The organisational elections of the Youth Congress have begun in Chhattisgarh, with eligible members aged between 18 and 35 years voting online to elect representatives for key positions at the state, district and Assembly levels. The online voting process will continue for a month and is scheduled to remain open until September 30.

Youth Congress members will vote for six positions in the ongoing organisational election. These include the state president, state general secretary, district president, district vice-president, district general secretary and Assembly president. Voting will not be held for the post of block president.

The election process is being conducted through an online platform, with the organisation aiming to select its leadership through a democratic and transparent system. The process has also increased activity among party workers and supporters across different areas of the state.

Workers Reach Out to Eligible Young Voters

With voting underway, Youth Congress workers and supporters have intensified their outreach among eligible members. Teams are visiting young voters and explaining the online voting procedure, while also helping them with technical issues related to the digital platform.

The outreach is particularly focused on ensuring that eligible members are able to participate in the election without being prevented by difficulties in accessing or using the online voting system.

Digital Voting Assistance in Kasdol

In the Kasdol Assembly constituency of Baloda Bazar district, workers are also helping young members understand the digital voting process. Members facing difficulties while voting online are being assisted at the local level.

Workers involved in the process said the assistance is intended to ensure that eligible voters are able to cast their votes before the September 30 deadline.

Six Positions Open for Voting

Each eligible Youth Congress member will be required to vote for six organisational positions. The posts include:

• State President

• State General Secretary

• District President

• District Vice-President

• District General Secretary

• Assembly President

The block president post is not included in the voting process.

Focus on Transparency in Election Process

Senior Youth Congress office-bearers at the state level have described the online election process as an effort to make the organisational exercise more transparent and impartial.

The election is also being viewed as important for determining the organisation's future leadership structure and direction. The participation of young members across different organisational levels is expected to play a significant role in the process.

Voting to Continue Till September 30

The online voting process will continue until September 30, giving eligible members a month to cast their votes. Youth Congress workers have urged eligible members to complete the voting process within the stipulated period.

Several young members have already reportedly used their mobile phones to participate in the online voting process. Organisational workers are continuing to provide assistance wherever members encounter technical difficulties.

Results Expected in First Week of October

Once the month-long voting process concludes, the results are expected to be announced in the first week of October.

The online voting mechanism is also expected to facilitate wider participation among eligible Youth Congress members. The final outcome will determine the new leadership across the six positions included in the organisational election.

Residents of the Sejbahar Housing Board Colony Phase-1 in Raipur are facing problems due to waterlogging following rainfall, with dirty drain water entering several houses in the area. Water has accumulated at multiple locations in the colony, while poor drainage and waste deposited in drains have worsened the situation.

Residents said movement has also become difficult in several parts of the colony because of accumulated water. They are particularly concerned about stagnant dirty water remaining for extended periods, which they believe could increase mosquito breeding and the risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases.

Drainage System Fails After Rain

According to local residents, the colony's drains are not being cleaned regularly, affecting the flow of rainwater. Garbage and other waste accumulated inside the drains are preventing water from flowing out properly.

As a result, rainwater and drain water are accumulating within the residential area instead of being effectively discharged.

Residents said the waterlogging problem is not new. They claimed that similar conditions develop in several parts of the colony after heavy rainfall, but a permanent solution has not yet been implemented.

Dirty Water Creates Problems for Residents

The accumulation of dirty water has become a major concern for people living in the affected areas. Residents said they are having difficulty moving through waterlogged stretches, while water entering homes has added to the problems caused by the rainfall.

The prolonged presence of stagnant water has also raised concerns about mosquitoes and other insects that can thrive in such conditions.

Residents Seek Permanent Drainage Solution

Residents said simply removing the accumulated water would not resolve the underlying problem. They have called for regular cleaning of the drains and a permanent drainage arrangement so that rainwater can flow out of the colony during periods of rainfall.

They also said that preventive measures are needed to reduce the possibility of mosquito breeding and the spread of infections associated with prolonged water stagnation.

