ASI, SJTA to collaborate on safeguarding Puri temple heritage
Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) in Puri and the Archaeological Survey of India have agreed to undertake collaborative initiatives to preserve the 12th-century shrines architectural heritage and structural integrity, officials said. SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee and ASI Director General Yaduvendra Singh Rawat Saturday held discussions on the conservation efforts for the Puri []
Fire breaks out at mattress factory in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar: A fire broke out at a mattress factory in Bhubaneswar in the early hours of Sunday, officials said. No one was injured in the blaze, though damage to property and equipment was reported, they said. The fire erupted around 1 am in the factory located in the Mancheswar area here, an official said. The []
Car crash in Odisha leaves two dead
Bhubaneswar: Two persons were killed and two others injured after the car in which they were travelling crashed into a road divider and then hit a truck on the opposite side of the road in Odishas Sambalpur district, police said Sunday. A police officer said the accident happened Saturday near Laldukhai village on National Highway []
Odisha govt to offer houses at Rs 15 lakh-Rs 50 lakh to people in Bhubaneswar: Minister Mahapatra
BHUBANESWAR : In what could come as a huge relief for aspiring home buyers amid skyrocketing real estate prices in the capital city, the state government is planning to construct and provide houses to people in an affordable range of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Saturday told mediapersons as part of the Greater Bhubaneswar and Better Bhubaneswar initiative, the government is planning to take up housing projects in the city in which dwelling units will be provided to people at very affordable prices. Currently, a house in the state capital costs at least Rs 1 crore. We are planning to provide different categories of LIG (low income group) and MIG (middle income group) houses to people in the range of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. The H&UD department is working out a comprehensive plan in this regard, Mahapatra said. He said the growing population of the city is leading to shortage of land in the capital city and imposing huge burden on the civic infrastructure. Steps are being taken to expand the capital region through implementation of town-planning schemes. The schemes implemented by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) will expand the periphery of the city allowing people to buy houses at more affordable prices, he said. The minster said plans are also being worked out for decongestion of traffic in the city. Proposals to construct overbridges at key junctions to decongest traffic is under consideration. We will also run more city buses to improve the capitals public transport system, he added. Mahapatra stressed government focus on improving the smart city infrastructure. The smart city projects implemented earlier have not been fruitful. We are working on improving these infrastructure and make them effective, he said. Action plan for Gangua nullah Bhubaneswar: The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) department will soon work out an action plan for desiltation and cleaning of Gangua nullah and Daya West Canal to increase their carrying capacity and address the problem of urban flooding in the capital city. A team led by H&UD secretary Usha Padhee carried out a field assessment on Saturday
Monsoon hit Kerala, likely to make its way into Odisha in a week
BHUBANESWAR : As the southwest monsoon set over Kerala eight days ahead of schedule, the rain-bearing weather system is expected to arrive at an early date in Odisha too. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the southwest monsoon is likely to advance over remaining parts of south peninsular and northeast India and some parts of east and central regions between May 29 and June 4. Weather experts said, the already strong monsoon current may get a further boost while advancing towards the state due to the low pressure area expected to form over the Bay of Bengal on May 27. If the favourable conditions prevail, it may arrive at least 10 days early, around June 1, they said. Monsoon normally arrives in Odisha around June 12. Last year, monsoon had reached the state on June 8, around four days earlier than usual. However, the arrival of monsoon has always been complicated. It had set on the state on June 22 in 2023, June 16 in 2022, June 10 in 2021, June 11 in 2020 and on June 21 in 2019. Monsoon normally reaches Odisha 10 to 12 days after entering Kerala. However, this year, the strong monsoon current along with the anticipated low pressure area is expected to accelerate advancement of the rain-bearing weather system towards Odisha, said an IMD official. The Centre for Environment and Climate (CEC) at SOA University in Bhubaneswar said the low pressure area may accelerate the arrival of southwest monsoon in the state. Due to the system, monsoon may reach Odisha about 10 to 12 days before earlier than usual, said CEC director, Sarat Sahu. Odisha comes under the core monsoon zone and normally receives 1,150 mm rainfall between June and September. Under the influence of the low pressure area expected to form over west-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal, rainfall activity is expected to increase in the state from next week onwards. Meanwhile, parts of the state experienced rains on Saturday under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over north coastal Odisha and the neighbourhood.
Transport departments warn against unauthorised use of vehicle beacons in Odisha
BHUBANESWAR : The state government has asked the Odisha Police and three other departments to issue suitable instructions to the subordinate offices under their administrative control against using beacons on their vehicles without approval. The direction came following allegations regarding use of single coloured red, amber light and multi-coloured flickering lights by field functionaries, who are not authorised to use them. Principal secretary of the Commerce and Transport department Usha Padhee said, There have been restrictions on use of single colour amber/red light as per the provision U/R 108 (4) of Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, relating to use of multi-coloured flickering light. So far, the Transport Commissioners office, authorised to issue permission, has not received any request from any department for grant of permission to use such lights on the official vehicles. In case the vehicles are used for the purposes as specified in the guidelines of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, then they should use the multi-coloured light with due permission in the shape of a sticker from the Transport Commissioner, the letter to the departments stated.
