A search operation is set to resume on Monday for a young man who reportedly jumped into the swollen Tamas River near the Bada Pul area of Basaman Mama in Madhya Pradesh's Rewa district. Rescue teams could not locate him on Sunday, with the river's strong current and increased water level making the operation difficult.

The missing youth has been identified as Jitendra Yadav. According to preliminary information, he allegedly jumped into the river while attempting a stunt. A video purportedly showing him jumping into the river has also surfaced.

Rescue personnel began searching the river after the incident, but no trace of Jitendra was found during Sunday's operation. The search was subsequently scheduled to resume on Monday.

Strong current makes rescue difficult

The Tamas River is currently flowing with a strong current following rainfall in the region. The increased water level has created difficult conditions for rescue personnel searching for the missing youth.

The rescue team is expected to conduct another search operation at locations where Jitendra could potentially have been carried by the current. Officials and rescue personnel are monitoring the river conditions while continuing efforts to locate him.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still being examined.

Video of river jump surfaces

A video related to the incident has emerged, reportedly showing the youth jumping from the bridge into the river. Initial information suggests that he entered the water while attempting a stunt and recording the activity.

The video has drawn attention to the risks involved in entering swollen rivers during the monsoon season, particularly at locations with strong currents.

Water levels rise in local rivers

Following rainfall, water levels have increased in several rivers across the region, including the Tamas, Belan and Mahana.

During periods of heavy flow, entering or jumping into rivers can become particularly dangerous because currents may be stronger than they appear from the riverbank. Rescue operations can also become more difficult when water levels rise and visibility beneath the surface is limited.

Authorities and rescue teams are continuing the search for Jitendra, while further information is expected as the operation progresses.

Search operation to resume Monday

The rescue team will restart the search in the Tamas River on Monday. Personnel are expected to focus on possible locations along the river based on the flow and conditions at the site.

As of the latest information provided, Jitendra Yadav remains untraced. The rescue operation is continuing.

Water was seen leaking near the main entrance of the newly built terminal building at Dumna Airport in Jabalpur during rainfall, leaving the floor wet and slippery and forcing airport authorities to temporarily close the main gate.

The terminal building was constructed at a cost of around ₹450 crore. To prevent passengers from slipping, airport management placed a warning board near the entrance stating that the floor was wet and asking passengers to walk carefully. Passenger movement was diverted through another gate while rainwater was being cleared.

Airport Management Cites Water Accumulation in Canopy

Airport-in-charge director Neeraj Kumar said rainwater had accumulated in the canopy, resulting in water dripping near the entrance. He said repair work on the canopy is currently underway.

According to Kumar, Gate D-1 was temporarily closed in view of passenger safety and convenience, while passengers were being allowed to enter and exit through Gate D-2.

₹450 Crore Project Raises Questions

The incident has prompted questions from the Vayu Seva Sangharsh Samiti over the construction quality and present condition of the airport.

Committee president Himanshu Khare called for a high-level inquiry and audit into the airport's construction and existing facilities. He said an airport is often the first impression of a city for arriving passengers, making water leakage and a slippery floor at the entrance a matter of concern despite the substantial investment in the terminal.

Khare also raised questions about the airport's facilities and ranking. He said Jabalpur Airport was recently placed 22nd across the country in the Customer Satisfaction Index.

NKG Infrastructure Built the New Terminal

The construction and modernisation work at Dumna Airport, including the new terminal building, ATC tower and fire station, was awarded to Delhi-based NKG Infrastructure Limited.

The project included construction of a terminal building spread over approximately 1.15 lakh square feet. The facility has three aerobridges, a modern baggage screening system, a food court and parking facilities for more than 250 cars and buses.

2024 Canopy Collapse Also Under Investigation

Airport-in-charge director Neeraj Kumar said an investigation is still underway into an incident in June 2024 in which part of the fabric canopy collapsed. Action against NKG Infrastructure is also being pursued at the headquarters level, he said.

The ongoing canopy repair work has been assigned to another company. The current water leakage occurred from the same canopy where rainwater accumulated during heavy rainfall.

Fabric Canopy Had Collapsed Two Years Ago

Questions over the construction quality of the new terminal had also emerged after a section of the fabric canopy in the drop-and-go area collapsed on June 27, 2024, following heavy rainfall.

