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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

Thackerays’ ‘Taandav’ for trees, tigers

AI generated image Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the government for the systematic degradation of the state’s environment under the garb of development, even as the climate change poses a direct threat to the environment, economy, agriculture, public health and the future of both rural and urban centres. Questioning the state government’s claims of having planted millions of trees, he rued how the World Environment Day has been...

Thackerays’ ‘Taandav’ for trees, tigers

AI generated image Mumbai: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) President Raj Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the government for the systematic degradation of the state’s environment under the garb of development, even as the climate change poses a direct threat to the environment, economy, agriculture, public health and the future of both rural and urban centres. Questioning the state government’s claims of having planted millions of trees, he rued how the World Environment Day has been reduced to an annual ritual of tree-planting drives and clicking selfies for social media, though 90 pc of the saplings don’t survive even a day. “Only the government knows where those trees really are,” said Raj sternly. He recalled a "Blueprint of Maharashtra’s Development" he had proposed in 2015, in which he advocated how development without environmental sensitivity is hollow. Justifying, he said that the consequences are visible where roads, bridges and infrastructure projects are hailed as achievements, but even a short spell of rainfall can paralyze entire cities. Referring to recent reports on farmers returning from the fields after 10 am due to the scorching heat, Raj said that the worsening climate crisis has become an everyday reality. Citing official statistics, Raj claimed that extreme heat has caused productivity losses of nearly USD 159 billion and slashing of 160 billion work-hours annually in recent years. He mentioned the World Bank estimates that India’s GDP could plummet by 2.5-4.5 pc while 57 pc of the country’s districts sheltering 76 pc of the population stare at serious climate-related crises. Taking a swipe, he said while the governments boast about growth figures and economical rankings, they are silent on the staggering costs of environmental destruction. He questioned the development model “whether flooded cities, washed-away crops and unbearable summers” genuinely indicate progress. Claiming that Maharashtra was increasingly becoming unliveable for upto 8 months in a year, he said excessive monsoon rains disrupt rural life and urban floods cripple cities, while extreme heat make normal life a torture in summers in both urban-rural areas. Targeting the Centre, Raj alleged that nearly 173,984 hectares of forest lands were diverted in the past 11 years for mining and infrastructure projects to benefit the PM’s single favourite Adani Group. He said that these lands amount to 1,730 sqkm, or equivalent to the area of 16 Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) that is spread over barely 104 sqkm. Dissolve state wildlife board: Aaditya Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray has accused the Maharashtra government for issuing a permit to carry out mining activity in the sensitive tiger corridor between the Tadoba-Andhari and Indravati sanctuaries housing the big striped cats. In a strongly-worded letter to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Member-Secretary Sanjay Kumar, Thackeray sought his immediate personal intervention, sacking the Maharashtra State Board for Wild-Life (SBWL), revoking the permit, and probe against the Chief Wildlife Warden & Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) M. Srinivasa Reddy for the alleged lacunae. Aditya’s two-pager says the permit has been granted for “scientific exploration and excavation/systematic recovery of low-grade iron ore in existing mines in villages Hedri, Bande, Parsalgondi and Round Parsalgondi, in the Etapalli taluka of Gadchiroli district”. Last January, Aditya – MLA from Worli – had first raised the issue saying that the proposed mine would create only 120 jobs, including 32 permanent, and the estimated output is pegged at 1.1 million tons in a year. Referring to two letters of Reddy – on April 28 and May 21 – the SS (UBT) leader claimed that in communications to the state government, the PCCF had changed his stance on the issue. Aditya said that in the first letter, Reddy had effectively opposed the government plans for mining activity but in the second letter, he took a somersault, ostensibly due to government pressures or some commercial interests, “the U-turn is disgraceful and detrimental to India’s national interest” – and this abrupt shift in stance must be investigated thoroughly. In view of the contrary stance of the PCCF Reddy, entrusted with protecting the wildlife but failing to defend the NTCA and NBWL, point to serious malfunctioning of the SBWL, and hence it must be dissolved, besides reviewing all its decisions in the past three years, particularly those pertaining to hazardous activities in sensitive areas, demanded Aditya. 444 tigers roam in 11,000 sq.km As per the Status of Tiger Report (2002), and the Maharashtra Economic Survey 2025-2026, the state boasts of 444 tigers prowling in the wild along with other menacing creatures. The state’s total protected wildlife network of 88 Notified Areas of National Parks, Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves - including 6 dedicated to the striped big cats – is spread over 11,092 sq. kms as per current data.

