Nava Raipur Atal Nagar is set to become Chhattisgarh's first 'Peepal City', with the Nava Raipur Development Authority (NRDA) launching an ambitious five-year plantation drive to transform the city's green landscape. Under the initiative, 1.25 lakh fully developed saplings will be planted across roadsides, parks, green belts, water bodies, and government land.

The project aims to plant around 25,000 mature saplings every year, each approximately 10 feet tall, to improve survival rates and ensure faster development of green cover.

Peepal Forest and Green Corridors Planned

The campaign will primarily focus on planting Peepal trees, along with Neem and other environmentally beneficial shade-giving species.

As part of the project, a 24-acre Peepal Forest will be developed in Sector-16, complementing the existing mango grove. Another 16-acre block plantation is planned in Sector-39 (Mudhpar), while 75 acres behind the Biodiversity Park in Sector-24 will be developed with mixed plantation.

The authority also plans to undertake plantation along 108 water bodies and nearly 33 kilometres of natural water channels, aiming to strengthen both urban greenery and water conservation efforts.

Modern Nursery to Supply Saplings

To support the long-term plantation programme, NRDA has established a four-acre modern nursery in South Central Park, where Peepal saplings are being cultivated.

The nursery will supply planting material throughout the five-year campaign. In the future, it will also produce Neem, Kaner, Bougainvillea, and seasonal flowering plants for urban landscaping projects.

Focus on Larger Saplings

Unlike conventional plantation drives that rely on small saplings, the initiative will prioritise larger and well-developed plants. Officials believe mature saplings have significantly higher survival rates and can provide shade, greenery, and environmental benefits much sooner.

Environmental experts say dense roadside plantations help reduce dust, air pollution, and urban heat, while also improving the city's overall ecological balance.

Ecological and Cultural Significance

The Peepal tree holds immense ecological, medicinal, and cultural importance in India. Besides improving air quality and biodiversity, various parts of the tree—including its leaves, bark, roots, and fruits—are widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is also regarded as a sacred tree in Indian culture.

Expected Benefits for Residents

The large-scale plantation drive is expected to deliver several long-term environmental benefits, including:

• Improved urban greenery and cleaner air
• Reduction in dust and air pollution
• Lower urban temperatures and heat mitigation
• Better protection of lakes and water bodies
• Healthier and more sustainable urban environment

With the initiative, Nava Raipur is expected to emerge as a model green city, combining urban development with environmental conservation through one of the state's largest plantation programmes.

The Chhattisgarh government's Home (Police) Department has issued fresh posting orders for promoted police officers, including Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and Assistant Commandants. The orders, issued from Mahanadi Bhawan in Nava Raipur on July 9, will take effect immediately.

According to the Home Department, the officers were recently promoted on the recommendations of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) from the posts of Inspector (Special Branch) to Deputy Superintendent of Police (Special Branch) and Assistant Commandant. Their field postings have now been finalised.

DSP-Level Transfers Announced

Among the key transfers, Savita Singh Parihar has been posted to the Special Branch in Bhilai from the Special Branch at Police Headquarters in Nava Raipur.

Arnold Santri Badha has been transferred from Jashpur to the Special Branch in Bilaspur following his promotion.

Assistant Commandants Receive New Postings

The Home Department also announced postings for several Assistant Commandants across the state:

• Brijesh Kumar Bhadauria – Police Training School (PTS), Rajnandgaon

• Avinash Kumar Agrihotri – STF Baghdera, Durg

• Harish Kumar Tiwari – HCM Security

• Amit Sharma – Special Branch, Police Headquarters, Raipur

• Manish Kumar Sahu – 21st Battalion, Karkabhat (Balod)

• Shailendra Kumar Sen – 17th Battalion, Kabirdham

• Devanarayan Singh – 18th Battalion, Manendragarh

• Indrasen Banjare – 7th Battalion, Bhilai

• Milman Minj – 11th Battalion, Janjgir

• Omprakash Sen – STF Baghdera, Durg

• Rakesh Kumar Salam – 14th Battalion, Dhanora (Balod)

• Rambahadur Sharma – 13th Battalion, Bango (Korba)

• Shabbir Ali – 15th Battalion, Bijapur

Orders Effective Immediately

The Home Department stated that all postings have come into force with immediate effect and will remain valid until further orders.

The reshuffle is part of the state's routine administrative process following the promotion of police officers and is aimed at strengthening policing and administrative efficiency across various units and battalions.

The Chhattisgarh Cricket Premier League (CCPL) 2026 has commenced with six city-based franchises competing in an 18-match T20 tournament at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Nava Raipur. Organised by the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS), the competition runs from June 3 to June 14 and marks the third edition of the state’s flagship cricket league.

Designed to promote grassroots cricket and strengthen the state’s talent pipeline, the tournament follows a round-robin format followed by playoff matches. All participating players have been selected from within Chhattisgarh, making the league a significant platform for emerging cricketers seeking higher-level opportunities in domestic cricket.

The six participating teams are Raipur Rhinos, Bilaspur Bulls, Rajnandgaon Panthers, Raigarh Lions, Bastar Bisons and Surguja Tigers. Each franchise features a balanced squad comprising experienced performers and promising young players.

Tournament officials believe the league has become an important stepping stone for players aspiring to represent Chhattisgarh in national domestic competitions, including the Ranji Trophy.

Six Teams, One Title

This season's competition features strong leadership across all franchises. Raipur Rhinos are being led by Amandeep Khare, while Bilaspur Bulls have entrusted the captaincy to Shashank Singh. Rajnandgaon Panthers are captained by Ajay Jadav Mandal, with Rishabh Tiwari leading Raigarh Lions.

Bastar Bisons are under the leadership of Sourabh Majumdar, while Ashutosh Singh heads the Surguja Tigers campaign.

Each squad consists of nearly 20 players, providing teams with flexibility in team selection and strategy throughout the tournament. The compact schedule is expected to test squad depth, fitness and tactical decision-making.

Cricket followers across the state are closely watching the performances of several established players alongside young prospects looking to make a name for themselves on a larger stage.

Important Development Platform

One of the defining features of CCPL 2026 is its emphasis on local talent. Unlike many franchise competitions that recruit players from multiple regions, every cricketer participating in the league belongs to Chhattisgarh.

This structure allows selectors and coaches to assess the state's talent pool in a competitive environment. Several players who have featured in previous editions have gone on to strengthen the state's domestic cricket setup.

According to cricket administrators, the league has steadily evolved into a valuable scouting platform that helps identify future prospects for state and national-level competitions.

The tournament also provides young players with exposure to pressure situations, professional coaching environments and high-intensity match conditions.

Defending Champions Under Spotlight

Rajnandgaon Panthers enter the season with significant expectations after emerging as joint champions in the previous edition. Their consistent performances have made them one of the strongest contenders in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Bilaspur Bulls return with the experience of reaching a previous final and will be aiming to convert that experience into a title-winning campaign.

Raipur Rhinos are also expected to be among the leading challengers, with captain Amandeep Khare bringing considerable experience to the side.

With every team featuring a mix of proven performers and emerging cricketers, the competition is expected to remain closely contested throughout the league phase.