The canopy fell onto a car that had arrived to pick up an Income Tax Department official, damaging the vehicle. The official and the driver had stepped out of the car and entered the terminal just minutes before the incident, narrowly avoiding injury.

Seven Flights Currently Operating

The expansion of Dumna Airport was expected to increase the number of flights operating from Jabalpur. At present, however, seven flights are operating from the airport.

These include services connecting Jabalpur with Indore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Flights to Bilaspur and Jagdalpur are currently suspended.

The Madhya Pradesh School Education Department is preparing a new circular to address concerns surrounding the e-attendance system for teachers, with cluster principals likely to be given limited powers to provide relief in genuine cases where teachers are unable to mark attendance on time.

The move comes amid continued concerns raised by teachers over practical difficulties with the digital attendance system. According to School Education Commissioner Abhishek Singh, the system has now stabilised, with around 97-98% of teachers marking e-attendance every day.

The department is expected to issue detailed guidelines within the next 15 days, outlining the circumstances in which cluster principals can consider delays in e-attendance on practical grounds.

Cluster Principals to Get Limited Powers

Under the proposed arrangement, cluster principals will be authorised to consider genuine cases involving delayed e-attendance by teachers working in schools under their jurisdiction.

The department plans to clearly define the circumstances in which such relief can be granted. The guidelines are also expected to include safeguards to prevent arbitrary decisions and misuse of the relaxation.

The objective is to ensure that genuine technical or practical difficulties do not unnecessarily result in action against teachers while preventing habitual violations of the attendance system.

Genuine Problems to Be Considered

Commissioner Abhishek Singh said the department's objective is not to penalise or harass teachers but to make the attendance system more organised and effective.

According to the department, genuine practical difficulties in marking attendance will be considered. However, repeated failure to mark e-attendance or attempts to misuse the system could continue to invite action.

The department also plans to address other technical and operational problems being reported in the attendance software.

Teacher Groups Raised Technical Issues

The department has also received feedback from representatives of the Adhyapak Shikshak Sanyukt Morcha regarding difficulties being faced by teachers while using the e-attendance system.

Officials have indicated that the concerns raised by teachers will be examined and necessary improvements will be made to the software and system.

The proposed guidelines for cluster principals are expected to provide a more uniform approach across districts while ensuring that genuine cases are not treated in the same manner as habitual violations.

June Salary Held Over E-Attendance to Be Paid

A significant relief has also been announced for teachers whose June salary was withheld or deducted because of e-attendance-related issues.

Commissioner Singh said such teachers will be paid their withheld or deducted salary, provided their e-attendance records for July and August are being properly maintained.

However, the department has made it clear that salary deductions will continue in cases involving teachers who habitually arrive late or repeatedly fail to mark e-attendance.

System to Continue With Stricter Monitoring

The department's latest approach indicates that e-attendance will remain in place, but genuine technical and practical difficulties will be addressed through a more defined mechanism.

Teachers have also been advised to bring practical problems to the notice of their respective cluster principals, where they can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The upcoming circular is expected to clarify the powers of cluster principals and establish clear conditions under which relief can be provided.

Teacher aspirants and members of the education community held separate protests in Bhopal on August 23, raising concerns over recruitment vacancies and the reported closure of government schools across Madhya Pradesh.

Candidates appearing for the Secondary and Primary Teacher Recruitment-2025 continued their protest for the third consecutive day, demanding an increase in Class 2 and Class 3 vacancies and faster recruitment. The protesters said the number of posts currently announced is not enough to accommodate the large number of eligible candidates.

Narendra Rajput, one of the protesters who has been on a hunger strike, said the candidates had been raising the issue for several months. He claimed that he had gone without water for around 40 hours while continuing the protest.

The candidates are demanding an increase in vacancies, including 25,000 Class 3 posts and 3,000 posts per subject for Class 2, according to the protesters. They have appealed to the Madhya Pradesh government to revise the recruitment numbers and speed up the selection process.

Women candidates participating in the demonstration also raised the issue of employment. Some said they wanted regular work and the opportunity to support their families through their own earnings rather than depending on monthly financial assistance from the government.

The protests come amid continuing concerns among teaching aspirants over limited government recruitment opportunities in the state. Candidates have been seeking clarity on vacancies and the timeline for appointments.

