Livestock farmers urged to preserve green fodder while it is available; 50% subsidy, up to ₹50 lakh, provided under the National Livestock Mission

Indore, November 4, 2026: With concerns that the possible impact of El Niño could affect the monsoon and lead to drought-like conditions and extreme heat, the Animal Husbandry Department has advised livestock farmers to prepare in advance for potential fodder shortages. A decline in green fodder availability during adverse weather conditions could affect animal nutrition, milk production and the financial stability of farmers. To address this challenge, the department has highlighted silage production and scientific storage as effective solutions.

Dr. Manish Ingole, Joint Director of the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Indore Division, has urged livestock owners to prepare adequate quantities of silage while green fodder is readily available. He explained that silage is produced by preserving green fodder through fermentation in an oxygen-free environment. This process helps maintain a supply of nutritious, good-quality animal feed throughout the year, particularly during droughts and periods of fodder scarcity.

Suitable Crops for Silage Production

Maize, sorghum, pearl millet, oats and other suitable fodder crops can be used to produce quality silage. Crops are harvested at the appropriate stage and chopped into small pieces. The chopped material is then packed in layers inside silage bunkers, pits or specially designed plastic bags and compacted properly to remove trapped air.

Depending on requirements, jaggery, salt and suitable biological cultures may be added before the material is sealed airtight with polythene sheets.

Beneficial microorganisms facilitate the fermentation process, helping preserve the fodder for an extended period. Silage must remain sealed in an oxygen-free environment for at least 45 days before it can be used. When prepared and stored correctly, it can remain suitable for use for approximately two years.

Storage Options Ranging from Small Bags to Large Bunkers

Silage production requires equipment such as bunkers, HDPE bags, plastic sheets, tractors, trolleys, fodder-cutting machines, power chaff cutters and, where necessary, fodder harvesters. Units operating on a larger scale can use machinery with suitable harvesting and packaging capacities.

Concrete storage bunkers, plastic bags and baler systems covered with polythene are among the available storage options. Small livestock farmers can use bags with capacities ranging from 50 to 1,000 kilograms, while larger facilities can establish silage bunkers capable of storing between 3 and 500 metric tonnes.

Rural Entrepreneurship and Employment Opportunities

According to Dr. Ingole, silage production is not merely a method of preserving animal feed but also offers opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment in rural areas. Farmers, young entrepreneurs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) can establish silage production units and supply quality fodder to livestock owners in their respective areas.

Such initiatives can improve local fodder availability while creating additional income and employment opportunities.

Subsidy Support Under the National Livestock Mission

Dr. Ingole stated that eligible silage plant projects can receive a subsidy covering 50% of the project cost, subject to a maximum grant of ₹50 lakh, under the Entrepreneurship Development Programme of the Central Government’s National Livestock Mission (NLM).

The remaining project cost can be arranged through bank loans or the applicant’s own investment. Individual entrepreneurs, FPOs, cooperatives, SHGs and other eligible organisations can apply. The subsidy is routed through SIDBI via the concerned bank or financial institution.

Additionally, eligible micro and small enterprises may receive investment incentives and other financial benefits under the Madhya Pradesh MSME Development Policy 2021, which was amended in September 2023.

Dr. Ingole has encouraged livestock farmers, agricultural producers and young entrepreneurs to adopt silage production. He said the practice can help ensure a year-round supply of nutritious animal feed, sustain milk production and reduce financial losses caused by adverse weather conditions.

For guidance on the technology, setting up a silage unit and benefits under NLM and MSME schemes, interested persons may contact their nearest veterinary hospital or the district Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department office.

---

Deputy Collector Charanjeet Singh Hooda Given Additional Charge as Assistant Protocol Officer

Collector Shivam Verma issues administrative order to facilitate official work

Indore, November 4, 2026: The Indore district administration has assigned an additional responsibility to Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue), Depalpur, Charanjeet Singh Hooda.

