Umaria News

Special Report By Sadanand Joshi Introduction In Umaria town, a fresh controversy has erupted after the Forest Department began constructing a solid boundary wall dangerously close to the former National Highway-78 near Rani Durgavati Square. Citizens allege that the construction is not for public safety but merely to secure the Divisional Forest Officer’s (DFO) bungalow—at the cost of road space and traffic safety. A Wall on a Crucial Junction Rani Durgavati Square is one of Umaria’s busiest traffic nodes, where five major routes diverge: Katni Road Shahdol Road Railway Station Road Main Market Road Forest Department Road Despite this being a high-traffic junction, the Forest Department has erected a boundary wall almost touching the road, significantly reducing visibility and narrowing an already congested bend. Citizens Question the Logic Behind the Construction Residents have raised strong objections, stating that the wall is being built for the DFO bungalo...

Umaria. In a shocking crime spree on Wednesday night, Umaria district witnessed three back-to-back robberies , followed by a violent attack on a police constable. The constable, who was struck with an iron rod, sustained critical injuries and has been referred to Jabalpur for advanced treatment. Three Crimes, One Night — A Coordinated Pattern According to police sources, the incidents occurred within a short time span, indicating the involvement of a coordinated criminal group : Loot from a highway petrol pump operator ₹47,000 snatched from a harvester owner working in the fields ₹5,000 looted from a resident of Lodha village The sequence and proximity of locations strongly suggest a single gang operating through the night. SP Vijay Bhagwani Responds With Full Transparency Superintendent of Police Vijay Bhagwani addressed the situation promptly and openly. He confirmed: The injured policeman has suffered serious head injuries , and his condition is critical. ...

Umaria/Manpur. The latest directives issued by the Supreme Court on tiger conservation have created noticeable turbulence in Bandhavgarh’s tourism landscape. The Court has made it clear that any tourism, religious, or construction-related activity inside tiger reserves or their buffer zones will now require scientific evaluation and a controlled approval mechanism. Local Stakeholders Meet at Tala Panchayat Bhavan In response to these directions, local representatives, resort owners, and administrative officials gathered at the Tala Panchayat building. The purpose of the meeting was to understand the implications of the order and to discuss the possible future course of tourism and regulatory decisions in the buffer zone. Possibility of a Ban on New Constructions Discussions strongly indicated that after the Supreme Court’s intervention, fresh permissions for building new resorts or hotels in the buffer zone will now be extremely difficult—if not entirely impossible. Many participa...

Open Drug Consumption Near Religious Sites in Umaria: Rising Concern for Devotees and Families The growing presence of open drug abuse around major religious sites in Umaria has become a pressing social issue. Local residents and frequent visitors report that the consumption of ganja has visibly increased near several temples, creating discomfort and safety concerns for women, families, and senior citizens. Hotspots Reported by Local Citizens Residents have identified multiple sensitive religious locations where such activities are frequently observed: Ghanghari Naka Sagra Temple Complex Shivalaya near Chandia Temple zones in Birsinghpur Pali In these areas, individuals consuming ganja openly are often seen loitering around temple entry points, pathways, and adjoining public spaces. Community Concerns After a Priest’s Sudden Death The sudden demise of the priest at the local Ram Temple has sparked discussions in the nearby locality. While there is no official confi...

Special Report by Sadanand Joshi Umaria / Bureau Chief — Nav Swadesh Why a key national highway is stuck in limbo — and why locals blame an officials–contractor nexus For nearly a decade, the Umaria–Shahdol section of National Highway-43 has been a story of stalled construction, broken promises and rising public anger. What should have been a crucial regional highway upgrade has turned into a frustrating symbol of administrative apathy. Originally scheduled to be completed by 31 October , the deadline has now been extended to 31 December , marking yet another shift in a long line of delays that have eroded public trust. A Project Nine Years in the Making — Yet Barely Half Done The condition of the highway continues to deteriorate. Large portions remain dug up, patched, or abandoned after partial work. Instead of a smooth corridor, commuters today navigate: uneven and damaged stretches deep pits left after excavation risky diversions sections with no machinery or ac...