A separate demonstration was held at Neelam Park under the banner of the School Bachao Sangharsh Samiti Madhya Pradesh. Students, teachers and parents from different parts of the state participated in the protest.

The group raised concerns over the condition of government schools and alleged that more than 25,000 schools have been closed across Madhya Pradesh. Protesters also raised issues related to the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) and the availability of teachers in government schools.

The protesters opposed what they described as a policy of school closures and said the move could affect access to government education, particularly for students dependent on public schools.

Members of the School Bachao Sangharsh Samiti warned that the agitation could be intensified if their demands are not addressed. They said the group may launch an indefinite sit-in as part of the campaign.

The two protests highlight separate but connected concerns surrounding school education in Madhya Pradesh — teacher recruitment on one side and the functioning and availability of government schools on the other.

While teacher aspirants are pressing the government for more vacancies and quicker recruitment, parents and education activists are demanding that government schools remain accessible and adequately staffed.

The protesters have called on the Madhya Pradesh government to intervene and address their demands. Further action is expected if there is no response from the authorities.

Around 40 students from Manikpur village in Umaria district are reportedly crossing the swollen Badki River to reach their higher secondary school in Bilaspur, with the water level rising up to their waists amid heavy rain.

The students, studying in Classes 9 to 12, have been taking the risky route because crossing the river reduces their journey to around one kilometre. If they avoid the river, they have to travel nearly 10 kilometres by the alternate route, according to local residents.

The situation came to light on Monday after a video surfaced showing schoolchildren crossing the river through strong currents and waist-deep water. The visuals have raised concerns over the safety of students travelling to school during the monsoon.

River Becomes Major Obstacle

Manikpur village falls under the Karkeli development block of Umaria district. With the river swelling due to rainfall, students are still using the crossing to attend classes at the Higher Secondary School in Bilaspur.

Residents said the shorter route through the river is being used because the alternative involves a much longer journey. The distance difference has reportedly left students choosing to take the dangerous crossing despite the risks posed by the strong current.

School Principal Says He Was Unaware

Amit Patel, in-charge principal of the Higher Secondary School in Bilaspur, said he was not aware that students were crossing the river to attend school.

Patel said the students had not informed the school administration about the problem. He added that he is currently serving as a temporary principal and would take whatever steps were possible to help the students.

The revelation has also raised questions about whether the school and local administration had adequate information about the difficulties students face in reaching the institution during the monsoon.

Education Department Orders Probe

Following the matter coming to light, District Education Officer BS Barkade said he would speak with the school principal and have the issue examined.

The education department has also indicated that efforts will be made to ensure that students do not have to cross the river to reach school, particularly when water levels rise during the rainy season.

For the students of Manikpur, however, the immediate challenge remains access to school. Until a safer arrangement is put in place, the river continues to stand between their homes and classrooms, turning their daily journey into a potentially dangerous crossing.

The farmers' protest in Jhabua over compensation for land acquired for the Badnawar-Timrwani four-lane road entered its fourth day on Sunday, with farmer representatives meeting Madhya Pradesh ministers Nirmala Bhuria and Nagar Singh Chauhan to press for four-times compensation for the acquired land.

A provincial delegation of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh met the two Cabinet ministers at the government rest house in Jhabua. During the meeting, the farmers explained their concerns regarding the compensation being sought for land acquired for the road project.

The ministers heard the delegation and assured the farmers that their concerns would be raised at the government level in Bhopal. They also said they would convey the farmers' demands to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and attempt to facilitate a direct interaction between the farmers and the Chief Minister.

Farmers Seek Four-Times Compensation

The central demand of the protesting farmers is compensation equivalent to four times the value of the land acquired for the Badnawar-Timrwani four-lane road project.

The issue has led to continued protests in Jhabua, with farmers maintaining that the compensation matter needs to be resolved before the agitation can be called off.

Following the meeting, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh Indore division president Krishnapal Singh Rathore said the discussion with the ministers was positive, but added that the protest would continue until a concrete and satisfactory solution was reached.

Protest to Continue

Farmer representatives said the assurances given during the meeting were not enough to end the agitation immediately. According to Rathore, the farmers will continue their protest until their demands receive a firm resolution from the government.