Demand for Immediate Action

Residents have urged officials of the Housing Board to inspect the affected areas and take immediate steps to clear the clogged drains and remove the accumulated water.

They said a permanent solution to the drainage problem is necessary to prevent the same situation from recurring after future rainfall.

Two people from Chhattisgarh, including a doctor whose father is a senior BJP leader, remain untraced after severe flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border. Dr Meena Gupta from Ambikapur and Dr Priyanka Chaudhary from Bilaspur have reportedly lost contact with their families following the disaster.

A third person, 65-year-old beautician Manju Roy Chaudhary of Bilaspur, was initially reported missing, but officials have received information indicating that she is safe. Authorities are still attempting to establish direct contact with her and verify her current location.

The Chhattisgarh government is coordinating with relevant agencies to gather information about the missing and affected citizens. Meanwhile, five people from Raipur have been confirmed safe and are on their way back from Nepal.

BJP Leader’s Daughter Missing

Dr Meena Gupta, daughter of senior Ambikapur BJP leader Karta Ram Gupta, had travelled to the region as part of a Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage group.

According to her family, Meena was at an immigration centre when the flooding struck. Around 80 people travelling with the group have also reportedly remained out of contact.

The family has been trying to obtain information about her whereabouts since communication was disrupted. Karta Ram Gupta had also been invited by his daughter to join the pilgrimage but could not travel because of other commitments.

Meena completed her early education at Holy Cross School in Ambikapur and is reportedly working as a skin specialist in England.

Doctor From Bilaspur Unreachable

Dr Priyanka Chaudhary, a Bilaspur resident currently living in Finland, also remains untraceable following the flooding.

Her father, Ramesh Chaudhary, said he last spoke to Priyanka’s family on the morning of August 25. During the call, she informed them that she was heading towards the Chinese embassy area for immigration formalities.

Communication was lost shortly afterwards as reports emerged of flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border.

Priyanka had completed her schooling in Bilaspur, followed by BDS studies in Rajnandgaon, MDS in the UK and a PhD in Finland. She has reportedly been living in Finland for around a decade.

Her family had expected her to return to Bilaspur around Raksha Bandhan after completing the Mansarovar pilgrimage.

Manju Reportedly Safe

Manju Roy Chaudhary, 65, had travelled from Bilaspur for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. She initially travelled alone to Kolkata before joining a group of around 30 people that left for Nepal on August 21.

Her family last spoke to her on August 25. Her return had reportedly been scheduled for September 3.

After communication was disrupted following the flooding, her family approached the administration for assistance. Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal said information had been received indicating that Manju was safe, although authorities were continuing efforts to establish direct contact.

Five Raipur Residents Safe

Five Raipur residents have been confirmed safe following the disaster. They include Dinesh Ojha, Prem Singh Jagat, Narayan Sen, Yatendra Prakash and Dinesh Singh Thakur.

The five had travelled to Nepal on August 21 and are now returning to Raipur, according to the information provided by the administration.

Authorities have also contacted the family of Raipur resident Monica Yadav after she was reported missing following the floods. Officials are coordinating with the concerned agencies to determine her current status.

Government Coordinates Rescue Efforts

Chhattisgarh Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal has reportedly remained in contact with the Centre regarding the situation. He also spoke to Karta Ram Gupta and assured him of all possible assistance in efforts to trace his daughter.

The flooding and landslides near the Nepal-Tibet border have disrupted communication and transportation in several areas, making it difficult for families and authorities to establish contact with people who were travelling in the affected region.

Foreign Nationals Also Missing

According to information cited in the supplied report, more than 1,400 people from 32 countries are among those reported missing following the disaster in Nepal. The affected group includes trekkers, tourists and people travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

The report states that 290 Indian nationals, around 90 Americans, 55 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians, 39 Australians, 33 Britons and 25 Canadians are among those reported missing. Rescue operations are continuing, with helicopters being used to evacuate people from affected areas wherever conditions permit.