Master Crafters exhibition unveiled
Bhubaneswar: The Crafts Council of Odisha inaugurated the Master Crafters exhibition at Bhubaneswar Club, Saturday, showcasing the artistry of 20 master craftspeople, including national and state award winners. The two-day event showcases Odishas rich craft heritage, featuring traditional art forms such as Pattachitra, Palmleaf Engraving, Terracotta, Stone and Wood Carving, Appliqu, Golden Grass, Sabai Grass, []
CureBay raises USD 21 million to expand national footprint
BHUBANESWAR: CureBay, an Odisha-based hybrid healthcare platform, has raised USD 21 million to strengthen its in-house technology stack and expand its footprint to new states. The fresh raise of CureBay under its series B round funding from Bertelsmann India Investment is a significant milestone for the startup to build infrastructure for rural health by driving equity, access and innovations across under-served geographies in the country, officials said. They said the latest capital infusion will be utilised for strengthening of CureBays in-house proprietary technology stack and expansion to lead the equitable healthcare movement in the country. The startup operates 150 plus eClinics across Odisha and Chhattisgarh and has served around 5.5 lakh patients by utilising its AI and data capabilities for improving predictive care and operational efficiency. It is planning to expand its footprint to new states including Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Its investment plan also includes upgrading proprietary algorithms and rural-first workflow automation tools that can one day be adapted for global healthcare. CureBay founder and CEO Priyadarshi Mohapatra said the fundraiser is a mandate to build Indias trust infrastructure for rural health. The capital will help us scale technology, talent, and reach to bring dignified, affordable healthcare to the last mile, Mohapatra added. Bertelsmann India Investments MD Pankaj Makkar said their investment reflects Bertelsmann Indias strong commitment to supporting mission-driven companies that are transforming India.
Padhee reviews urban flood response in City
Bhubaneswar: In a bid to tackle urban flooding and promote sustainable water body management in the Capital region, Housing and Urban Development Department principal secretary Usha Padhee conducted an early morning visit to the Ganguanala and Daya West Canal areas here Saturday. Padhee was accompanied by key officials, including Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner Rajesh []
Sand removal from Odisha's Konark temple to begin soon: ASI DG
BHUBANESWAR: The process for removal of sand from the towering Jagamohan of the Sun temple at Konark was initiated in the presence of DG of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Yadubir Singh Rawat on Saturday. The DG ASI visited the World Heritage Site and reviewed the conservation works of the Sun temple including steps taken to facilitate removal of sand which had been ordered by the then Union Culture minister Prahlad Singh Patel in 2020. The ASI had set up a mechanical working platform for the purpose. Stones will be removed over the Antarala from the western side of the Jagamohan. The stones will be removed for the creation of a 6 ft X 5 ft hole/tunnel manually at the location where the British had originally put sand inside the monument. Officials said in the next few days, the working platform and lift will be put in place to begin drilling of the demarcated area on the western wall. Subsequently, stones will be removed carefully from the point for creation of the tunnel through which workers will be able to enter the Jagamohan. As of now, our aim will be to check the feasibility of removal of sand from the point, said a senior official. Groundbreaking ceremony for the sand removal work was done in 2022. According to reports, the extent of sand inside the Jagamohan at present is up to 19.8 metre (64.9 ft) from the bottom of the 39.6 mtr (130 ft) high monument and the sand has settled by 5.8 mtr (19 ft) from the top. Earlier, the ASI had formed a four-member committee of experts including associate professor of structural engineering at IIT-Madras Arun Menon. The panel had examined the monument and existing studies to decide on the modalities to remove sand.
Viksit Odisha to be the shining star of Viksit Bharat: CM Mohan Charan Majhi
BHUBANESWAR : Asserting that Odisha will be the growth engine in the countrys trajectory towards becoming a global economic powerhouse by 2047, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said people of the state aspire to see its economy soar to USD 1.5 trillion over the next 25 years. Addressing the 10th governing council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, Majhi said his government, which will complete one year on June 12, 2025, has laid the foundation for Samruddha Odisha, 2036 with a vision for a prosperous and empowered state. Our ambitious resolve is to build a prosperous, developed and proud Odisha - a Viksit Odisha that shines brightly within a Viksit Bharat. The people of Odisha aspire to see the states economy touch USD 500 billion by 2036 and soar to USD 1.5 trillion by 2047, the CM said. Odisha vision document to be released on June 12 The chief minister said his government has prepared an Odisha vision document with inputs from over 3.2 lakh people. Analysed using artificial intelligence, the document is a comprehensive, actionable and inclusive report and will be released by him on June 12, Majhi said, adding, he will personal ly moni tor i ts implementation. Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leveraging central assistance of Rs 73,000 crore for new railway projects, Rs 4,600 crore for national highway projects and another Rs 17,500 crore for projects which are to be sanctioned soon, Majhi said the state economy had shown a robust growth of 7.2 per cent in 2024-25. Our vision, which we have started working on, is to build world-class roads, railways and air connectivity with the support from the central government. We seek to leverage the states long coastline with port-based special economic zones, as a part of the global value chain, to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities, he added. The chief minister said his government is making all-out efforts to attract investment in textiles, garments, food processing and also new age industries for large-scale employment generation. The Make-in-Odisha conclave reinforced Odishas status as the leading investment destination in the eastern region. The state received 593 investment intents of Rs 16.73 lakh crore spread over 20 sectors with employment potential of 12.88 lakh. This surpassed the total value of investments received in the last three editions of the conclave, he informed. Expressing his governments commitment for rapid urbanisation from the current level of 17 per cent to 40 per cent by 2036 and 60 per cent by 2047, Majhi said Odisha plans to develop a metropolitan region of 7,000 sq km around Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Jatni, Cuttack, Paradip and Puri, with similar plans for other growth centres. I seek the support of the Government of India and my counterparts from other states in Odishas transformative journey towards Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat, Majhi said.