The organisation has also shifted its planned provincial executive meeting from Indore to Jhabua in view of the ongoing agitation. Senior office-bearers of the organisation have already reached Jhabua for the meeting.

Warning of Major Jhabua Gherao

Farmer leaders have warned of a larger mobilisation if the government fails to resolve the compensation issue soon.

They said workers and representatives from 18 districts across Madhya Pradesh could be called to Jhabua for a major gherao if their demands are not accepted. The warning indicates that the ongoing agitation could expand beyond the farmers currently protesting in the district.

The farmer organisation has maintained that the issue will remain active until the government provides a satisfactory response on the compensation demand.

Delegation Meets Ministers

The delegation that met the ministers included Bharatiya Kisan Sangh provincial vice-president Dayaram Dhadak, provincial co-organisation secretary Atul Maheshwari, provincial minister Mahesh Thakur and Indore division president Krishnapal Singh Rathore.

The meeting has provided an avenue for further discussions between the farmers and the state government, with the ministers promising to take the matter to the Chief Minister.

For now, however, the farmers have made it clear that the protest will continue and that a wider mobilisation remains possible if no concrete decision is taken on the four-times compensation demand.

A pregnant woman in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district was reportedly forced to travel nearly 8 kilometres in a makeshift stretcher before reaching an ambulance, after the lack of a motorable road prevented emergency medical services from reaching her hamlet. The unborn baby later died, while the woman remains hospitalised in serious condition.

The incident was reported from Chitipatha Jamundong hamlet in Junnardeo block on Thursday. According to family members and local residents, Sonu Malgam’s wife Kustariya developed labour pain in the morning. However, the 108 ambulance could not reach the settlement because of the absence of a proper road.

Woman Carried 8 Km

With the situation becoming urgent, the sarpanch, family members and villagers reportedly arranged a makeshift stretcher using wooden poles and cloth. The pregnant woman was placed on it and carried on foot through the difficult terrain.

The group travelled approximately 8 kilometres before reaching Gop village, where an ambulance could finally be accessed. She was taken by the 108 ambulance to the Damua health centre.

Doctors at the health facility reportedly assessed her condition as serious and referred her to the district hospital for further treatment.

Baby's Death Confirmed

According to the family, the woman had to travel a considerable distance over difficult terrain before receiving medical attention. After examination at the hospital, doctors confirmed that the unborn baby had died.

The woman’s condition was described as serious and she was admitted to the ICU. Her treatment is currently underway.

The incident has once again raised questions about emergency healthcare access in remote parts of the district, particularly for pregnant women who require immediate medical attention.

125 Families in Hamlet

Local residents said around 125 families live in the Chitipatha Jamundong hamlet. They claimed that the settlement still lacks a proper all-weather road and faces difficulties accessing several basic facilities.

Villagers said they have been requesting a road since 2016 and have repeatedly approached elected representatives and government officials with their demand. Despite these efforts, they claimed that a motorable road has not yet been constructed.

The lack of road connectivity has reportedly made transportation particularly difficult during medical emergencies and the monsoon season.

Villagers Raise Health Concerns

Residents alleged that the absence of road connectivity has previously resulted in serious difficulties for people requiring urgent medical care. They claimed that three pregnant women had died earlier after allegedly failing to receive timely medical assistance.

These claims could not be independently verified from the information available.

The latest incident has prompted villagers to again demand construction of a permanent road connecting the hamlet with the main road network. They have also sought arrangements to ensure that ambulances can reach the settlement during emergencies.

Road Connectivity Under Question

The incident highlights the importance of last-mile connectivity in remote rural areas. While emergency ambulance services can provide transportation to hospitals, their effectiveness is limited when vehicles cannot reach the location of the patient.

For pregnant women and other patients requiring urgent treatment, even a delay of several hours can have serious consequences.

The local administration’s response to the villagers’ allegations and the status of any proposed road project will be important in determining what action is taken following the incident.

 Farmers dissatisfied with compensation offered for land acquired for the Badnawar-Timrwani four-lane road project continued their indefinite protest at the Jhabua Collectorate on Friday. The demonstration, which began on Thursday, has also drawn a significant number of women farmers.