Authorities in Nepal and neighbouring regions continue to collect information about missing people, while families of those who remain untraced are awaiting confirmation about their safety.

Tension escalated in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur after a dispute over an alleged anti-Hindu remark led to stone-pelting, vandalism and clashes between two groups late Friday night. Several vehicles, houses and shops were damaged during the violence, while police used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

A police officer was among those injured in the stone-pelting. Tarbahar police station in-charge Ravi Tiwari suffered a head injury, while a constable and several others were also reported injured. Senior officials, including Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal and SSP Rajnesh Singh, reached the area wearing helmets as the situation remained tense.

The incident took place in the City Kotwali police station area, particularly around Khaparganj. Additional police personnel were called in from neighbouring Janjgir-Champa and Mungeli districts, along with personnel from the Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF).

Dispute Over Social Media Comment

The trouble reportedly began after a purported anti-Hindu comment circulated on social media. Members of a Hindu organisation subsequently reached the Khaparganj area, where an altercation reportedly took place between two groups.

The confrontation soon escalated, with both sides allegedly engaging in stone-pelting. Witnesses claimed that a large number of people had gathered in the area and that the situation became increasingly difficult for the police to control.

According to eyewitness accounts cited in the report, information about the gathering and the developing dispute had been communicated to senior police officials. A patrolling team was initially sent to the spot.

Police Officials Targeted

As the situation deteriorated, police personnel attempted to separate the two sides and restore order. However, the crowd became increasingly aggressive.

CSP Gagan Kumar, who had reportedly reached the area in civilian clothes, was allegedly pushed and involved in a scuffle during the confrontation. Tarbahar TI Ravi Tiwari sustained a head injury after being hit during the stone-pelting.

A constable and several other people were also reported to have suffered injuries.

Lathi-Charge, Tear Gas Used

Police first attempted to calm the situation through dialogue near City Kotwali Chowk. When stone-pelting continued, officers resorted to a lathi-charge and used tear-gas shells to disperse the crowd.

The report states that when the tear-gas firing equipment was not readily available, Sarkanda TI Pradeep Arya manually threw several shells. Around five to six tear-gas shells were reportedly used, but the crowd did not immediately disperse.

Crowd Enters Police Station

The situation became more tense when members of the crowd entered the City Kotwali police station premises and allegedly created a disturbance.

People inside the station demanded strict action against those accused of stone-pelting. Collector Sanjay Agrawal and SSP Rajnesh Singh remained inside the police station and attempted to pacify those gathered.

Additional police forces were subsequently mobilised from the district police line, along with station house officers, inspectors and personnel from neighbouring districts.

Senior Officials Lead March

As the crowd continued to gather, SSP Rajnesh Singh reportedly came out onto the road with police personnel to push back the gathering. Police also carried out a lathi-charge after the surrounding area was darkened by switching off the electricity supply.

Later, the Collector and SSP, wearing helmets, conducted a foot patrol in the affected area. Police teams continued patrolling the locality into the early hours to disperse crowds and prevent further escalation.

Heavy Police Deployment

Following the clashes, a significant police deployment was maintained around Masanganj, Khaparganj and City Kotwali Chowk. Barricades were placed around sensitive locations, while additional personnel continued patrolling the area.

Police appealed to residents to maintain peace as authorities worked to prevent further clashes.

Administration Promises Action

Collector Sanjay Agrawal and SSP Rajnesh Singh said the situation had developed following a personal dispute that later escalated into tension between two groups.

The officials said stone-pelting occurred from both sides and several people sustained injuries. More than 400 police personnel were deployed in the area, with additional forces brought in from neighbouring districts.

The administration said the situation was under control and assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible after the investigation.

The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) provisional attachment of a luxury hotel in Goa in connection with the alleged liquor scam and money laundering case.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal held that the investigating agency had sufficient material to proceed with the attachment. The court directed the petitioners to present their case before the appropriate tribunal or competent authority.

The petition was filed by New Delhi-based Dr Rahul Agrawal and M/s Pacifica Hotels India Pvt Ltd, challenging the ED’s provisional attachment order dated May 28, 2026.