NEET Row Puts 'Latur Pattern' Under Cloud

Latur, long celebrated as one of Maharashtra’s most prominent educational hubs, has found itself at the centre of controversy following discussions surrounding alleged irregularities and paper leak claims linked to the NEET examination. While investigations into the matter are still underway and no conclusive evidence directly connecting Latur to any organised paper leak has officially emerged so far, the city’s name has repeatedly surfaced in media discussions and social media debates, leading to widespread speculation and reputational damage.


The controversy has triggered concern among students, parents, coaching institutes, teachers and citizens, many of whom believe that Latur’s image is being unfairly tarnished without verified facts. Over the years, the city has built a nationwide reputation for academic excellence, disciplined study culture and success in competitive examinations. However, recent allegations and viral claims have placed the entire educational ecosystem under suspicion.


Education Hub

For decades, the “Latur Pattern” has been regarded as a model of academic discipline and result-oriented education. Students from rural Maharashtra and several neighbouring states have travelled to Latur to prepare for examinations such as NEET, JEE and MHT-CET. Thousands of doctors, engineers, civil servants and professionals have emerged from institutions in the city. Latur’s education model became especially popular for offering structured learning methods and comparatively affordable coaching opportunities to students from modest backgrounds. Yet, with the rapid expansion of the coaching industry and increasing pressure associated with competitive exams, concerns regarding commercialisation and extreme academic competition have also grown in recent years. Against this backdrop, the emergence of the so-called “Latur connection” in the NEET controversy has deeply disturbed the city’s academic community.


Spreading Rumours

Much of the controversy intensified after certain social media posts, alleged screenshots, viral chats, audio clips and claims regarding similarities in practice tests began circulating online. Several unverified posts linked coaching centres and students from Latur to the alleged NEET paper leak, despite the absence of official confirmation. The phrase “Latur connection” quickly began trending across platforms, resulting in widespread assumptions and speculation. Citizens say incomplete information and sensational narratives have created confusion across the country. Parents in Latur claim they have been receiving calls from relatives and acquaintances asking whether the city was truly involved in a paper leak racket. Many students say they are being viewed with suspicion merely because they belong to Latur, despite having prepared honestly for years.


Restraint by Administration

District authorities and police officials have attempted to calm the situation by urging the public not to spread misinformation. Latur Collector Dr. Bharat Bastewad has reportedly clarified that no direct evidence linking the city to any confirmed paper leak had emerged during preliminary inquiries. Authorities have acknowledged that statements from certain students, counsellors and individuals associated with coaching institutes were recorded as part of routine investigation procedures. However, officials emphasised that questioning individuals during an inquiry should not be interpreted as proof of guilt. Police sources have also indicated that several viral claims circulating on social media lack authenticity and may not withstand scrutiny during formal investigation. According to officials, many screenshots, audio recordings and online messages being shared publicly appear suspicious or unverifiable. The administration has appealed to citizens and media organisations to exercise patience until official findings are released.


Psychological Pressure

Perhaps the most severe impact of the controversy is being felt by students preparing for or appearing in competitive examinations. NEET aspirants often spend two to three years preparing rigorously, studying for 10 to 12 hours daily under immense academic pressure. Now, many students say their hard work is being overshadowed by suspicion and online allegations. Parents report that students are facing uncomfortable questions and judgment simply because they belong to Latur. Mental health experts warn that such controversies can significantly affect students’ emotional well-being. Fear of exam cancellation, uncertainty about results, and continuous public debate around cheating allegations may lead to anxiety, stress, insecurity and frustration among aspirants. Several parents have expressed concern that honest students are becoming unintended victims of a larger controversy.


Coaching Industry

The issue may also affect Latur’s extensive coaching ecosystem. Every year, thousands of students migrate to the city seeking preparation for competitive examinations. However, the present atmosphere of suspicion could impact future admissions and public confidence. Representatives from coaching institutions argue that blaming an entire city based on isolated allegations would be unjust. They have supported strict investigation and action against anyone found guilty, but insist that Latur should not be declared culpable before the inquiry is complete. Educationists believe the issue should be viewed from a broader national perspective rather than being reduced to one city’s image.


Beyond Cities

Education experts point out that allegations of paper leaks and examination malpractice are not limited to any one region. Over the years, multiple competitive examinations across India have faced accusations ranging from security breaches to organised cheating networks. Therefore, they argue, the focus should shift towards strengthening the examination system itself. Experts have called for stronger digital surveillance, tighter logistical control over question paper distribution, advanced encryption systems and stricter monitoring at examination centres. The enormous commercialisation surrounding competitive examinations, coupled with pressure to produce ranks and results at any cost, has also created conditions where unethical practices may emerge in some cases. Many believe this larger structural issue deserves serious national attention.


(The write is an Assistant Professor at Dayanand College of Commerce, Latur and a journalist. Views Personal.)

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