According to an order issued by Collector and District Magistrate Shivam Verma, Hooda will continue with his existing responsibilities while also performing the duties of Assistant Protocol Officer in the Protocol Branch of the Indore Collectorate.

The additional assignment will remain in force until further orders.

---

Results of Gopal Krishna Gram Award Competition Announced; 12 Indore Cattle Rearers Selected for Honours

Three winners each from Banedia, Datoda, Rangwasa and Shivni; first prize carries ₹1 lakh

Indore, November 4, 2026: The results of the Gopal Krishna Gram Award Competition, organised to promote milk production and encourage the rearing of high-yielding improved Indian cattle breeds, have been announced. A total of 12 livestock farmers from four selected Vrindavan villages in Indore district have been chosen for awards.

Dr. Dinkar Rao Patil, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, said the selected participants would receive ₹1 lakh for first place, ₹50,000 for second place and ₹25,000 for third place.

Village-wise List of Awardees

• Banedia: Balaram Ramchandra has secured first place, Amit Suresh Patle second place and Rahul Hariram Chaudhary third place.
• Datoda: Alkesh Chhote Lal Patel has been selected for first place, Narayan Bhima Ujjival for second place and Dharmendra Lakshminarayan Gaud for third place.
• Rangwasa: Dinesh Nandkishor has secured first place, Dharmendra Badrilal second place and Rahul Chhaganlal third place.
• Shivni: Udaysingh Banshilal Thakur has been selected for first place, Sachin Mahesh Chaudhary for second place and Samandar Rajaram Chaudhary for third place.

All selected livestock farmers will be honoured by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.

Dr. Patil informed that the competition was organised from October 27 to 31 across several districts of Madhya Pradesh, following the Chief Minister’s initiative. In Indore district, Banedia, Datoda, Rangwasa and Shivni were selected as Vrindavan villages for the programme.

Under the scheme, registrations were invited from owners of improved Indian-breed cows producing at least six litres of milk per day. The farmers whose cows recorded the highest milk production were selected for the awards.

The initiative aims to increase milk production, identify high-yielding Indian cattle breeds and motivate livestock owners to adopt improved animal husbandry practices.

---

51-Year-Old Power Transformer Retired After Decades of Service; MP Transco Installs 50 MVA Replacement

A 20 MVA transformer at the 132 kV Ichhawar substation in Sehore district has been replaced with a higher-capacity unit

Indore, November 4, 2026: A power transformer that served Madhya Pradesh’s electricity network for nearly half a century has finally been retired. The 20 MVA transformer installed at the 132 kV substation in Ichhawar, Sehore district, has been replaced with a new 50 MVA unit.

Officials and employees of Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP Transco) remembered the equipment’s long service record and gave it a farewell following its retirement.

According to MP Transco, the transformer was manufactured by Bharat Bijlee Limited in 1975 and initially became part of the Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board network. Over the years, it served at various substations, contributing to the state’s power transmission system as electricity demand continued to grow. It was installed and energised at the Ichhawar 132 kV substation in 2016.

Maintenance and Technical Expertise Behind Its Long Service

Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar appreciated the engineers and maintenance personnel of the erstwhile Madhya Pradesh Electricity Board and MP Transco for maintaining the transformer over such an extended period.

He noted that regular inspections, timely testing and preventive maintenance had enabled the equipment to remain operational well beyond its standard service life. Congratulating both former and present employees, the minister said that keeping equipment functional for decades despite changing technology and operating conditions reflected the team’s technical expertise, experience and dedication.

A Witness to Five Decades of Growing Electricity Demand

MP Transco Additional Chief Engineer Rajesh Shandilya said that electricity requirements in Madhya Pradesh were considerably different when the transformer entered service in 1975. Over the following five decades, population growth, industrial development and rising agricultural and domestic electricity consumption significantly increased the demand for power.

The transformer continued to contribute to the state’s transmission network according to its rated capacity and was eventually shifted to the Ichhawar substation in 2016.