Westin Hotel Attached by ED

The property under attachment is the five-star The Westin Hotel in Anjuna, North Goa. The hotel has been valued at around ₹110 crore and was treated by the ED as property allegedly acquired from proceeds of crime.

The attachment followed an investigation into the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor syndicate and money laundering activities.

The petitioners had sought cancellation of the ED’s provisional attachment order, arguing that the money used in the hotel transaction came from legitimate business sources.

ED’s ₹110 Crore Money Trail Claim

According to the ED, around ₹110 crore in alleged illegal proceeds generated through the Chhattisgarh liquor syndicate was transferred in cash to Vijay Kumar Agrawal, a resident of Durg and the uncle of Rahul Agrawal.

The agency alleged that the money was subsequently used by Rahul Agrawal to acquire the Westin hotel in Goa.

The hotel transaction was reportedly carried out with M/s Sir Biotech India Ltd. According to the ED, ₹50 crore was paid through banking channels under the registered sale deed, while another ₹60 crore was allegedly paid in cash.

Petitioners Dispute ED Allegations

The petitioners told the High Court that the ₹60 crore cash component used in the transaction represented legitimate business income.

They relied on orders of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal and argued that the Income Tax Department had examined the source of the money and treated it as legitimate business cash rather than undisclosed income.

The petitioners also submitted that Vijay Agrawal had resigned as a company director under a family settlement dated May 1, 2019. According to their argument, he had no subsequent connection with the hotel project.

They further claimed that Vijay Agrawal had never been directly or indirectly associated with the Chhattisgarh liquor business and was not named as an accused in the original FIR or charge sheet.

ED Cites Statements in Investigation

The ED told the court that its investigation had established a money trail through statements recorded from alleged cash distributors in the liquor syndicate.

The agency referred to statements by Lakshmi Narayan alias Pappu Bansal and Prabir Kumar Sharma, who allegedly provided information about ₹110 crore being delivered in cash to Vijay Agrawal.

The ED also cited a statement recorded under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), in which it alleged that Rahul Agrawal acknowledged receiving ₹60 crore in cash in eight to ten instalments at his residence in New Friends Colony, Delhi.

The agency further claimed that Vishal Saxena, who allegedly collected cash on behalf of the seller, was subsequently appointed as a director of the hotel company. The ED described this as an indication of the alleged “integration” stage of money laundering.

Court Rejects Tax Argument

The High Court observed that the Income Tax Department treating a particular cash amount as accounted for for taxation purposes does not automatically exclude that money from scrutiny under the PMLA.

The court noted that tax laws and the PMLA operate under different objectives, scopes and legal standards. Therefore, an assessment under income-tax proceedings could not by itself prevent an investigation into whether the money represented proceeds of crime under the money-laundering law.

Hotel Continues Normal Operations

The court also noted that the provisional attachment had not stopped the hotel from operating.

According to the order, the hotel continues to function normally, with no rooms having been shut and no employees having been removed because of the attachment.

The division bench dismissed the petition while allowing the petitioners to raise their contentions before the appropriate tribunal or competent authority.

The ruling comes amid continuing investigations into the alleged Chhattisgarh liquor scam and related money-laundering proceedings.

Family members of a 65-year-old woman from Bilaspur are worried after losing contact with her for four days amid the ongoing disaster situation in Nepal. Manju Roy Chaudhary, a beautician from Rajkishore Nagar in Sarkanda, had travelled to Nepal with a group of around 30 people. Her family last spoke to her by phone on August 25.

Manju lives alone in Bilaspur and runs a beauty parlour near Vasant Vihar Chowk. She had travelled alone from Bilaspur to Kolkata on August 21 before joining the 30-member group for the Nepal trip. Her return journey had been scheduled for September 3.

Information Received About Her Safety

The family received some relief after an acquaintance of Manju in Kolkata reportedly informed them that she had reached a safe location. However, direct contact with her has not yet been established.