YATS team embarks on exposure visit to ISRO facilities
BHUBANESWAR : The top 30 winners of the 18th edition of the Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) on Saturday embarked on an educational exposure visit to ISROs telemetry tracking and command network and UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. The talent search is a flagship initiative by Tata Steel in collaboration with Pathani Samanta Planetarium, operating under the Science and Technology department. The journey was flagged off by the principal secretary of Science and Technology department, Chithra Arumugam at a ceremony held in the planetarium. The winning students were selected from a competition conducted among aspirants from 30 districts. Congratulating the winners who were chosen out of 71,000 participants, Arumugam said, this initiative not only celebrates the legacy of Pathani Samanta but also ignites the scientific curiosity of young minds. It has been truly inspiring for students who dream of becoming the next Sunita Williams, she said. Chief of corporate communications of Tata Steel Sarvesh Kumar said, the platform will inspire and empower future scientists.
Forest guard shot dead by poachers near Satkosia Tiger Reserve
BHUBANESWAR/DHENKANAL: In a shocking incident, a forest guard was gunned down by poachers during a late-night patrol in Dhenkanal forest division, close to Satkosia Tiger Reserve, highlighting the vulnerability of frontline forest staff and the audacity of armed criminals. Prahlad Pradhan (37) was the forest guard of Sinkol beat and also the in-charge of Hindol section in Dhenkanal forest division. He was leading the patrol team. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed condolences and announced Rs 30 lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of the slain forest guard. Official sources said the incident occurred at around 3 am on Saturday when a 13-member team led by Pradhan was on an anti-poaching patrol in Kai reserve forest of Hindol section, close to Tantichira village. The patrolling started on Friday night and continued till the early hours of Saturday. The forest team came face to face with a group of poachers, equipped with country-made firearms in a cashew orchard. When the patrol team confronted the poachers, the latter resorted to firing, in which Pradhan sustained grievous injuries. Leading from the front, Pradhan showed exceptional courage even after getting a bullet in his stomach. The brave forest guard continued to chase the poachers and managed to overpower them with the support of his team. Moments later, he fell unconscious and was rushed to Angul district headquarters hospital where he succumbed, said Dhenkanal DFO Sumit Kumar Kar. Chief wildlife warden (CWW) Prem Kumar Jha, who rushed to Hindol, said there were four poachers in the group and all have been arrested. The accused Sibram Pradhan from Hindol, Laxmidhar Aruk and Sunil Jena from Narasinghpur, and Purna Dehury from Tantichira have been handed over to Hindol police. Pradhan got best performer award A thorough probe will be conducted and stern action will be initiated against the wildlife criminals involved in the incident, Jha said. The entire forest fraternity stands with the family of Pradhan, he said and assured all support to them. Pradhan, who sacrificed his life in the line of duty, had been awarded the best forest guard at the state-level Forestry Award 2025 earlier this year. He is survived by his parents, wife who is also a forest guard, and a six-year-old daughter. Mortal remains of Pradhan were cremated with full state honours in presence of Forest and Environment minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia and Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik at Khamakhyanagar. The incident has once again flagged the threat forest frontline staff face from armed poachers and the intervention needed for their protection. In mid-2023, two forest staff of Similipal had been killed by poachers, prompting the state government to grant authority to forest personnel for use of firearms in self-defence. POACHER ATTACK Fatalities May 23, 2023 Forest guard Bimal Jena shot dead at Pithabata forest in Similipal Tiger Reserve June 17, 2023 Forester Mathy Hansdah gunned down in Upper Barhakamuda range of Similipal Tiger Reserve Injuries April 21, 2022 Protection assistant Sunaram Singh sustained bullet injury in Dukura range of Similipal March 18, 2024 Two forest staff brave bullets during a patrol in the Panchalingeswar beat of Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary
10th pass man held for Rs 12 Lakh fraud
Bhubaneswar: The Cyber Police Saturday arrested a 34-year-old man from Balasore for allegedly duping a city-based investor of Rs 12 lakh by promising high returns through a fake trading application. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena, the accused had been operating the fraudulent scheme from his in-laws residence in Balasore for an []
Awareness campaign against drug trafficking from May 31
Bhubaneswar: Odisha will launch a comprehensive programme in coordination with various departments to curb illegal drug trafficking and marijuana cultivation across the state, Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced. Harichandan stated that public awareness would be raised through traditional folk performances such as Pala, Daskathia, Goti dance, roadside plays, and school-level essay competitions aimed at educating []
Those involved in illegal mining wont be spared: Min
Love in lacquer: Puppets tie the knot in Balasore temple
Empowering slum children: One Sunday at a time
CM charts out bold path for cities growth by 2036
SJTA, ASI officials discuss Puri temple projects
Norwesters, moisture-laden winds blunt summer effect
Focus on 2 drainage channels in city to tackle urban flooding
Govt prepares action plan for monsoon
Utkal students seek eviction of encroachers
Amrapali mangoes from Dhenkanal exported to Europe
Forest guard shot dead by poachers in Dhenkanal
Iskcon faces criticism for conducting unscheduled Rath Yatra in Sandton
Govt plans to operate hydrogen buses in capital city
3 held for attacking contractors brother
Tutition teacher gets 20-yr RI for sexual assault of minor
Rain, thundershowers to continue in state till May 30: IMD
