Gondia district has become the first in Maharashtra to implement a Rabies Vaccination Drive for forest employees. In the first phase, 36 forest staff members were vaccinated at Khamari Primary Health Centre, marking a significant step towards safeguarding frontline forest workers from deadly rabies infection.
Illegal minor mineral excavation was exposed in the Pavni Forest Range of Bhandara district, where forest officials seized a Pokland machine and three tippers involved in unauthorized murum mining inside protected forest land. A forest offense has been registered under the Indian Forest Act, and further investigation is underway.
A joint action by the Damini Squad and the Women & Child Development Department successfully prevented a child marriage in Selotpar (Kesalwada), Tirora taluka of Gondia district, just before the groom could step onto the wedding stage.
Chandrapur Municipal Corporation has failed to upload all candidates’ affidavits on its official website by the deadline, raising serious transparency concerns just weeks before the municipal elections. Despite other election-related details being accessible online, incomplete affidavit data has left voters without critical information about candidates’ assets, liabilities, and backgrounds, challenging the public’s right to informed decision-making.
Seven people have been detained in Gondia district for illegally hunting wild boars and selling their meat. Acting on secret information, the forest department conducted a coordinated operation in Deori and Amgaon areas, seizing meat and hunting equipment and exposing a serious wildlife crime network.
The Sakoli Centre Sports Festival kicked off with tremendous energy and enthusiasm at the Sakoli Sports Complex in Bhandara district on January 6, 2026. Organized by the Sakoli Centre, the three-day sports and cultural event saw students from various schools competing in team and individual games, engaging spectators with their spirited performances. Local dignitaries, teachers, parents, and community members attended the inaugural ceremony, extending best wishes and encouraging young athletes to strive for excellence. The event highlighted the community’s commitment to promoting physical fitness and cultural participation among children.
Schools across the state have been warned of strict action if daily mid-day meal information is not updated on the portal by 2 PM. Education authorities have emphasized transparency and accountability in the implementation of the nutrition scheme, with monitoring by officials and possible disciplinary action for non-compliance.
A remarkable example of dedication by government healthcare staff emerged from Arjuni-Mor taluka, where a woman safely delivered a baby girl inside an ambulance. The timely decision, professional skill, and calm response of health workers ensured both mother and newborn remained healthy, highlighting the effectiveness of rural public healthcare services.
A major case of manganese theft from Dongri Mines has come to light as police in Bhandara seized approximately 6500 kilograms of illegally stolen manganese. Acting on leads, police arrested multiple suspects for unlawfully extracting and storing manganese from restricted mining areas, and significant amounts of the mineral, along with vehicles and weighing equipment, were confiscated. Investigations are ongoing into this serious offense that undermines local mining integrity and regional resources.
Gondia’s farmers are facing a severe crisis as over Rs 419 crore in pending payments for paddy sales have remained unpaid for more than two months. This delay has put the Rabi season in trouble, forcing farmers to borrow from relatives and private lenders to cover basic needs. Despite selling paddy to government procurement centres, the much-needed funds have not arrived, creating economic strain and uncertainty ahead of the next sowing season. Questions also loom over the announcement of the annual bonus for growers.