Expected Service Life of 25 Years; Transformer Operated for 51 Years

As per standard practices in the electricity sector, the typical working life of a power transformer is considered to be around 25 years. However, regular preventive maintenance, periodic testing and proper upkeep enabled this transformer to remain in service for approximately 51 years.

It therefore operated for more than twice its expected service life.

MP Transco’s Total Transformation Capacity Reaches 85,708 MVA

MP Transco currently operates 418 Extra High Voltage (EHV) substations across Madhya Pradesh. These include 14 substations of 400 kV, 88 of 220 kV and 316 of 132 kV.

With the commissioning of the new transformer, the company’s 1,060 power transformers now have a combined transformation capacity of 85,708 MVA.

---

Madhya Pradesh Invites Applications for Overseas Study Scholarship for OBC Students

50 students to be selected for the 2026–27 session, with a waiting list of 10 candidates

Indore, November 4, 2026: Students belonging to eligible Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities who wish to pursue higher education abroad can now apply for the Madhya Pradesh Backward Class Foreign Study Scholarship Scheme for the academic year 2026–27.

The state’s Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department has invited online applications through its official portal: https://mpom.mp.gov.in.

Applicants are advised to carefully read the notification available on the portal before submitting their applications. The notification contains details regarding eligibility criteria, academic qualifications, required documents and other conditions of the scheme.

According to the department, applications will be accepted online for one month from the date of publication of the notification. Once the application period closes, the submitted forms will be listed and examined by the department. Eligibility and supporting documents will be verified before the selection process is completed in accordance with the prescribed rules. A waiting list will also be prepared.

For the 2026–27 financial year, the scheme has a total allocation of 50 seats, with an additional waiting list of 10 candidates.

Helplines Available for Technical Assistance

Students facing technical difficulties or problems while submitting their applications can contact the department through the following helpline numbers:

• 0755-2553329
• 0755-2675521

Queries can also be sent by email to nodalofficerobc@mp.gov.in.

Applicants from Indore district may contact the Assistant Director, Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department, Room No. 303, Second Floor, Satellite Building, Collectorate, Indore.

The district office can also be contacted at adbmwind@mp.gov.in.

Assistant Director Anil Kumar Soni has urged eligible students to take advantage of the scholarship opportunity and complete the online application process within the stipulated deadline, following the guidelines issued on the departmental portal.

---

Health Department Issues Winter Advisory on Air and Noise Pollution

Residents advised to avoid outdoor exercise during very early mornings and late nights; medical consultation recommended for breathing difficulties, chest pain or eye irritation

Indore, November 4, 2026: With air pollution posing additional health concerns during the winter season, the Health Department has issued an advisory urging residents to take preventive measures against both air and noise pollution.

The recommendations are in line with the health advisory issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasani said that simple precautions and changes in daily habits can help reduce the risk of pollution-related health problems during winter.

Take Precautions During Outdoor Exercise and Household Activities

The department has advised people to avoid running, jogging and other outdoor physical activities during very early mornings and late nights in winter.

For cooking, residents have been encouraged to use cleaner fuels, gas or electric stoves instead of wood, coal, cow-dung cakes and kerosene.

The use of wood- or coal-burning braziers to heat rooms should also be avoided. Such practices can release carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas that can prove fatal.

People should limit the excessive use of room fresheners, incense sticks and mosquito coils in closed rooms. Burning wood, leaves, crop residue, garbage or plastic in residential areas is also harmful.

For indoor cleaning, the department recommends wet mopping instead of sweeping with a dry broom.

Protect Eye and Throat Health

Residents have been advised to wash their eyes periodically with clean water. Those experiencing throat dryness or irritation may gargle with lukewarm water.

A balanced diet containing fresh fruits and vegetables, along with clean drinking fluids, is also recommended. Such dietary habits provide essential antioxidants and help support the body’s immune system.

Dr. Hasani said people should seek medical advice without delay if they experience breathing difficulties, dizziness, coughing, chest discomfort, pressure or pain, eye irritation, excessive watering or redness.