The protesting farmers have said they will remain at the Collectorate until they receive a written assurance on their compensation demand. They spent their first night at the protest site, preparing food collectively and staying under the open sky.

Farmers Cook Food at Protest Site

Arrangements for food and refreshments have been made at the protest venue. On Thursday night, the farmers reportedly prepared around 30 kg of baati and 7 kg of rice and shared the meal among those participating in the protest.

On Friday morning, around 10 litres of milk were used to prepare tea, while poha was also prepared and distributed among the protesters.

The arrangements allowed the farmers to continue their stay at the Collectorate as they pressed for action on their demands.

Fourfold Compensation Sought

The farmers are demanding compensation equivalent to four times the market value of the land acquired for the four-lane project, citing provisions applicable to land acquisition.

On Thursday, Meghnagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Avanadhati Pradhan and NHAI Project Director Devendra Chapdekar reportedly visited the protest site. They advised the farmers to present their claims through the arbitration application process.

However, the farmers have continued their protest, indicating that they want clarity and a written commitment regarding the compensation issue.

Meeting With Collector

A delegation led by Vardichand Patidar, district minister of the farmers' organisation, met Jhabua Collector Dr Yogesh Tukaram Bharsat to discuss the issues.

During the meeting, discussions reportedly resulted in agreement on several issues related to access roads to agricultural fields, drainage arrangements and the height of the road.

However, the issue of compensation remained unresolved.

Written Assurance Demanded

Following the meeting, the protesting farmers maintained that they would not withdraw their demonstration without a written assurance.

The farmers have raised concerns about the impact of the four-lane project on agricultural land and are seeking what they consider appropriate compensation for the acquired land.

The continued presence of farmers at the Collectorate has put pressure on the administration to address the unresolved compensation issue while discussions on other project-related concerns have progressed.

Protest Continues

The indefinite demonstration entered its second day on Friday, with farmers and women participants continuing to remain at the Collectorate premises.

The administration has already advised the farmers to pursue their compensation claims through the arbitration mechanism. However, the protesters are insisting on a written assurance before ending the agitation.

The next course of action will depend on whether the administration and the farmers are able to reach an agreement on compensation.

Sendhwa MLA Montu Solanki was stopped by police at his office for around one-and-a-half hours on Friday while he was preparing to join a protest in Niwali, Barwani district. The legislator was accompanied by more than 300 supporters and was heading to the ongoing agitation demanding action against Block Education Officer (BEO) Manoj Marathe.

After discussions with administrative and police officials, and in the absence of a written order regarding the officer, Solanki eventually left for Niwali along with his supporters.

Protest Against BEO Continues

The agitation in Niwali has been continuing for the past four days. Members of the Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) organisation have been demanding the removal and suspension of BEO Manoj Marathe.

According to the allegations raised by protesters, a criminal case has been registered against Marathe at Sendhwa Rural Police Station and he has also been accused of abetting a teacher's suicide.

Solanki was scheduled to join the protest and demanded that the BEO's financial powers be withdrawn immediately and that he be suspended pending further action.

MLA Stopped at Office

As Solanki prepared to travel to Niwali, police personnel stopped him at his office. The MLA remained there for approximately 90 minutes while discussions were held with officials.

Sendhwa SDOP Ajay Waghmare reportedly met Solanki and discussed the situation. Police and administrative officials gave an oral assurance that action would be considered against the BEO.

However, no written suspension order was presented to the MLA during the discussions.

Written Order Remains Key Demand

After waiting for around one-and-a-half hours, Solanki decided to proceed to Niwali with his supporters.

The MLA has maintained that a verbal assurance is not sufficient and has sought concrete action against Marathe. His demand includes immediate withdrawal of the BEO's financial powers and suspension from the post.

The ongoing dispute has also brought the administration's handling of the allegations against the education official under scrutiny.

MLA Warns of Stronger Agitation

Solanki alleged that the officer facing criminal allegations was being protected by the government and administration.

He warned that the agitation would be intensified if authorities failed to take prompt action or attempted to suppress the protest.

The MLA said the responsibility for any escalation would rest with the administration.

Protest Now in Focus

With Solanki reaching Niwali with more than 300 supporters, the situation is expected to remain closely watched. The protesters are continuing to press for written action against the BEO rather than relying solely on assurances from officials.