With no direct phone communication, the family continues to remain concerned despite the information about her safety.

Bilaspur Administration Seeks Information

After being informed about the situation, the Bilaspur district administration has also started efforts to ascertain Manju’s whereabouts.

Officials are seeking information through relevant channels in Nepal and attempting to obtain regular updates about her condition. The family is also contacting people in Kolkata and Nepal who may have information about Manju and the group travelling with her.

Joined Group After Reaching Kolkata

According to information shared by Sameer Mandal, Manju travelled alone from Bilaspur to Kolkata before joining a 30-member group heading to Nepal on August 21.

Her Nepal tour was scheduled to continue until September 3. The family’s concern increased after reports of the disaster in the region emerged and communication with her was disrupted.

Family Seeks Administrative Help

Sameer Mandal said Manju lives in Bilaspur and had travelled alone to Kolkata before joining the group for Nepal.

He said the family last spoke to her on August 25, after which they were unable to establish contact. The family has sought assistance from the administration to trace her and obtain information about her condition.

Collector Says She Is Safe

Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal said that information available with the administration indicates that Manju is safe and is currently with her group in Nepal.

However, direct communication with her has not yet been established. Officials are continuing efforts to contact her and verify her current situation.

The family is awaiting direct confirmation from Manju as authorities continue to coordinate efforts to obtain updated information from Nepal.

Around 400 students of Classes 9 to 12 at Swami Atmanand English Medium School in Pendrawan, Durg district, staged a road blockade for nearly 12 hours over a shortage of teachers. The protest, which began on Tuesday afternoon on the Khairagarh-Dhamdha main road, continued until around midnight before the students agreed to withdraw it following assurances from the administration and a phone conversation with School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav.

The students were demanding adequate teaching staff at the school, claiming that only three teachers and a principal were available for around 400 students. According to the students, the school needs at least 17 teachers, particularly for Arts and Commerce, to ensure regular classes and timely completion of the syllabus.

Students Demand More Teachers

The students said the shortage has affected classroom teaching and examination preparation. They argued that with so few teachers available, completing the syllabus on time has become difficult.

The protest was not the first such demonstration. Students had also staged a protest and road blockade on August 21 over the same issue. Following discussions with officials, they expected teachers to be arranged soon. However, with their main demand still unresolved by August 25, the students returned to the road.

Officials Reach Protest Site

Several officials, including the SDOP, tehsildar, SDM and an assistant director from the School Education Department, reached the spot and attempted to persuade the students to end the blockade.

The students, however, remained firm and demanded intervention at a higher level. They wanted to meet either the collector or the education minister and insisted that the teacher shortage be addressed.

The prolonged protest also led to arrangements being made for food for the students during the demonstration.

Four Teachers Arranged

Following discussions and assurances, the authorities arranged four additional teachers for the school. With the new appointments, the school is expected to have a total of seven teachers.

The department also assured the students that arrangements would be made for a Commerce teacher soon, as the shortage of teachers in the subject was among their major concerns.

However, this falls short of the students' demand for 17 teachers.

Principal Removed, New One Appointed

The administration also agreed to remove the existing principal and appoint a new principal at the school.

Another decision taken after the students' protest was to discontinue the open-school arrangement operating at the institution from the next academic session.

The measures were presented to the students during discussions as part of the effort to address their concerns and restore regular academic functioning.

Protest Ends Around Midnight

The students eventually ended the road blockade at around midnight after speaking to Education Minister Gajendra Yadav over the phone and receiving assurances regarding their demands.

The protest had lasted for nearly 12 hours, with the students maintaining that they did not want to remain on the road but were compelled to protest because of concerns over their education.

The incident has again brought attention to teacher shortages in government schools in the Durg region. Pendrawan falls in the Dhamdha area of Durg district, where students have previously raised concerns regarding staffing and academic facilities.

 Police in Chhattisgarh's Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district have claimed to have solved a murder case dating back nearly six months, arresting four people, including a minor, in connection with the killing of a 36-year-old man.