Govt sanctions Rs 2.20cr for building boundary wall of BU hostel
Traditional boat making trade sinks in Kendrapada
Min distributes Sabitri Brata kits to 700 women
Koraput admn to open 73 mandis to procure 56,644MT of paddy
Govt examining release plea of Staines murder convict: Min
Man killed in ambulance-truck collision
3 held for attacking contractor
Volunteers step up efforts to quench thirst of wildlife
Forest guard shot dead by poachers, CM announces Rs 30 lakh compensation
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep grief over the death of Forest Guard Prahlad Pradhan and announced a compensation of Rs 30 lakh to his family. Sources said Forest Guard Prahlad Pradhan was shot dead by poachers during a patrol inside the Rajmohanpur forest in Hindol forest range early Saturday morning. []
Odisha initiates measures to protect paddy in Mandis as IMD predicts onset of pre-monsoon rains
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated comprehensive measures to protect paddy stocks in mandis amid the ongoing Rabi procurement season, following predictions from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about the onset of pre-monsoon rains in the state. With several regions already experiencing unseasonal rainfall, the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department has taken proactive steps []
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the developments taking place in the state under the BJP government. Majhi, who is on a four-day tour to the national capital, had earlier on the day attended the NITI Aayogs governing council meeting before meeting the Prime Minister. He []
Pre-monsoon showers lash Odisha in relief from scorching heat, more rain on cards
Odisha experiences relief from intense heat due to pre-monsoon showers. The IMD forecasts heavy rain and thunderstorms across the state until May 30. A cyclonic circulation over north coastal Odisha is the reason for the weather. A low-pressure area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal around May 27. Koraput and Bhubaneswar received significant rainfall.
Odisha anti-corruption officials nab engineer over disproportionate assets
Bhubaneswar: Odisha anti-corruption vigilance officials Saturday arrested a junior engineer after seizing Rs 55 lakh in cash and 1.4 kg gold from his possession, an official said. The arrested official, identified as Susanta Kumar Sethy, was working under the Roads and Buildings Division at Khariar in Nuapada district. Sethy was arrested on charges of possessing []
Forest guard killed by armed poachers during patrol near Odisha's Satkosia Tiger Reserve
BHUBANESWAR: A forest guard was gunned down by poachers while carrying out his duty in a protected area close to Satkosia Tiger Reserve, highlighting the perils of frontline forest staff and the prevalence of armed criminals in the state. Prahallad Pradhan was serving as the forest guard of Sinkol beat and also the in-charge of Hindol section in Dhenkanal forest division. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi who paid condolences to the bereaved family of Pradhan announced Rs 30 lakh ex gratia to the next of kin of the slain forest guard. Official sources said the incident took place early morning on Saturday, when the forest officers and staff of Dhenkanal Forest division led by regional chief conservator of forests (RCCF), Angul were on night patrol in and around Rajmanoharpur reserve forest of Hindol range. The patrolling started on Friday night and continued till early hours of Saturday. During their duty in the small hours, the forest team came face to face with a group of poachers, equipped with country-made firearms in the area. The poachers immediately resorted to firing in which Pradhan sustained grievous injuries and succumbed to the bullets. He is survived by his wife, who is also a forest guard, and a daughter. PCCF (Wildlife) and chief wildlife warden (CWW) Prem Kumar Jha, rushed to Hindol following the incident. He said four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. A thorough probe will be conducted and stern action will be initiated against the wildlife criminals involved in the incident, he said. The chief wildlife warden said the entire forest fraternity stands with the family of Pradhan and assured all support to them in this time of grief. Mortal remains of Pradhan will be cremated with full state honors in presence of Forest minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, Panchayati Raj minister Rabi Narayan Naik and others at Khamakhyanagar. The incident, meanwhile, has once again flagged the mounting threat forest frontline staff are facing from armed poachers in the state and the intervention needed for their protection. Two forest staff of Similipal Tiger Reserve had also been killed by the armed poachers in mid 2023, prompting the state government to grant immunity to forest personnel for use of firearms for self-defence while dealing with the poachers to protect forest-based resources in the state.
Work On Bhubaneswar Ring Road To Begin Within A Month: Minister Prithviraj Harichandan
Sharing key updates, the minister informed that land acquisition is nearing completion and will be finalised in the coming weeks, clearing the way for groundwork to begin
Odisha To Roll Out Hydrogen-powered Buses, Pioneering Green Public Transport In Eastern India
An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Saturday between the state government and a leading clean energy firm, marking a significant milestone in Odishas green energy roadmap. Under the agreement, a fleet of three hydrogen buses will begin trial operations in Bhubaneswar in the coming weeks
Riverside villagers demand repair of embankments before monsoon
3 get life term for raping mentally ill girl
After HC contempt warning, CMC commissioner assures to enforce stay on vending zone work
HC chides CMC commissioner for flouting court's stay order on vending zone at Law Varsity
The Orissa High Court has warned the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) of contempt action for flouting a stay order on the construction of a vending zone near Madhusudan Law University. The CMC Commissioner assured the court to enforce the stay and prevent further construction.
