News / Author / Abhay Khairnar

Abhay Khairnar

Articles by Abhay Khairnar

Govt firm on Purandar airport project: Chandrashekhar Bawankule

He assured farmers that the government would offer them “best possible deal” in return for their land

Earlier in the day, the revenue minister met with Jitendra Dudi, the district collector, and other officials to discuss further action on land acquisition for the proposed airport at Purandar. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on May 06, 2025 05:00 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Maharashtra’s unmarried farmers, shopkeepers turn to agents to find brides in rural belt

Vasant Patil, 34, from Lakhmapur village in Satana tehsil of Nashik district, married Leena Mandale of Nanded district through an agent

Only near and dear ones attended the registered marriage at Nashik on March 24. However, within five days, the newlywed left the man and took away with her cash and jewellery worth <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>3 lakh. (HT)

Pune

Published on Apr 20, 2025 07:34 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

LMC fails to act against encroachments along Indrayani River despite NGT order

According to LMC chief executive officer (CEO) Ashok Sable, the NGT had ordered removal of the encroachments in 2020 but the directive was ignored till such time a penalty had to be imposed

Documents accessed by Hindustan Times reveal that the LMC twice requested police bandobast to carry out removal of encroachments but the local police did not provide the required support. (HT FILE)

Pune

Published on Apr 11, 2025 06:22 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Smart City project ends officially but citizens disappointed

To which, Keskar and activist Suhas Kulkarni said that they plan to visit select project sites to verify Prithviraj BP’s claims once the data is made public

Even traffic signals and CCTV cameras are not functioning properly and police officers are still managing traffic manually. How is this a Smart City. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Apr 07, 2025 05:46 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

No need to re-apply for 40% property tax rebate: PMC

The PMC confirmed that the rebate will automatically reflect in tax bills for those who have already submitted the form

With the new financial year starting on April 1, many taxpayers were uncertain about whether they needed to resubmit the form to continue receiving the rebate. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 31, 2025 11:54 PM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Cheap imitation paneer floods market, dairy industry seeks action

Dairy industry raises concerns over widespread sale of analogue paneer, imitation product made with vegetable oil, milk powder, maize flour, and refined flour instead of pure milk

Pune

Published on Mar 30, 2025 06:32 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Pune set to hold both assembly, council deputy speaker posts

Bansode, three-time legislator from Pimpri and member of the Scheduled Castes, is likely to be elected unopposed

With Bansode’s election, both the deputy speaker of the Assembly and the deputy chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) will now be from Pune. (HT)

Pune

Published on Mar 26, 2025 07:24 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Farmers blame freebie schemes for labour shortage, rising costs in rural Maharashtra

Many say these schemes have caused shortfall of agricultural workers, driving up labour costs and affecting productivity

The impact of labour shortage is not limited to agriculture. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 25, 2025 06:50 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar, Shrinivas Deshpande

Dhankawadi housing society first in Pune to get freehold status under Maha’s land status conversion

Earlier, owners of flats on leasehold or occupancy land had to seek permission from the collector’s office before selling their flats, often paying an additional amount to the government

On February 20, the state revenue department extended the deadline for conversion applications to December 31, 2025. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Mar 13, 2025 06:22 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Housing societies’ approval must for liquor shops in area

DyCM Ajit Pawar has announced in state assembly that new beer and liquor shops in commercial premises of housing societies will require mandatory NOC from respective society

Pune

Published on Mar 12, 2025 09:26 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

No new projects for Pune in state budget; focus on ongoing work

Finance minister Ajit Pawar did not announce new projects for his home district Pune in the Maharashtra budget for 2025-26

Pune

Published on Mar 11, 2025 10:04 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Four arrested after violent clash at Khed industrial unit over company work

The incident occurred on February 28 at the gate of an international automobile company, where two groups clashed over work-related issues

The arrested individuals have been identified as Rushikesh Narayan Pawar (20), Prakash Vilas Wykar (27), Vishal Ashok Shinde (27), and Mayur Bhagat (28), all residents of Nimgaon. The arrests were made on March 1. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Mar 09, 2025 06:20 AM IST

ByShrinivas Deshpande, Abhay Khairnar

PMC presents ₹12,618 crore budget for 2025-26 with focus on incomplete projects

Pune municipal commissioner Rajendra Bhosale on Tuesday presented the municipal annual budget for the financial year 2025-26 with an outlay of ₹12,618 crore

Pune

Published on Mar 05, 2025 10:02 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

PMC proposes bigger budget despite missing revenue target of previous year

Although PMC has fallen well short of its revenue target of ₹11,601 crore for 2024-25, the civic body has proposed a budget of ₹12,618 for 2025-26, an increase of ₹1,000 crore over last year’s budget