According to police, the victim, Kadam Bhuwarya, was allegedly strangled with a towel after being taken to a field on the pretext of drinking alcohol. His body was subsequently buried in sand near a nallah in an alleged attempt to conceal the crime. Police said a family dispute and a suspected relationship involving the victim's wife were behind the alleged murder.

The case falls under Madanwada police station limits.

Body Found Near Kohka Nallah

The incident came to light on March 5, 2026, when Sanjay Hathgya, a resident of Bhainsaratola, informed police about an unidentified body lying near Kohka Nallah.

Madanwada police reached the location, conducted the necessary proceedings and sent the body for post-mortem examination. The report raised suspicion of murder, following which a case was registered under Sections 103(1) and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

During the investigation, police used technical evidence to establish the identity of the deceased as Kadam Bhuwarya, a resident of Rajkatta under Aundhi police station.

Main Suspect Traced to Hyderabad

A special investigation team was formed under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police Y.P. Singh and guidance of SDOP Vinod Minj. Police said the team worked with the cyber cell and local informants to identify and trace the suspects.

During the investigation, the location of the main suspect, Chandan Andhare, was traced to Hyderabad. A police team subsequently travelled there and detained him for questioning.

Police said questioning of Chandan provided details about the alleged conspiracy and the circumstances surrounding Kadam's death.

Family Dispute Allegedly Behind Killing

According to the police investigation, Kadam frequently quarrelled with and allegedly assaulted his wife, Parmeshwari, because he suspected that she was in a relationship with her maternal cousin Chandan.

Police said the suspicion had led to hostility between Kadam and Chandan. Parmeshwari's brother, Chaman Lal Dehari, was also allegedly unhappy with Kadam's behaviour towards his mother and sister.

Investigators claim that the family dispute eventually resulted in Chandan and Chaman allegedly planning Kadam's murder. Police said Hemant Rana and a minor were also allegedly involved in the plan.

Victim Taken to Field on Pretext of Drinking

Police said the accused stopped Kadam near the Sitagaon bus stand on February 28 and took him to a field near Chandan's house on the pretext of drinking alcohol.

According to the investigation, the group drank together and allegedly waited until Kadam was heavily intoxicated. Police said the accused then allegedly strangled him using a towel.

After the alleged murder, the accused reportedly carried the body to the nearby nallah, dug a pit and buried it in the sand.

Mobile, Wallet and Shoes Disposed Of

Police further alleged that the suspects threw Kadam's mobile phone, wallet and shoes into the nallah to destroy or conceal evidence connected with the crime.

The police have arrested four accused, including a minor, in connection with the case. A motorcycle allegedly used during the crime has also been seized as part of the investigation.

The arrests follow a months-long probe into the unidentified body recovered near Kohka Nallah, with investigators relying on technical evidence and questioning of suspects to reconstruct the alleged sequence of events.

A trainee Sub-Inspector in Raipur has been suspended following allegations that he demanded a bribe from a coaching centre operator during an investigation into a fake examination order issued in the name of the Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board (Vyapam).

The suspended police officer has been identified as Mahesh Kumar Ogre. According to the complaint, the trainee SI allegedly demanded ₹1 lakh from the coaching centre operator to settle the matter and was accused of accepting ₹80,000. The allegations came to light after the operator approached senior police officials.

Bribery Allegation During Investigation

The case is linked to a fake examination order that was circulated in connection with the Vyapam Assistant Teacher and Lecturer Recruitment Examination 2026. The Rakhi police were investigating the circulation of the allegedly forged document.

During the investigation, Ogre allegedly pressured the coaching centre operator by warning him of possible police action. The operator later learned that he had no apparent connection with the fake order, but alleged that the police officer continued to demand money.

The complainant subsequently reported the matter to senior police authorities.

SP Orders Action After Inquiry

Following the complaint, senior officials conducted an inquiry into the allegations against the trainee SI. The preliminary findings reportedly raised concerns over alleged coercion, illegal recovery of money and misuse of official position.