Vigilance to probe massive mining scam in Odisha's Sundargarh district
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a Vigilance probe into illegal mining worth 39 crore in Sundargarh district. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed after unauthorized extraction of coal, manganese, and iron ore was discovered in Hemagiri and Koida tehsils. The illegal activities targeted forest lands, raising environmental concerns.
BHUBANESWAR: The land administration system in the state, particularly in the most sought after capital region, seems to have fallen into a vice like grip of the land mafia and real estate operators with tehsildars playing the role of obliging facilitators. The extent of corruption has been exposed by the additional commissioner of the Additional Revision Court, Bhubaneswar, Pradeep Kumar Nayak highlighting how tehsildars in Khurda district have illegally effected mutations and corrected record of rights (RoRs) by undermining and subverting the law. In a letter (accessed by The New Indian Express ) to the additional chief secretary (ACS) of Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM) department, the additional commissioner of Court-I, II and IV has flagged serious concerns over illegal land mutations and arbitrary corrections in RoRs by the tehsildars of Bhubaneswar and Jatni in connivance with real estate operators and land mafia. During hearings in the court, it was found that the tehsildars of Bhubaneswar and Jatni have corrected RoRs involving transaction of the suit land in Sabik (old) RoRs, which is illegal and arbitrary. This undermines the authority of the Board of Revenue and the R&DM department as the illegal mutation is not tenable in the eyes of law and they have clearly guided by pecuniary/extraneous considerations, the letter stated. Stating that the illegal mutations by tehsildars is nothing but a blatant violation of the Orissa High Courts judgment in Harihar Mohapatra vs Commissioner of Land Records and Survey (OJC No. 9621/1996) case, the additional commissioner said, the judgment clearly prohibits tehsildars from admitting mutation applications related to pre-settlement land transfer transactions that occurred before the final publication of Sabik RoRs. Acting on the verdict, the state government had issued an order in May 1999, restricting revenue officers from entertaining such mutation requests. It is a corrupt and criminal practice as there have been cases of illegal settlements/RoR corrections of government land/deity land/common property resources. This amounts to disrespect to law abiding citizens fighting their cases in revision courts and it is a case of criminal conspiracy by tehsildars and builders/land mafia by bypassing Revision Courts, the letter state. Addl commissioner seeks immediate cancellation of RoRs It has been found that the mutations and RoR corrections were done in exchange of illicit benefits. In some cases, revision petitions were already pending before the Revision Court, but the petitioners, allegedly in collusion with revenue officials, went ahead and secured favourable RoR corrections from the tehsildars, thereby bypassing the judicial process. Nayak listed out a number of cases in Bhatkhuri, Janla, Sathuakera-Gopalpur, Ogalpada and Harapur mouzas under Jatni tehsil and Andharua, Gothapatna, Krushna Nagar, Dumduma and Gadakana mouzas under Bhubaneswar tehsil, in which RoR corrections, in some cases from government land and anabadi khata, and illegal mutations have been made in violation of R&DM departments order. Underlining that failure and delay in initiating enquiry and disciplinary proceedings will not prevent the corrupt practices by tehsildars, Nayak has urged the ACS to treat these illegalities sincerely and take necessary action. He has proposed urgent reforms in the digital infrastructure managed by NIC and the Directorate of Land Records and Survey (DLRS) by introducing mandatory certification in the online mutation software. He also recommended immediate procedural guidelines for the cancellation of all illegally modified RoRs. Additional chief secretary of R&DM department DK Singh did not respond to calls and messages from TNIE.
CB arrests Cambodia-based NRI for duping jobseekers
2 elephant herds wreak havoc in 2 districts, villagers in panic
Likely low pressure area may trigger more rain in state: IMD
House of peddler & murder accused razed
Govt effects minor reshuffle of OAS officers
4 arrested for ganja smuggling
3 cows die of rabies in Kendrapada village
553 tagged turtles returned to Rushikulya in three years: Scientist
Man, minor grandson drown in river
Plan to install anti-drone tech in Puri temple
Parents stir for declaration of CBSE results of 6 Bargarh schools
Abandoned child rescued from cradle point at DHH
Bar on visitors at city airport to continue amid heightened vigil
HC orders halt to black stone mining in Jajpur reserve forest
Fugitive murder accused arrested after 14 years
Senior clerk held for taking bribe of Rs 10,000
Consumer court orders IRCTC, ticket app co to pay Rs 10,000 for partial refund
Foreign national enters Lingaraj temple, rituals disrupted
BHUBANESWAR: Rituals at the Lingaraj Temple were disrupted for hours on Friday after a Romanian tourist was found inside the temple premises on Friday. The tourist was identified as Vasilache Andrei-Cristian. He entered the temple at around 12 pm. Some servitors suspecting his nationality informed police and temple supervisor and he was whisked away to the temple office. Verification of his credentials revealed that he is a Christian. Police questioned him for an hour before he was let go. Notably, the entry of non-Hindus is prohibited in Lingaraj temple and a signboard is displayed at the temple gate informing devotees about it. Chief of the Brahmana Nijog Biranchi Narayan Pati said a purification ritual was subsequently performed in the temple and the abhada prepared for Lord Lingaraj worth thousands of rupees was dumped in Amunia pool. The temple servitors, however, questioned the security frisking at the entrance of the temple. This is not the first time that foreign nationals have entered the temple. It is surprising that temple officials and police are not able to recognise them during their entry. This results in disruption of rituals and also, wastage of a lot of abhada that is cooked. It is the Suar Mahasuar Nijog that bears the cost of this wastage, Pati said. Sources in the temple office said from his appearance, they could not recognise him as a foreign national. Meanwhile, the schedule for Sital Sasthi celebration at Lingaraj temple was finalised at a preparatory meeting on Friday. While the divine wedding will take place on May 30 at Kedar Gauri temple, the deities will return to Lingaraj temple the next day. It was decided that the wedding procession will begin from Lingaraj temple at 10.40 pm on May 30 and the wedding will be over by 3 am. The divine couple will return to Lingaraj temple the next day at 9.30 pm.