The administration's next step on the suspension demand is likely to determine whether the protest is withdrawn or expanded.

A nearly 65-year-old dilapidated structure located opposite the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain was demolished late Wednesday night after the temple's Shayan Aarti. The municipal corporation carried out the demolition around 11 pm, completing the operation in nearly 60 minutes in compliance with a High Court order.

The building, known as Parchure Bhawan, was considered structurally unsafe. The authorities had earlier obtained a technical assessment from a team of the Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, to determine the condition of the structure.

Building Found Structurally Unsafe

Ujjain Municipal Corporation Superintendent Engineer Pramod Malviya said the building was approximately 60 to 65 years old and was not built as an RCC structure. It stood on an open foundation and its structural condition had deteriorated significantly over the years.

The building was evacuated before demolition. Municipal teams then used heavy machinery, including JCB equipment, to bring down the structure.

The demolition was conducted at night after the Shayan Aarti to avoid disruption to devotees and manage the operation amid security arrangements in the busy Mahakal Temple area.

MANIT Report Flagged Risks

The MANIT technical assessment reportedly identified several structural deficiencies in the building.

These included outward tilting of load-bearing masonry walls, extensive cracks in the walls, corrosion in supporting steel girders, deterioration of the traditional roofing system, dampness at several locations and damage to the staircase.

The assessment considered the continued use of the building during periods of heavy crowd movement to be risky.

Crowd Pressure Raised Safety Concerns

According to municipal officials, the location becomes particularly crowded during religious events and the Mahakal Sawari, when large numbers of devotees gather in the area.

Officials said there was a possibility of people accessing the roof or upper floor of the old structure during such occasions. This could have placed additional load on the already weakened building and increased the risk of a structural accident.

The authorities therefore decided to remove the building as a safety measure.

G+1 Structure Demolished

The Parchure Bhawan occupied an area of approximately 1,200 to 1,500 square feet and was a G+1 structure.

The demolition operation was carried out under tight security arrangements. Officials ensured that the premises were vacated before machinery was deployed.

The entire structure was brought down in about an hour.

Linked to Mahakal Expansion

The demolition is also linked to the second phase of the Mahakal Temple expansion project.

The Mahakal Temple area has undergone extensive redevelopment in recent years, with authorities working on infrastructure and facilities to manage the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the temple.

Officials said the removal of structurally unsafe buildings in the temple's surrounding area is also important from the perspective of crowd management and public safety.

The demolition of the Parchure Bhawan marks another step in the ongoing changes around the Mahakal Temple precinct, while the immediate focus remains on ensuring that old and unsafe structures do not pose a risk to devotees.

The Food Safety Department has seized 25 quintals of analogue paneer from a dairy in Sehore district, days after Madhya Pradesh imposed a ban on its manufacture and sale. The action was carried out late Wednesday night at Rudransh Dairy in Pachama village following complaints about the production of substandard and analogue paneer.

The raid was conducted jointly by the Bhopal Divisional Flying Squad and officials of the Food and Drug Administration Department, Sehore. Officials said the dairy had allegedly continued producing analogue paneer despite the state government's restrictions.

The latest action is significant because the same facility had reportedly been inspected earlier, with more than two quintals of analogue paneer seized during a previous operation.

25 Quintals Seized

According to officials, the inspection team recovered a large quantity of the suspected analogue paneer from the Rudransh facility. The seized material, weighing around 25 quintals, was sealed after the inspection.

Divisional flying squad in-charge Pankaj Srivastava said the team acted after a complaint regarding the alleged manufacture of fake and analogue paneer in Sehore reached the Food Commissioner.

The officials conducted the inspection late at night and examined the manufacturing area and products stored at the facility.

Production Continued After Ban

The action comes shortly after Madhya Pradesh imposed restrictions on the manufacture and sale of analogue paneer.

Officials said the Rudransh Dairy was allegedly continuing production even after the restrictions came into effect on August 12. The latest seizure has raised questions about compliance with the ban and the monitoring of dairy-product manufacturing units in the district.

The department's intervention also follows an earlier raid at the same facility.

Earlier Raid Also Conducted

The Food and Drug Administration Department had previously inspected the Pachama-based dairy after receiving information about the alleged production of analogue paneer.