Taking action on the findings, the Raipur Rural SP suspended Mahesh Kumar Ogre.

The suspension is an administrative action pending further investigation. The allegations against the officer will have to be established through the appropriate inquiry and legal process.

Fake Vyapam Order Case Under Investigation

The original case concerns a fake examination instruction that was circulated through WhatsApp and social media. The document was presented as an official Vyapam order, although the examination board had not issued it.

Following a complaint, Rakhi police registered a case against unidentified persons and began investigating the source and circulation of the forged document.

Police Probing Both Aspects

The investigation is now focused on two separate but connected aspects. Police are attempting to establish who prepared and circulated the fake Vyapam examination order. At the same time, the allegations of bribery against the trainee SI are also being examined.

Further action in both matters will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

The Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur could soon come under private operation as the Centre prepares to offer 11 airports to private players under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for a concession period of up to 50 years.

The proposal has received in-principle approval from the Public-Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC). Under the proposed model, the 11 airports will be divided into five groups, with larger airports being clubbed with smaller or mid-sized airports. A single private operator would be responsible for the operation and development of airports within each group.

The government expects the arrangement to attract private investment while improving airport infrastructure, operational efficiency and passenger facilities.

Raipur and Aurangabad in One Group

Under the proposed grouping, Raipur and Aurangabad airports have been placed together. The other proposed groups are Amritsar-Kangra Gaggal, Varanasi-Gaya-Kushinagar, Bhubaneswar-Hubballi and Tiruchirappalli-Tirupati.

The grouping model is intended to make the smaller and mid-sized airports more attractive to private operators by combining them with airports that have stronger passenger traffic and revenue potential.

₹8,622 Crore Investment Estimated

Private investment of around ₹8,622 crore is estimated across the development and operation of the 11 airports under the proposed PPP model. The Raipur-Aurangabad group is also expected to attract private investment as part of the arrangement.

The government has also proposed limiting the number of groups that can be awarded to a single bidder. The provision is aimed at preventing excessive concentration of airport operations with one company and reducing risks associated with high levels of debt.

Provision for AAI Employees

The proposal also includes provisions concerning existing employees of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

According to the plan, the private operator would initially have to operate the airport in coordination with AAI for one year. After that transition period, the operator would be required to retain at least 60% of AAI employees for a minimum period of three years, as proposed.

The provision is intended to ensure a smoother transition from public to private operation and provide continuity for existing airport staff.

Airports Selected Through Data-Based Process

The 11 airports were selected following a phased assessment by AAI. Initially, 12 major airports were evaluated on parameters including passenger traffic, availability of land, revenue potential and financial viability.

The authorities subsequently assessed 136 smaller airports to determine how they could be paired with larger airports under the PPP model.

Based on this assessment, 11 airports have been shortlisted for the current phase of the proposed PPP programme.

If implemented, the plan would mark a significant change in the operational structure of Raipur's airport, with private participation expected to bring investment and potentially expand infrastructure and passenger services.

Heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life across parts of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, with several routes in Sukma cut off by rising water while rescue teams are using boats to evacuate people stranded in Bijapur district. The continuing downpour has affected road connectivity and made movement difficult in several areas. 

The situation has prompted authorities to step up emergency response measures in the affected districts. With water levels rising in low-lying areas and roads becoming difficult or impossible to cross, rescue teams are focusing on reaching people trapped or isolated by the flooding.

Roads Cut Off in Sukma

Sukma has been among the areas facing significant disruption following heavy rain. Several routes have been affected by waterlogging and flooding, hampering transportation and restricting access to some areas.

The disruption of road connectivity is particularly significant in the Bastar region, where many villages depend on a limited number of roads for access to district headquarters, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

As water continues to accumulate in affected areas, authorities are monitoring vulnerable routes and assessing the possibility of restoring connectivity once conditions permit.

Boat Rescue Operations in Bijapur

In neighbouring Bijapur, rescue operations are underway with boats being deployed to reach people affected by rising floodwaters. The operation is aimed at evacuating stranded residents and providing assistance in areas where road-based access has become difficult.