Man wanted for job fraud of Rs one crore held on return from Cambodia
CUTTACK: The Crime Branch of Odisha Police has arrested a person for duping two engineers of Rs 1 crore and Rs 5 lakh on the promise of providing jobs, from Bhubaneswar. Crime Branch DG Vinaytosh Mishra said in 2018, the accused Bishnu Prasad Patnaik alias Biranchi Patnaik of Begunia in Khurda district had fled to Cambodia in 2022 and had been staying there since. He came to India this month and following a tip-off, was arrested, the DG said. Mishra said Patnaik had taken Rs 90 lakh from an aeronautical engineer on the promise of providing a job in British Airways and then Lufthansa Airways. He even created fake offer letters and appointment letters. In the second case, the accused had duped an electronics engineer to the tune of Rs 15 lakh for providing a lucrative job abroad. Initially, the two cases were registered at Gunupur police station and later the Crime Branch took over the investigation. During investigation, it is found that Patnaik introduced himself as a medical doctor, professor, engineer, and other false professions to the victims. The accused had created forged letters of offer and appointment under the names of international consultancy companies like HR Maxons and Lufthansa Technik, a reputed German aviation company. He also forged documents like address proof and driving licence to conceal his identity and whereabouts. While the investigation was in progress, the accused fled to Cambodia and purportedly created a fake passport to conceal his identity. A Look Out Circular was issued against him in 2019. To evade arrest, he had been staying in Cambodia since 2022 and claimed to have started an IT company there. Further investigation is on to identify more victims and possible accomplices of Patnaik, Mishra said.
Experts call for compassion, early intervention
RESHMI YADAV, OP Bhubaneswar: Schizophrenia, termed as a chronic mental disorder, affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, continues to be misunderstood and stigmatised across the society, despite of increasing awareness and treatment options. Experts on mental health urge the public to treat schizophrenia like any other medical conditionone that is diagnosable, treatable, and []
Odisha Government empowers blind persons with NAVINAUT guidance
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to make movement easy and obstacle-free for visually-impaired people, the state government has started distributing LiDAR-guided electronic assistive device NAVINAUT to them. The device can help them detect obstacles on the roads and alert them through vibrations. Director of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities department Niyati Patnaik on Friday provided these devices to 60 blind people at a camp in the city. Developed by Hyderabad-based startup Alien Innovations, founded by T Ravi Kiran, the device acts like a torch, helping visually-impaired persons navigate through roads safely. The compact device will detect impediments on the roads early, sending vibration alerts to the user. Speaking on the occasion, Kiran said the mobility device is a rechargeable battery-powered device and will work for about a month on a single charge. It uses modern laser-guided LiDAR technology through which the user can easily know the distance and height of the obstacle. While the device has already been put to use in states like Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, it is being provided to blind persons in Odisha for the first time. They will be trained in using them by the department.
Pradhan welcomes Kotia panel decision
Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Friday welcomed the state governments decision to form a committee aimed at finding a permanent solution to the issues concerning the Kotia villages. Kotia is an integral part of Odisha, and our sentiments are deeply connected with the people of Kotia, Pradhan stated on his X handle. The state []
30 students embark on ISRO tour under YATS
Bhubaneswar: Thirty students from across Odisha, selected as winners of the prestigious Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2025, began their educational tour to ISROs Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network and UR Rao Satellite Centre at Bengaluru Friday. The initiative, jointly organised by Tata Steel and Pathani Samanta Planetarium under Science and Technology department []
House of key accused in murder of Sahadev Nayak razed by BMC
BHUBANESWAR: The house of Rama Nayak, the alleged mastermind in the brutal murder of police mitra and sanitation supervisor Sahadev Nayak in the capital, was demolished by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday on the ground of encroachment and illegal construction. BMC deputy commissioner (enforcement) Ajaya Mohanty said they had received reports of encroachment in six cases in Kedarpalli slum. However, after verification it was found that four houses had land rights certificates (LRC) under Jaga Mission, while the remaining two houses, belonging to Rama Nayak, were found to be constructed illegally. Mohanty said notices were served to the two houses twice within a fortnight to vacate the premises, after which the enforcement squad of the BMC demolished the illegal structures on Friday. Sources said apart from encroachment, both police and the civic body had also received allegations regarding involvement of Nayak in the heinous crime and other anti-social activities in the area causing panic among the residents in the locality. Sahadev Nayak, a 32-year-old sanitation supervisor with the BMC from the same slum, was hacked to death in broad daylight on the Rasulgarh overbridge of NH 16 on January 8. Nayak, alleged to be the key conspirator in the case, was arrested by the Commissionerate Police in February. Police said Ramas associate Raja, who is also an accused in the case is still absconding and efforts are on to nab him. The demolition of house of the accused involved in such crime and illegal activities is an exemplary action, said a senior police official.