Noise Pollution Also Poses Serious Health Risks

The Health Department has highlighted the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Noise pollution can contribute to stress, high blood pressure, difficulty in communication, hearing impairment and sleep disturbances.

Other possible problems include tinnitus, a condition involving ringing or similar sounds in the ears; hyperacusis, involving heightened sensitivity to ordinary sounds; and distorted hearing.

Residents have been urged to stay away from excessively loud firecrackers and other sources of noise. The department emphasised that incorporating pollution-prevention measures into everyday routines can help protect individuals and their families.

---

IDA Directs Faster Recovery of Outstanding Lease Rent and Compounding Fees

Divisional Commissioner Bhaskar Lakshakar reviews development schemes; calls for a property fair to accelerate sale of vacant assets

Indore, November 4, 2026: A review meeting of the Indore Development Authority (IDA) was held at its office under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner and IDA Chairperson Bhaskar Lakshakar. Discussions focused on outstanding lease rent and compounding fees, disposal of properties and pending court cases.

The divisional commissioner directed officials to immediately issue notices to leaseholders who have outstanding dues under various IDA schemes. In cases involving violations of lease conditions, the concerned leaseholders should also be informed about the possibility of cancellation proceedings in accordance with the rules.

He emphasised that recovery of pending amounts must be ensured within the prescribed time frame.

Prepare Inventory and Begin Sale of Vacant Properties

During the meeting, officials were instructed to prepare a list of vacant properties available for disposal under all IDA schemes and initiate the sale process at the earliest.

Lakshakar suggested organising a property fair soon to bring the available properties to the attention of a larger number of prospective buyers and accelerate their sale.

Systematic Monitoring of Pending Court Cases

The divisional commissioner also reviewed matters pending before various courts and stressed the need for maintaining clear and organised records through the legal branch.

He directed officials to regularly update the status of every pending case so that progress could be monitored effectively.

The meeting primarily reviewed the functioning of the Estate Branch and Legal Branch. IDA Chief Executive Officer Sandeep Kairkata, all executive engineers and heads of various branches were present.

---

Ensure Complete Ban on Laser Activities Around Airport: Divisional Commissioner

Environmental Management Committee reviews waste disposal, building-height restrictions and tree clearance near the runway

Indore, November 4, 2026: A meeting of the Environmental Management Committee of Devi Ahilya Holkar Airport was held under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Bhaskar Lakshakar to review environmental management and aviation safety measures around the airport.

Discussions covered cleanliness, the risks posed by birds attracted to garbage, laser activities and restrictions on building heights in the airport vicinity.

Lakshakar directed officials to ensure that garbage is not dumped in the open along the Indore–Pithampur road or the route connecting the Super Corridor to Pithampur.

He pointed out that accumulated waste and unclean surroundings can attract birds, creating a potential threat to aircraft operations and aviation safety.

The concerned departments were instructed to maintain regular cleanliness and take action against people disposing of garbage at locations not designated for waste disposal.

Strict Monitoring of Laser Activities

Keeping aviation safety in mind, the divisional commissioner directed officials to ensure that no laser-related activities take place around the airport. He underlined that such activities fall under restricted operations in the airport vicinity and must be effectively controlled.

He also instructed authorities not to permit the construction of high-rise buildings around the airport and to ensure the required cutting of trees, particularly in areas near the runway.

Among those present were Airport Director of the Airports Authority of India Vikram Kumar Shivraj Bhai Thakkar, Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Himanshu Prajapati, Additional Collector Rinkesh Vaishya, AAI Assistant Director G.L. Verma, Additional DCP Sumit Kairkatta and Divisional Forest Officer Lal Sudhakar Singh.

Representatives of the Border Security Force, Municipal Corporation and other concerned departments also attended the meeting.