Emergency personnel remain on alert as the rainfall continues to affect movement across the district. The use of boats has become necessary in areas where water has inundated roads and surrounding low-lying stretches. 

Bastar Region Faces Rain Fury

The latest situation comes as heavy rainfall continues to affect southern Chhattisgarh. Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma and Dantewada are among the districts that have historically faced disruption during intense monsoon spells because of swollen rivers, streams and low-lying roads.

The region's terrain and extensive network of rivers and rivulets can make road connectivity particularly vulnerable during periods of intense rainfall. Similar flooding episodes have previously resulted in villages being cut off and prompted the deployment of boats and disaster-response teams. 

Emergency Teams on Alert

Authorities and emergency personnel are continuing to monitor the situation and respond to calls for assistance. Rescue operations are being prioritised in areas where residents have been stranded because of rising water levels.

Residents in flood-prone and low-lying areas are expected to remain cautious and avoid attempting to cross flooded roads, streams or other waterlogged stretches. Such crossings can become dangerous because water currents may be stronger than they appear and road surfaces may be damaged or submerged.

Connectivity Remains a Concern

The disruption in Sukma and rescue operations in Bijapur highlight the challenges faced by remote communities during periods of intense rainfall. When roads are submerged, access to hospitals, markets and administrative centres can be disrupted, making timely emergency response more difficult.

For now, rescue and relief efforts remain focused on affected pockets, while authorities continue to assess the impact of the rainfall across Bastar.

The situation remains dependent on rainfall and water levels, with further deterioration possible if heavy rain persists.

A 25-year-old man was mauled to death by a tigress after he entered a forest area of Chhattisgarh’s Achanakmar Tiger Reserve to collect bamboo shoots and other forest produce, officials said. The incident took place in the Jogipur forest area of the Takhatpur range on Monday, triggering concern among residents of nearby villages. 

The deceased was identified as Dharam Das Ghritlahre, a resident of Banda village under the Junapara police outpost. According to information reported by news agencies, he had gone into the forest to collect karil and peehr, locally collected forest produce, when he reportedly encountered the tigress. 

Tigress Attacks Man in Forest

The attack reportedly occurred in the Jogipur forest area falling within the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. The tigress attacked the man and inflicted severe injuries, including injuries around his neck, resulting in his death at the spot, according to officials cited in reports.

Forest and police personnel were informed about the incident and reached the area. The victim’s body was subsequently recovered from the forest and taken to the Lormi health centre for post-mortem examination. 

Villagers Asked to Avoid Forest

The incident has raised concern among people living around the reserve, particularly because the tigress is reportedly believed to be moving in the area with a cub.

Forest officials have advised residents of nearby villages to remain alert and avoid entering the forest until the animal’s movement can be monitored. Teams have been deployed to inspect the area and track signs of wildlife activity. 

The incident also highlights the difficult balance between wildlife conservation and the dependence of forest-fringe communities on forest resources. People in rural areas often enter forests to collect seasonal produce, fuel and other necessities, increasing the possibility of encounters with wild animals.

Human-Wildlife Conflict Concern

The latest death comes amid continuing concerns over human-wildlife conflict in parts of Chhattisgarh. Achanakmar is a tiger habitat with extensive forest cover, including bamboo and other vegetation, and forms part of a wider wildlife landscape in central India. 

For communities living close to protected forests, encounters with tigers can become particularly dangerous when people enter forested areas without knowing the location or movement of big cats.

Forest Teams Monitor Movement

Following the fatal attack, Forest Department personnel are inspecting the area and monitoring wildlife movement. Officials are also expected to assess the circumstances surrounding the encounter and determine the tigress’s movement in the area.

Authorities have urged residents to follow advisories and avoid entering forest areas where tiger movement has been detected.

The incident serves as another reminder of the risks faced by communities living close to tiger habitats, particularly during periods when residents venture into forests to collect forest produce.