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India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
We Dug Into Nagpur's History—Here Are 10 Crazy Facts We Found!
Nagpur, or 'Orange City' as many refer to it, is situated in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is rich in history and vibrant culture. Because of Nagpur's central location within India and its cultural and economic relevance, the city has a lot to offer. Below is a list of ten remarkable facts about the city that you should be aware of. 1. Geographical Significance: The Heart of India It is often stated that Nagpur is the Heart of India owing to its the core location in the country. The so-called Zero Mile Stone also marks the very center of the country. It is one of the few remaining monuments from British rule in India which seeks to signify the central location. The monument is also known to mark the starting point of measuring distances to other major cities of India. Because of all these factors Nagpur tends to be one of the most important cities in the country in terms of infrastructure. 2. The Orange Capital of India Nagpur is famous for its delicious oranges, particularly the Nagpur Santra (a variety of mandarin oranges). The region's soil and climate are ideal for cultivating these juicy, sweet fruits, making it one of the largest producers of oranges in India. Every year, thousands of tons of oranges are exported from Nagpur, contributing significantly to the local economy. The city's association with oranges has earned it the nickname 'Orange City.' 3. A Hub for Wildlife Enthusiasts Nagpur is surrounded by some of India's most prominent wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. It serves as a gateway to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Pench National Park (famous for inspiring Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book), and Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. These reserves attract tourists and nature lovers from around the world, making Nagpur a hotspot for eco-tourism and wildlife safaris. 4. Roots of History and Heritage Culture Nagpur's history goes back many centuries. Initially, it was a small Gond village and later came under the dominion of the Bhonsle dynasty in the Maratha Empire. The city was annexed by the British East India Company in 1853 after Raghoji III's death. Nagpur has remained a key city during the Indian independence movement and still upholds historical traces like the Sitabuldi Fort and Ambazari Lake. 5. Academic Achievements The city of Nagpur boasts some of India's most acclaimed educational centers such as Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, which is one of the first in India. Founded in 1923, the university has multiple colleges and research institutes under its jurisdiction. Other institutions also add to the image of Nagpur being an educational hub which includes Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Nagpur. 6. Industrial Growth and Economic Importance Nagpur, as a part of Vidarbha, contributes significantly to the economy of Maharashtra. It is an industrial center with growing activities in agriculture, IT, textiles, steel, and many more. The Multi-modal International Cargo Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) project further cements its position as a commercial hub. By integrating air cargo services with highway and railway freight services, MIHAN aims to boost global trade traffic through Nagpur. 7. Religious Diversity and Spiritual Sites Nagpur is also popular for its diverse religions and spiritual interest. Temples, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras show the rich diversity of cultures in the city. The Deekshabhoomi Stupa is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage center alongside Dragon Palace Temple, which is decorated with detailed sculptures and art. Bohra Masjid is also a well known Islamic structure. All of these places serve as pilgrimage sites as well as tourist attractions. 8. Green Cover and Environmental Initiatives Nagpur is extremely green which is why it has earned the title of one of the most clean and green cities in India. Tree plantation drives, waste disposal programs, and water saving activities have been started to protect the natural environment. Nagpur's lakes smack parks including Futala Lake, Japanese Rose Garden and Seminary Hills are famous recreational places for people living in the city or visiting it. 9. Culinary Delights Nagpur's culinary practices showcase the rich Nagpuri culture along with the other ethnic influences. Traditional Maharashtrian dishes such as zunka bhakar , pav bhaji , and misal pav are greatly appreciated here as well. But what makes Nagpur unique is its street food. The city serves a variety of dishes from spicy vada pav to cool sugarcane juice. Also, do not miss out on the region's famous orange desserts and drinks. 10. Connectivity and Smart City Vision Nagpur's rail, road, and air transport services are well integrated. The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport links the city to prominent domestic and international airports. In addition, Nagpur was honored as one of the first smart cities under India's Smart City Mission. This program aims to upgrade city infrastructure, improve services, foster eco-friendly practices, and so forth while keeping it a city that is developed yet livable. Conclusion Nagpur is an exciting city that seamlessly combines old with new modern life—far more than simply a point on the map and 'Orange City.' Its exquisite cuisine, placid nature, and wonderful historic sites are all majestic, so the city is never failing to charm. The list of ten facts illustrates the multifold value this city has- it is not just another overpopulated metro, but an important part of India's culture and economy, thus meriting recognition as a megacity.


Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bawankule Pushes for Quality Audit By VNIT Of All ZP Works
Nagpur: To improve the standard of development work in rural areas, guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced that a quality control policy will soon be implemented for projects under the zilla parishad. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking at a review meeting on Monday, Bawankule emphasised strict enforcement to ensure accountability and better use of govt funds. Over the past five years, the zilla parishad has spent over Rs1,000 crore on various development projects in Nagpur district. These include infrastructure such as roads, school classrooms, and sanitation facilities. However, concerns were repeatedly raised about substandard work and the use of low-quality materials. Minister of state for finance and agriculture Ashish Jaiswal also criticised the poor condition of govt buildings, pointing out that despite budget allocations, their quality often does not reflect the investment. "The quality work can't be seen in the completed structures," he said, calling for immediate corrective measures. A major point of contention was the use of paver blocks in road construction in rural areas. Bawankule expressed dissatisfaction with the widespread use of old paver blocks and ordered that no new roads be constructed using them. Instead, he recommended roads be built to the standard of those in Ramtek. In a significant move, Bawankule directed that all development work carried out over the past three years be audited by a third party — VNIT (Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology) — to assess quality and identify gaps. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He further instructed that future funds be prioritised for essential sectors such as healthcare, education, sanitation, and clean drinking water. Local representatives were asked to decide funding priorities based on community trust and necessity, ensuring development projects genuinely serve public interest.


Time of India
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Butibori flyover to reopen in May
Nagpur: The Butibori flyover, which was closed for traffic after significant structural damage , is expected to reopen by the second week of May. Sources in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed that the damaged portion has been repaired using a high-strength epoxy grout material, commonly used for retrofitting damaged structures. "The carbon lamination process, which acts as a protective cover for the damaged section, will be completed soon, and the flyover is likely to be reopened by mid-May," sources said. They also mentioned that after the lamination, the NHAI will conduct a load test to ensure the flyover can safely handle traffic. The flyover was closed in January after cracks were discovered in 11 of the strut pockets—the structures that support the cantilever of the bridge. Although heavy vehicles are prohibited from using the flyover, a vehicle carrying electric transformers drove over it, causing damage to the struts. "The vehicle drove on the extreme left part of the flyover, which is more vulnerable to heavy loads. Such vehicles need special permission to ply and must avoid flyovers," said a source. The NHAI has reinforced the 11 damaged strut pockets, which support the cantilever of the six-lane bridge, using extra-strong epoxy grout. A Bengaluru-based firm was engaged for the fast-track repair process, in coordination with experts from the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT). As the heavy vehicle is considered the primary cause of the damage, the NHAI has issued notices to the private contractor responsible for the project, as well as the third-party consultant hired by the firm, sources added.