---

No Lapses in Safety, Cleanliness or Public Services During Diwali: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Strict action ordered against illegal liquor, prohibited firecrackers and narcotics networks; district collectors held accountable for fertiliser shortages

Indore, November 4, 2026: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has directed district administrations and police authorities across the state to remain fully alert during Diwali and the upcoming festive period. He emphasised that people should be able to celebrate the festival peacefully, without disruption from anti-social activities.

The Chief Minister called for strict action against illegal liquor sales, prohibited firecrackers and the use of carbide guns and carbide lamps.

Dr. Yadav was addressing a video conference with all district collectors and Superintendents of Police from Samatva Bhavan at the Chief Minister’s residence on Wednesday. He said that the festive season also coincides with an important period for farmers. If any district faces difficulties in the availability or distribution of fertilisers, the concerned collector will be held responsible.

He instructed the administration to remain alert to both festive requirements and farmers’ needs.

Small Festival Vendors Should Not Face Unnecessary Harassment

The Chief Minister directed officials to exempt small temporary vendors selling fruits, flowers, earthen lamps, wicks and decorative lighting items in major markets from tehbazari charges during Diwali.

He stressed that these small traders should not be subjected to unnecessary harassment.

He also called for strict enforcement against prohibited and illegal firecrackers, along with controls on carbide guns and lamps that can pose health hazards.

Dr. Yadav encouraged officials to celebrate Diwali with children and people in need by visiting economically weaker neighbourhoods, orphanages and old-age homes.

Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Production and Transportation

The Chief Minister ordered firm action against the manufacture, sale and transportation of illicit liquor. He directed authorities to identify locations involved in producing poisonous or counterfeit liquor and initiate strict legal proceedings against those responsible.

He also called for action against practices such as agency-based sales, illegal distribution and diary-based arrangements associated with illicit liquor trade.

Officials were instructed to physically verify vehicles used for liquor transportation, ensure that licensed outlets do not charge above the prescribed maximum retail price (MRP), and conduct periodic sampling of liquor sold through authorised shops.

If harmful substances are detected in samples, action must be taken against the concerned licence holders.

Disrupt Narcotics Networks and Strengthen Anti-Drug Campaign

Dr. Yadav said that the state is pursuing a campaign to make Madhya Pradesh drug-free under the guidance of the Central Government.

He directed authorities to prevent illegal cultivation of cannabis, opium and other narcotic substances, shut down laboratories used for manufacturing drugs and dismantle organised narcotics networks through dedicated combat teams.

He also called for action against offenders under the PIT-NDPS Act, intensive inspections by police and narcotics teams, and regular meetings of district-level ENCORE committees.

Special monitoring should be maintained at schools, colleges, coaching centres, bus stands and railway stations.

The Chief Minister asked officials to adopt hostels for tribal and other students and motivate young people to stay away from gutkha, tobacco and khaini.

He further directed that de-addiction and rehabilitation centres be established in every district. NGOs and social organisations operating such centres should be encouraged to seek grants from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Districts without such facilities should prepare proposals for setting them up.

Performance in the field of de-addiction will also be assessed through a district-level grading system.

Govardhan Puja to Be Celebrated Across the State on November 9

The Chief Minister announced that Govardhan Puja programmes would be organised across Madhya Pradesh on November 9, with a major event planned in Bhopal.

He directed district administrations to organise cow worship at gaushalas, highlight the social, economic and cultural significance of cattle and arrange live broadcasts of the main Bhopal programme at gaushalas.

Winning livestock farmers selected under the Gopal Krishna Gram Award Competition will be invited to nearby gaushalas and honoured with a shawl, coconut, turban and certificate. Six winners under the scheme will also receive awards at the state-level programme.

Dr. Yadav asked officials to promote higher milk production and spread awareness about government schemes, subsidies and technical assistance available to livestock farmers. He also suggested exploring the possibility of organising bullock-cart competitions on Govardhan Puja.