Odisha Government readies monsoon action plan to tackle urban flooding
BHUBANESWAR : Anticipating an above-normal rainfall in the ensuing monsoon season, the state government has worked out a comprehensive Urban Flood and Waterlogging Management action plan to tackle waterlogging in different cities and towns effectively. The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) department has asked all the urban local bodies (ULBs) follow it strictly for safeguarding public health, infrastructure and urban livelihoods through necessary preventive, preparatory and responsive measures in the event of heavy rainfall. The action plan will be implemented through proactive planning and community participation. The main objective is to ensure urban areas in the state remain resilient, safe and prepared for the challenges of an intense monsoon, said Housing and Urban Development minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. As per the action plan, the ULBs will carry out inspection of all major and internal drains and ensure their desiltation and repair before monsoon. Focus will be more on repairing damaged covers and removing encroachments obstructing drainage channels. The ULBs will also install bar screens and wire meshes in tertiary drains to filter out solid waste and prevent blockages during peak rainfall. Personnel will be deployed for continuous monitoring and waste removal. Identification of waterlogging hotspots will be carried out across all urban areas for pre-deployment of pump sets and emergency equipment. Zone-level officers will be appointed for real-time emergency response in these areas. Machinery will be kept in readiness by the civic administrations to clear roads, blocked due to uprooted trees or damage to infrastructure in heavy rain or storm, in a swift manner. The drinking water services, however, will be restored immediately by WATCO and PHEO in a coordinated manner, the action plan stated. The government has also asked the urban local bodies to keep the multi-purpose cyclone shelters and public buildings in readiness to use them as emergency shelters, in the time of need. Structural safety, water, sanitation, food supply, and security, especially for women and vulnerable populations, will be ensured in these shelters.
OMFED booth owner among 2 held for assaulting BMC official
Bhubaneswar: An OMFED booth owner and his associate were arrested by the Badagada police Friday for allegedly assaulting a BMC official during an eviction drive Wednesday. The civic body staffer had suffered arm injuries after the miscreants chased and attacked him, said Badagada police station Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) Trupti Ranjan Nayak. IIC Nayak identified the miscreants []
Govt plans anti-drone system for Srimandir
Bhubaneswar: The state government Friday said it was contemplating installing an anti-drone system to bolster the security at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the system can help detect, track and neutralise unauthorised or potentially malicious drones. We are mulling over the idea of installing an anti-drone system for added []
Tribal leaders urge Odisha CM Majhi, Minister Pujari to stop renaming villages of Bengali settlers
MALKANGIRI: Amid stiff opposition from the Zilla Adivasi Samaj Mahasangha to the state governments decision to rename 220 villages inhabited by Bengali settlers in Malkangiri, Chitrakonda MLA Mangu Khilla and president of Dandakaranya liberation organisations state unit Lalit Narayan Madkami on Friday met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneswar and urged him to scrap the move. Khilla, who is also the general secretary of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, and Madkami also met Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari in this connection. The duo submitted memorandums to the CM and Pujari requesting them to stop the ongoing process to give revenue status to the Bengali settlers villages. They said the move violates Article 244 of the Constitution which outlines provisions for administration and control of scheduled and tribal areas of undivided Koraput districts under the fifth schedule. The government is bound under Article 244 to protect the interest of tribal people and hold gram sabha meetings for consultation. It must abide by the tribal advisory council recommendation to understand their concerns and suggestions. The administration of scheduled and tribal areas is governed by Article 244 which vests special powers in the governor to ensure the protection of tribal rights and interests, they said. The governments move to rename the Bengali villages and give them revenue status will have far-reaching implications for tribal communities including potential loss of land rights, cultural identity and autonomy. We urged the chief minister and revenue minister to stop the ongoing exercise immediately and engage the tribal community in consultation through gram sabha and tribal advisory council meetings keeping the potential implications of the proposal, they told this paper. At present, there are 220 Bengali villages in the district of which 136 are Malkangiri villages (MV) and 84 Malkangiri Potteru villages (MPV). In Kalimela block alone, there are 41 Malkangiri villages followed by 55 Malkangiri Potteru villages. The Zilla Adivasi Samaj Mahasangha is opposing the governments decision tooth and nail forcing the district administration to put the ongoing gram sabha and palli sabha meetings on hold.