Although PMC has fallen well short of its revenue target of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>11,601 crore for 2024-25, the civic body has proposed a budget of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>12,618 for 2025-26, an increase of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>1,000 crore over last year’s budget. Municipal commissioner Rajendra Bhosale (C) presented the budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 on Tuesday. (HT)

Pune

Published on Mar 05, 2025 09:54 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Poultry industry adversely affected by GBS outbreak in Pune

Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has appealed to citizens to cook chicken properly before consuming it

The consumption of chicken and eggs has fallen drastically and so have the prices of chicken at the farmer and end-consumer level (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Feb 28, 2025 08:48 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Maharashtra’s cane production dips, sugar prices to shoot up

According to data from the sugar commissionerate, the total sugar production in Maharashtra stands at 728.67 lakh quintals, down from 879.6 lakh quintals on the same date last year

Industry experts anticipate that the diminished production will lead to an increase in sugar prices. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Feb 25, 2025 07:08 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Swachh workers claim they are forced to collect garbage in bags as plastic buckets not provided

Swachh employees allege PMC did not provide plastic buckets to collect garbage and they are forced to collect waste in bags made of cloth or plastic since past two years

Pune

Published on Feb 21, 2025 10:00 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

PMC budget sparks row: BJP accused of favouritism, Commissioner admits pressure

Patil’s remarks have fueled allegations that BJP leaders are exerting undue influence on municipal financial planning

This is when PMC hasn’t had corporators for the past three years. It was on March 15, 2022, when civic commissioner Vikram Kumar took over as administrator. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Feb 19, 2025 05:12 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

PMC in a fix over where to house 300 cats if owner fails to relocate them

The civic body had issued a notice to a resident of Marvel Bounty Society, Hadapsar, for keeping an excessive number of cats in a three-bedroom flat

Pune

Published on Feb 18, 2025 10:57 PM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Irrigation department warns to cut city’s water supply starting February 25

For many years, the PMC and the irrigation department have been at odds over the dues, with the PMC stating that the irrigation department charged additional fees that the civic body did not accept

During his visit to the city last month, irrigation minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil was critical of PMC for being lax about the water issue. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Feb 15, 2025 07:04 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Online rose orders surge as prices soar ahead of Valentine’s Day

Normally, roses take 50 to 55 days to grow, but due to high temperatures, flowers were ready by the last week of January—when demand was still low in both the domestic and international markets

While the overall valuation remains stable, a new trend of sending roses online has emerged over the past few years. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Feb 13, 2025 08:44 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

How AI is revolutionising sugarcane farming in Maha

Thorat is among 1,000 farmers participating in an experiment that could change the future of sugarcane farming in India

The AI technology draws on multiple data sources—satellite imagery, weather forecasts, soil sensors, and farm-specific inputs—to create customised recommendations for farmers. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Feb 11, 2025 08:28 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Pune civic body dismantles BRTS routes while PMRDA proposes new corridors

The new plan includes six new BRTS routes spanning 163km, alongside a 276-km metro network, with an estimated budget of ₹1.26 lakh crore

The new BRTS corridors are planned on routes such as Ravet to Rajgurunagar, Gawali Matha Chowk to Shewalewadi, Ravet to Talegaon Dabhade, Chandani Chowk to Hinjewadi, Loni Kalbhor to Kedgaon, and Bhumkar Chowk to Chinchwad Chowk. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Feb 09, 2025 07:04 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

BJP MP Medha Kulkarni raises doubts over Waqf land expansion, calls for transparency

BJP MP Medha Kulkarni, a member of the joint parliamentary committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, has raised concerns over the increasing expanse of Waqf land across the country

Pune

Published on Feb 07, 2025 08:48 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

MCOCA also can be slapped against those who trouble, harass industries: CM directs police

His direction came on Thursday in the wake of repeated complaints by industries about alleged harassment in various parts of Pune district

NIBE Limited, which is into manufacturing critical systems for the defence sector, inaugurated its Missiles Complex and Precision Machining (Small Arms Complex) facility in Pune on Thursday in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputy Ajit Pawar. (HT PHOTO)

Pune

Published on Feb 07, 2025 06:06 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Despite rising crimes against women, few have arms licences

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rupali Patil said, “It is true that women are often victims of crime and need better protection

Furthermore, women applicants must meet the same criteria as men including proving the receipt of threats, Patil said. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Jan 30, 2025 07:18 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Sugar mills seek support to switch to multi-feed distilleries

Maharashtra's cooperative sugar mills seek financial aid to convert distilleries for year-round ethanol production using maize, boosting supply and viability.