Focus on Ownership Registration in Rural Areas on Dhanteras

The Chief Minister reviewed the Mukhyamantri Registry (Swamitva Registry) initiative aimed at providing permanent property registration free of cost to eligible holders of provisional land and house titles in rural areas.

He directed collectors to visit as many villages as possible on Dhanteras along with local Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly to ensure complete registration coverage.

Patwaris and tehsildars who make notable contributions to the initiative will be honoured on January 26. Their achievements should also be entered into their service records.

Continuous Monitoring of Fertiliser Availability

Dr. Yadav stressed that farmers must receive fertilisers according to their requirements during the crucial agricultural season. Collectors and officials from the Agriculture and Marketing Departments were asked to closely monitor supply and distribution.

During the meeting, the Agriculture Department Secretary informed participants that there was no problem with fertiliser supply in the state.

The Chief Minister also directed officials to conduct prompt surveys in 12 districts that received normal rainfall once the anawari assessment figures become available. Eligible farmers should receive relief assistance under the applicable government schemes.

Senior Officials Attend State-Level Review

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Ashok Barnwal; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister’s Office Neeraj Mandloi; Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Sanjay Kumar Shukla; Additional Chief Secretary, Culture, Shiv Shekhar Shukla; Additional Chief Secretary and Agriculture Production Commissioner K.C. Gupta; Director General of Police Kailash Makwana; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh; Principal Secretary, Social Justice, Sonali Vayangankar; and ADG Intelligence Anshuman Yadav, among other senior officials.

Officials participating from Indore included Divisional Commissioner Bhaskar Lakshakar, IG Anurag, DIG Manoj Kumar Singh, Excise Deputy Commissioner Inder Singh Jamod, Joint Director of Agriculture Jitendra Singh, Cooperative Deputy Commissioner Varsha Shrivas and Collector Shivam Verma.

Indore Collector Reports Progress on Anti-Drug Initiatives

Collector Shivam Verma informed the meeting that awareness programmes against substance abuse are being regularly conducted in Indore district. Action is also being taken against illegal drug-related activities and individuals involved in substance abuse.

Committees comprising teachers and other representatives have been formed in schools, colleges and hostels to strengthen prevention efforts. These committees prepare regular reports and monitor the situation.

The Abhilasha campaign is also being implemented in hostels to raise awareness and discourage substance abuse among students.

---

Transport Department Takes Action Against 11 Buses; ₹1.20 Lakh Fine Recovered

Bus operating from Indore to Gorakhpur without a permit seized; inspection covers emergency exits, fire safety, fitness and passenger fares

Indore, November 4, 2026: The Transport Department has intensified inspections of passenger buses to ensure compliance with safety standards and protect the interests of travellers.

Acting on the directions of Collector Shivam Verma, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) team conducted a special inspection drive at Star Square on Wednesday. The campaign focused on public transport vehicles, particularly All India Tourist buses.

During the inspection, officials checked emergency exits, fire safety systems and arrangements for the safe evacuation of passengers during emergencies. They also examined overloading, collection of fares above prescribed rates, permits, vehicle fitness and other mandatory documents.

The inspection revealed various irregularities, including violations of permit conditions and cases of passengers being charged excessive fares.

Action was taken against 11 buses, resulting in the recovery of a total fine of ₹1.20 lakh. In addition, a bus operating between Indore and Gorakhpur without a valid permit was seized.

Drivers and Conductors Advised to Follow Safety Requirements

RTO Pradeep Sharma, ARTO Rajesh Gupta and the department’s flying squad were present during the enforcement drive.

Officials instructed drivers and conductors to treat passenger safety as their highest priority. They were directed not to carry any inflammable materials in buses, to keep all mandatory documents up to date and to operate vehicles only when they are in proper technical condition.

The Transport Department is also conducting regular checks of vehicle speed, speed governors, High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), permits and other documents.

Special attention is being given to the safety arrangements of school and college vehicles as well. The department has appealed to all vehicle operators to comply with traffic regulations and prescribed safety standards.

(SDNA | Truth with Society’s Voice)