Banks asked to achieve credit target of Rs 2.52 lakh crore in FY 2025-26
BHUBANESWAR: Development commissioner Anu Garg on Friday stressed the need to achieve 100 per cent annual credit plan (ACP) target to the tune of Rs 2.52 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26. Addressing the 179th state level bankers committee meeting along with the special SLBC on financial inclusion and financial literacy of Odisha here, she said the role of adequate credit is critical as Odisha marches towards 2036 with an aspiration to become a developed state. She urged the bankers to support the recently launched financial assistance to cold storage scheme, aimed at strengthening the storage ecosystem of the state to minimise the post-harvest loss and prevent distress sale by farmers, initially covering all the 58 subdivisions in the state. Executive director of UCO Bank VN Kamble appreciated the bankers for achieving a 100 per cent target in the agriculture sector, but expressed his concern for not achieving ACP in the MSME sector. He urged them to prioritise lending to MSMEs which are the major contributors to the economy. Principal secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment department Arabinda Kumar Padhee called upon banks to support entrepreneurship under agriculture and allied sector. Principal secretary of Finance department Saswat Mishra emphasised on improving performance by private sector banks in government sponsored schemes like Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PM Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme and PM Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi). Regional director of RBI Bhubaneswar Sarada Prasan Mohanty stressed the efforts of the lead district managers for conducting town hall meetings to resolve the issues of MSME entrepreneurs and promote government schemes at the district level. Principal secretaries Usha Padhee and Suresh Kumar Vashishth, convener of SLBC and senior bank officials were present among others.
Odisha CM Majhi orders Vigilance probe into massive illegal mining in Sundargarh district
BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday ordered a Vigilance investigation into the large-scale illegal mining in Hemgir and Koida tehsils of Sundargarh district. A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed by the anti-corruption bureau to probe the case. On April 4, a team of Sundargarh administration had detected massive illegal coal inside Telendihi revenue forest. Subsequently, unauthorised coal mining was unearthed in Ratansara and Bhograkachhar forests. The administration found illegally-mined pits and coal dumps besides an unauthorised brick kiln with above two lakh finished bricks in Bhograkachhar forest. On April 18, the chief minister sent Steel and Mines minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena and Forest and Environment minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia to the illegal mining sites and asked them to submit a report. The two ministers had visited around a dozen illegal mining sites and had discussed the matter with the mining and forest officials. Announcing the decision, steel and mines minister Jena said that the chief minister is known for taking a strong stand against corruption, particularly in mining activities. Jena said the action reflects the state governments policy of zero tolerance towards any form of corruption. The chief minister has asked the Vigilance to expose all culprits involved in this loot of mineral resources, the minister said. Stating that the government has taken the illegal mining activities very seriously, the minister assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible. The steel and mines department said over 9,843 tonne of coal worth about Rs 2 crore were found to have been extracted from 22 coal mines of Hemgir tehsil. Of these, 14 mines were in Gopalpur village, three were in Ratansara and five were in Bhograkachhar village. All these illegal mines were on forest land. There was also information that illegally mined coal was hidden in Jamkhan reserve forest area and Bhograkachhar village. Similarly, in Koida tehsil, 50 illegal manganese and iron ore mines were detected and ore worth over Rs 37 crore was found. From these mines, 20,000 tonne manganese and over 1,200 tonne iron ore were extracted.
Odisha rolls out urban flooding action plan ahead of monsoon
Bhubaneswar: As the monsoon approaches, the Odisha government Friday rolled out a detailed action plan to tackle urban flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable areas. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have been directed to prioritise drainage clearance, shelter arrangements, and interdepartmental coordination to minimise risks during the rainy season. The Housing and Urban Development Departments circular highlights []
Four held with 26 kg ganja in Odisha
Berhampur: Four persons, including three from West Bengal, were arrested Friday with over 26 kg ganja in Odishas Ganjam district, police said. The accused were trying to transport the ganja from Phulbani area to Kolkata via Bhubaneswar, when the police foiled their plan by intercepting them at Nindhipalli under Bhanjanagar police limits, an officer said. []
Odisha: Three held for attacking engineering student with swords
Bhubaneswar: Three persons were arrested in Bhubaneswar Friday for allegedly attacking an engineering student with swords, police said. The incident took place late May 20 when the accused allegedly attacked Rudra Narayan Patra, a second-year B. Tech student in an open field near Mancheswar industrial estate of the city, they said. An old enmity is []
Odisha Police arrest NRI conman involved in job fraud cases
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police have arrested an NRI conman for duping professionals of lakhs of rupees on the pretext of securing well-paid jobs abroad, DGP of Odisha Crime Branch Vinaytosh Mishra said Friday. The accused Bishnu Prasad Pattnaik alias Biranchi Narayan hails from Begunia police station area of Khurda district. The accused cheated a qualified aeronautical []
Congress ends 24-hour dharna near Odisha CMs home, vows SEBC quota push
Bhubaneswar: Opposition Congress Friday ended its 24-hour dharna near Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhis residence demanding 27 per cent reservation in education and jobs for Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBCs) in the state. However, the party vowed to take the fight for enhanced quota for the SEBCs, or as OBCs are categorised in []
International meet on Odisha-Southeast Asia ties to begin May 24
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will host a two-day international conference on Kalinga and Southeast Asia: The Civilisational Connect May 24 and 25. Aimed at exploring the deep-rooted historical, maritime and cultural ties between ancient Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) and Southeast Asian nations, the conference promises to bring global attention to Odishas rich civilisational legacy, a senior []
State to announce new excise policy by June 20, says Prithviraj Harichandan
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha governments new excise policy will be announced by June 20, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said Friday. We are going to implement a three-year-long excise policy in a calibrated manner. We have formed several teams to study the excise policies of various states, and these teams have already started their visits. That is []
