH) village. However, this year, the MES has asked all its rural and city units to observe Hutatma Diwas without fail. The organisation has obtained permission from the police for the rally, which will begin at 9.30 am.Plan for dharna in MumbaiMES leaders have also planned a Chalo Mumbai march on January 27. Hundreds of activists would hold a dharna at the Azad Maidan on the day, the first day of the budget session of the Maharashtra government.According to MES working president and former MLA Manohar Kinekar: “We had given the ‘Chalo Kolhapur’ call a month ago to create awareness about the border dispute among the people of Maharashtra. We had held a dharna in Kolhapur. At the time we demanded for the Maharashtra bandh call for a day. As the Maharashtra government did not consider our request seriously, this time we have called a Chalo Mumbai march. Hundreds of MES activists will take part in the dharna at Azad Maidan in Mumbai,” he said.

Martyrs’ Day: MES to hold rally today
Bird injuries prove manja sales continuing in Kolhapur
Times of India | 4 months ago | |
Times of India
4 months ago | |

KOLHAPUR: The ban on nylon manja notwithstanding, the dangerous strings continue to be commonly used for kite flying in and around Kolhapur. At least four instances of birds being injured by nylon manjas have been reported since January 7. The Supreme Court imposed a ban on the sale of nylon manja across the country. On Sunday, the day of Makar Sankranti, an injured Bahamani kite was rescued from the Timber market area. Last Friday, a pigeon was rescued from near Rankala. The bird was tangled in nylon manja.Dhananjay Namjoshi, an animal rescuer, said, "Nylon manja continues to be sold secretly in the market. Every other day, birds are getting injured after getting tangled in these threads. This proves that nylon manja is still being sold ." Birds are losing their lives due to the manja entanglements in trees and electric wires. On January 7, a rare species of owl got stuck in manja and was injured in Nakshatra Park area in Kadamwadi. Bird lovers Sanjay Nair and Venkappa Ambre rescued the owl from the nest with the help of local citizens and gave it a lease of life. Two days ago, a bird was admitted to the Panjarpol animal shelter for treatment. Dr Rajkumar Bagal, at Panjarpol, said "Every week, there are two to three cases of birds getting injured or being killed after getting stuck in the nylon manja thread".The sale of nylon manja is clandestine, with only the trusted, regular customers getting their hands on the spool. The customers are sent to undisclosed locations and told to pick up the nylon manja, which is not seen anywhere in the market.Over the past few weeks, the police across the state ramped up action against those selling nylon manja. A senior citizen in Nashik and others in the state have suffered serious injuries due to the stray nylon manja strings

Bird injuries prove manja sales continuing in Kolhapur