However, states with multi-feed distilleries are producing ethanol year-round using alternative grains. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Pune

Published on Jan 29, 2025 05:28 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Environmental activists call attention to MERI report, urge immediate action

According to the MERI, the current flood lines in Pune city are inadequate and the new flood levels are significantly higher than the old ones for all river-related projects

Pune

Updated on Jan 28, 2025 09:02 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Confusion over rooftop solar panel norms leaves residents frustrated

While the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar–Muft Bijli Yojana permits solar panel installations at a height of 2 to 3 metres above the terrace, PMC’s Development Control Rules cap the height at 1.8 meters

Earlier this week, PMC took action against Treasure Park housing society in Sahakarnagar for installing solar panels that exceeded the 1.8-metre height limit. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

Pune

Updated on Jan 26, 2025 07:40 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Medha Kulkarni flags issues in riverfront project in Pune, warns of ecological impact

Medha has flagged errors in the detailed project report (DPR) and highlighted ecological issues such as shrinking riverbeds, debris dumping, and tree cutting. She has also lodged a complaint with Union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil

Pune

Updated on Jan 24, 2025 08:54 AM IST

ByAbhay Khairnar

Copy

Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin

Abhay Khairnar

He assured farmers that the government would offer them “best possible deal” in return for their land

Vasant Patil, 34, from Lakhmapur village in Satana tehsil of Nashik district, married Leena Mandale of Nanded district through an agent

According to LMC chief executive officer (CEO) Ashok Sable, the NGT had ordered removal of the encroachments in 2020 but the directive was ignored till such time a penalty had to be imposed

To which, Keskar and activist Suhas Kulkarni said that they plan to visit select project sites to verify Prithviraj BP’s claims once the data is made public

The PMC confirmed that the rebate will automatically reflect in tax bills for those who have already submitted the form

Dairy industry raises concerns over widespread sale of analogue paneer, imitation product made with vegetable oil, milk powder, maize flour, and refined flour instead of pure milk

Bansode, three-time legislator from Pimpri and member of the Scheduled Castes, is likely to be elected unopposed

Many say these schemes have caused shortfall of agricultural workers, driving up labour costs and affecting productivity

Earlier, owners of flats on leasehold or occupancy land had to seek permission from the collector’s office before selling their flats, often paying an additional amount to the government

DyCM Ajit Pawar has announced in state assembly that new beer and liquor shops in commercial premises of housing societies will require mandatory NOC from respective society

Finance minister Ajit Pawar did not announce new projects for his home district Pune in the Maharashtra budget for 2025-26

The incident occurred on February 28 at the gate of an international automobile company, where two groups clashed over work-related issues

Pune municipal commissioner Rajendra Bhosale on Tuesday presented the municipal annual budget for the financial year 2025-26 with an outlay of ₹12,618 crore

Although PMC has fallen well short of its revenue target of ₹11,601 crore for 2024-25, the civic body has proposed a budget of ₹12,618 for 2025-26, an increase of ₹1,000 crore over last year’s budget

Deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has appealed to citizens to cook chicken properly before consuming it

According to data from the sugar commissionerate, the total sugar production in Maharashtra stands at 728.67 lakh quintals, down from 879.6 lakh quintals on the same date last year

Swachh employees allege PMC did not provide plastic buckets to collect garbage and they are forced to collect waste in bags made of cloth or plastic since past two years

Patil’s remarks have fueled allegations that BJP leaders are exerting undue influence on municipal financial planning

The civic body had issued a notice to a resident of Marvel Bounty Society, Hadapsar, for keeping an excessive number of cats in a three-bedroom flat

For many years, the PMC and the irrigation department have been at odds over the dues, with the PMC stating that the irrigation department charged additional fees that the civic body did not accept

Normally, roses take 50 to 55 days to grow, but due to high temperatures, flowers were ready by the last week of January—when demand was still low in both the domestic and international markets

Thorat is among 1,000 farmers participating in an experiment that could change the future of sugarcane farming in India

The new plan includes six new BRTS routes spanning 163km, alongside a 276-km metro network, with an estimated budget of ₹1.26 lakh crore

BJP MP Medha Kulkarni, a member of the joint parliamentary committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, has raised concerns over the increasing expanse of Waqf land across the country

His direction came on Thursday in the wake of repeated complaints by industries about alleged harassment in various parts of Pune district

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rupali Patil said, “It is true that women are often victims of crime and need better protection

Maharashtra's cooperative sugar mills seek financial aid to convert distilleries for year-round ethanol production using maize, boosting supply and viability.

According to the MERI, the current flood lines in Pune city are inadequate and the new flood levels are significantly higher than the old ones for all river-related projects

While the Centre’s PM Surya Ghar–Muft Bijli Yojana permits solar panel installations at a height of 2 to 3 metres above the terrace, PMC’s Development Control Rules cap the height at 1.8 meters

Medha has flagged errors in the detailed project report (DPR) and highlighted ecological issues such as shrinking riverbeds, debris dumping, and tree cutting. She has also lodged a complaint with Union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil

Join Hindustan Times

Create free account and unlock exciting features like