Betul Women Demand Water Not Cash Aid In Betul district of Madhya Pradesh rural women from Balhegaon village reached the Collectorate to protest the severe drinking water crisis. They said that although the government gives ₹1500 every month under the Ladli Behna scheme money is useless when there is no clean water to drink. Women explained that they have to walk long distances daily to fetch water and even that water is often dirty and unsafe. They clearly told officials that they do not want cash support but a permanent solution to the water problem. The protest highlights the gap between welfare schemes and basic necessities. The women urged the administration to install hand pumps repair pipelines and ensure regular supply of clean drinking water in their village. Double Engine Government Driving Development: CM Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the “double engine government” of the Centre and State is speeding up development across India. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for strengthening infrastructure and reviving stalled projects. The CM explained that platforms like the Project Monitoring Group and the PRAGATI system have helped clear delays in investment projects. These systems bring all stakeholders together and make decision-making faster. Due to proactive governance and clear policies projects pending for decades are now being completed on time. Dr. Yadav said that people must understand administrative reforms not just political debates. He shared these views while interacting with the media at the Chief Minister’s residence. AMRUT 2.0 Project to Secure Indore’s Water Future Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the AMRUT 2.0 Indore Water Supply Project under Package-1. The project costs ₹800.19 crore and aims to strengthen Indore’s long-term water supply. A new intake well with a capacity of 1650 MLD will be built in Jalud and Bhakalai village areas. The project also includes large raw water and clear water pumping pipelines of 2235 mm diameter. These improvements will increase water transportation capacity and reduce future shortages. The CM said this project will ensure safe and sufficient drinking water for the growing population of Indore and improve urban water management under the AMRUT 2.0 mission. Rahul Gandhi to Meet Families Affected by Polluted Water Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will visit Indore on 17 January to meet families affected by deaths caused by polluted drinking water. On the same day the Congress party will protest against the renaming of the MGNREGA scheme in Madhya Pradesh. Party leaders and workers will observe a collective fast in every block of the state. They will also sit in protest near Gandhi statues and sing devotional songs. During these programs tributes will be paid to those who lost their lives in the Indore water contamination incident. The Congress says the protest is meant to highlight government failure in providing safe drinking water and protecting public health. Heritage of Devi Ahilya Damaged in Varanasi A part of the historic Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi built by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1771 has been demolished. The demolition was done as part of a new cremation project in the area. This has angered descendants of Devi Ahilya and members of society who consider the ghat a priceless heritage site. Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is the MP from Varanasi laid the foundation stone of the project in 2023. Around ₹18 crore is being spent on development work. Critics say development should not destroy historical and cultural heritage especially sites linked to revered figures like Devi Ahilya Bai. Seven Injured by Banned Chinese Manja in MP Despite a ban Chinese manja caused serious injuries during Makar Sankranti celebrations in Madhya Pradesh. In Indore four people suffered deep neck cuts at different locations due to the sharp string. Two more people were injured in Ujjain and one youth was hurt in Itarsi. In a tragic incident in Rewa a child died after coming in contact with a high-tension electric line while flying a kite. Authorities have repeatedly warned against using Chinese manja as it is extremely dangerous. The incidents have raised concerns about enforcement of the ban and public safety during festivals. NGT Seeks Answers on Sewage Contamination in Drinking Water The National Green Tribunal (NGT) New Delhi has taken a strict view on sewage contamination in drinking water. It has asked the governments of Madhya Pradesh Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh to respond. The NGT referred to reports of deaths caused by polluted water in Indore and the presence of E-coli bacteria in Bhopal’s water supply. Taking suo motu action based on media reports the tribunal said such contamination poses a serious threat to public health and the environment. The NGT has demanded accountability and effective measures to prevent sewage mixing with drinking water across these states. Third Death After Eating Abandoned Sweets in Chhindwara A shocking incident in Chhindwara’s Junnardeo area has claimed a third life after people ate abandoned sweets. The latest victim Khushboo died during treatment in Nagpur. Earlier two others also died after consuming the same sweets. The sweets were found abandoned at a hotel near the PHE office. When no one came back to collect them a security guard took the sweets and shared them with an elderly couple and their granddaughter. Soon after eating all three fell seriously ill. Doctors said multiple organs failed due to poisoning. The incident has raised serious concerns about food safety and negligence. Madhya Pradesh Weather: Cold Wave Continues Cold weather continues across Madhya Pradesh. Many cities are facing chilly mornings and cool days. In Bhopal Indore Gwalior Jabalpur and Ujjain the minimum temperature has dropped making mornings very cold. Northern parts of the state are experiencing cold wave conditions especially at night and early morning. Fog was seen in some areas affecting visibility on roads. The Meteorological Department said that cold winds from the north are causing the temperature to fall. People are advised to wear warm clothes especially children and elderly persons. Farmers have also been warned to protect crops from cold. No rain is expected and the weather will remain dry for the next few days.