During that operation, officials seized more than two quintals of the suspected product. Despite the earlier action, authorities found a substantially larger quantity during the latest inspection.

The repeated seizure has prompted renewed scrutiny of the dairy's operations and compliance with food safety requirements.

Labelling Irregularities Found

Apart from the suspected analogue paneer, officials also reported irregularities in the packaging and labelling of the products.

The inspection team reportedly found salt and sugar at the facility and identified shortcomings in the manufacturing process. Officials said the packets did not properly mention the company and product names and that the labelling did not comply with the required standards.

The authorities sealed the seized stock following the inspection.

Food Safety Concerns

Analogue paneer is generally produced using ingredients other than the conventional milk-based ingredients used for paneer. The Madhya Pradesh government's restrictions have been aimed at preventing the manufacture and sale of such products and addressing concerns over food quality.

The seizure in Sehore comes amid increased scrutiny of dairy products and food items suspected to be substandard or improperly labelled.

Further Action Likely

The latest seizure is expected to lead to further proceedings under applicable food safety regulations. Authorities will examine the products and the manufacturing practices at the facility before deciding on additional action.

The repeated discovery of analogue paneer at the same dairy also highlights the challenge of enforcing restrictions after an initial inspection.

For consumers, officials have advised caution when purchasing packaged dairy products and checking product labels and other mandatory details before buying them.

Madhya Pradesh is seeing another spell of intense monsoon activity, with Dindori receiving continuous rain since around 5 am on Wednesday. Rivers and streams in the district have risen sharply, and the water flowing over some culverts has disrupted road connectivity to several villages. The weather department has also issued an alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Tikamgarh, Panna and Narsinghpur, where 100 to 200 mm of rain could fall in the next 24 hours.

The situation in Dindori remained unsettled through the morning as rain continued without a significant break. Local reports said water levels in rivers and drains were rising and dozens of villages had been cut off from the district headquarters. The Roara drain was also reported to be overflowing, with water flowing over a culvert. Officials are keeping an eye on low-lying areas as the rain continues.

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the depression that was active over Jharkhand on August 18 has made eastern Madhya Pradesh one of the main centres of rainfall activity. The system is influencing Vindhya, Bundelkhand and Mahakoshal, where heavy to extremely heavy rain is expected on August 19. Rain activity is likely to gradually spread towards central and western parts of the state between August 20 and 24.

The rainfall comes at a time when Madhya Pradesh is still running below its normal seasonal rainfall. According to the Meteorological Centre, the state has received around 573.1 mm, or 22.6 inches, of rain so far. Normal rainfall for this period is around 651.4 mm, or 25.6 inches. That leaves the state about 12 per cent below normal, with the eastern region recording a deficit of around 16 per cent and the western region around 9 per cent.

Several districts continue to remain in deficit despite the latest spell. In the eastern part of the state, districts across the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded below-normal rainfall. Dindori, Panna, Narsinghpur, Tikamgarh, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Rewa, Satna, Sagar and other districts are among those facing rainfall deficits. Some districts have recorded deficits ranging from 4 per cent to more than 50 per cent.

The western part of the state has also seen uneven rainfall. Areas including Indore, Dhar, Ratlam, Neemuch, Raisen, Sehore, Ujjain, Vidisha and Shivpuri are among the districts that have recorded below-average rainfall. At the same time, districts such as Anuppur, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Umaria, Bhopal, Gwalior, Khandwa, Khargone and Rajgarh have received more than their normal rainfall.

The changing weather pattern is also being watched because of the water level in major reservoirs. Nine gates of the Bargi Dam have been opened to release water, adding to the need for caution in downstream areas. With rivers and local drains already running high, further heavy rain could create problems in low-lying villages and on rural roads.

The current spell follows an uneven monsoon season. June ended with a rainfall deficit, while July saw periods of heavy rain followed by breaks in monsoon activity. Another strong weather system became active towards the end of the period, improving rainfall in several areas, though the overall deficit has not yet been fully recovered.

For now, the focus remains on eastern and central Madhya Pradesh, particularly Dindori, Panna, Tikamgarh and Narsinghpur. If the current system remains active, officials may have to monitor roads, bridges and water bodies closely. Residents in areas near rivers and overflowing drains have also been advised to remain cautious as the situation develops.