Naripani Project in Focus Amid Bastar Rains

The proposed irrigation project on the Naripani drain near Alnar village in the Lohandiguda block has been pending for a long time. A survey was completed several years ago, but work never began. Following a change in government, the project has gained momentum again. Once the dam is built, it will provide irrigation facilities to several villages, including Taragaon, Mandar, Irikpal, Ermur, Anjar, and Alnar. A large portion of the Lohandiguda block remains unirrigated, forcing farmers to rely on a single crop. Once Naripani is built, farmers will be able to grow double crops. This project will be Lohandiguda's first major irrigation project. Villagers and farmers hope the government will approve it soon and begin work.

Continuous rain disrupts life in Bastar Division
Intermittent heavy rain has been lashing the Bastar division for the past four days, disrupting normal life. Kanker recorded 87 mm of rain, while Narayanpur recorded 70.4 mm. Heavy rains also occurred in Dantewada, Bijapur, and Kondagaon. Waterlogging persisted in many areas, and roads in rural areas were filled with mud. This is also affecting the large crowds expected during the Dussehra and Navratri festivals. The continuous rain is also feared to have adverse effects on crops. The Meteorological Department has warned that a new system formed in the Bay of Bengal is likely to cause heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours.
Food Inspection Campaign During Festivals
The Food and Drug Department has intensified inspections in view of the Navratri and Dussehra festivals. A total of 123 samples were tested in the Lohandiguda and Karpavand areas. Of these, two were found to be substandard, two to be counterfeit, and three to be expired. Adulteration in coconut laddus and unpackaged paneer were detected. Food officials have issued a strict warning to shopkeepers that strict action will be taken against those selling adulterated or expired goods during the festival season. The inspection team instructed shopkeepers to adhere to cleanliness and packaging standards. Consumers were also urged to check the quality and packaging of goods before making purchases.

Village in Darkness for Three Days, Electricity Department Negligence
Residents of Gram Panchayat Markeel-1, located about 13 km from Jagdalpur, have been without electricity for three days. A broken pole disrupted the supply. Villagers complained to the electricity department, but only a partial response was received. The JE's mobile phone was also switched off. The power outage has worsened water shortages and affected children's education. Villagers say the electricity department is ignoring their complaints. They have warned of a protest if the supply is not restored soon. The persistent darkness is increasing villagers' anger.

Approval for a road passing through the Kanger Valley
The Jagdalpur-Sukma four-lane project has received significant relief. The National Board of Wildlife has approved the construction of a 12-foot-wide road along a 6-kilometer stretch through the Kanger Valley National Park. However, several conditions apply. During construction, tree felling, night work, and wildlife movement will be prohibited. This road will reduce travel time from Raipur to Kota and facilitate security forces' movement. Local residents will gain improved connectivity and boost tourism. Hopes have now risen for this long-stalled project.

Police Action Against Ganja Smuggling
Konta police have taken major action against ganja smuggling. Police have arrested three smugglers who were transporting ganja on an unregistered scooter. The accused were trying to smuggle the ganja from Kalimela, Odisha, to Telangana. During the search, police recovered 8 kg of ganja. The accused have been sent to jail on judicial remand. Police say that this type of smuggling through Naxal-affected areas has been going on for a long time. They will continue to crack down on such cases. This action has created panic among those involved in the cannabis trade.

Traditional Dussehra Invitation on Panchami
On the fifth day of Navratri, the former royal family will arrive in Dantewada to extend the Dussehra invitation to Danteshwari Mata. This year, Kamalchandra Bhanjdev, accompanied by his wife Bhuvaneshwari Kumari, will deliver the invitation for the first time in 59 years. The invitation card will be written in Sanskrit and handed over to the temple priest. Following this, the goddess's palanquin will depart for Bastar on Ashtami. Dussehra is marked by the tradition of worshipping the goddess and performing the Rath Yatra. This traditional invitation from the royal family is a key part of the Bastar Dussehra celebrations every year. A large number of people attend to witness this historic tradition.

Pledge to Stop Child Marriage During Nutrition Month
The Women and Child Development Department organized programs in Bijapur and Bhopalpatnam as part of the Nutrition Month. During these programs, women were provided with information on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and hygiene. Discussions were also held on child health. The program placed special emphasis on the Child Marriage Prohibition Act. The villagers pledged to stop child marriage and make the village child-free. An awareness rally followed the event. Officials stated that everyone must work together to bring about change in society.

Preparations for Bastar Olympics 2025 Begin
Bastar Olympics 2025 will be held on the initiative of the state government. Registration will run from September 22nd to October 20th. Competitions will be held from the block level to the division level. These competitions will include athletics, football, hockey, and kabaddi.