Lessees must install CCTVs at mineral sites: Government

BHUBANESWAR : In a move to curb illegal lifting of minor minerals, the state government has made installation of CCTVs at the quarry sites and GPS surveillance of the excavation and transportation mandatory. As per the new modalities, the lessees will have to maintain single entry and exit points, install internet protocol-based CCTVs and signboards at quarry site and ensure that the vehicles engaged in transportation of materials must have vehicle location tracking device (VLTD). The lessees should install signboards both in English and Odia at the quarry sites with a height and width of 4 ft and 3.5 ft respectively showing all the pertinent information regarding the quarry and submit compliance regarding pillar posting of all minor mineral sources. The directorate of minor minerals has asked the deputy director mines and mining officers to circulate the modalities among the lessees and ensure strict compliance. The directorate has warned that any deviation/laxity will be taken seriously with dire consequences, including suspension of lease of the lessee concerned as per provisions laid down in Odisha Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016 and subsequent amendments. The direction came at a time when the state government is preparing to put in place a robust surveillance network to check illegal mining and transportation of minor minerals before going for auction of 636 newly-identified minor minerals sites spread over 17 districts. Last month, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja had directed all collectors to identify new sources of minor minerals, including sand and black stone in a bid to double the number of the current sources and prepare for survey reports for auction by October. He had also asked the SPs of all districts to step up enforcement against illegal mining and transportation of minerals by conducting surprise raids at sources and routes.

Secretaries asked to hold periodic review

BHUBANESWAR : The state government on Monday instructed secretaries of all departments to ensure periodic performance review of government employees to weed out inefficient officials and those having doubtful integrity. In a letter to all secretaries, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja said that instructions issued by the General Administration department for premature retirement of officers and employees of doubtful integrity and patent inefficiency are not being adhered to. It has come to the notice of the government that principles enumerated in the circular issued by the GA department on September 24, 2019 are not being adhered to in totality by many departments. As a result, the very purpose for which these instructions are issued, is defeated and the officers and staffs who are clearly lacking in integrity and standard of efficiency, are continuing in government jobs. This not only brings inefficiency in the system but highly detrimental to public interest also, Ahuja said.. The chief secretary has further instructed all secretaries that all the heads of departments functioning under their control should hold review meetings positively in scheduled time.

Doctors stress greater awareness for hereditary angioedema

BHUBANESWAR : Hereditary angioedema is a rare genetic disorder which can affect several members of the family, said experts at a CME organised at SCB Medical College and Hospital at Cuttack. Addressing students and faculty of various departments, professor of clinical immunology and rheumatology Dr Bidyut Das said hereditary angioedema usually starts in childhood and goes undiagnosed because of poor awareness among patients and doctors alike. Recently the doctors in the department were able to diagnose this rare condition in six members of a family. The severity of the disease can be understood by the fact that three members of the family had died without the disease being recognised. The disease is characterised by episodic swelling of the face, lips, limbs, larynx or the gastrointestinal tract. Laryngeal edema can sometimes be life threatening, said Dr Ankur Jindal from the department of Paediatrics, PGI Chandigarh. Organising secretary of the CME, assistant professor Manoj Kumar Parida presented the data about patients diagnosed at SCB MCH. Several families were screened for hereditary angioedema. The rheumatology unit is planning to establish SCB as a referral centre for Odisha and a Centre of Excellence for this rare condition so that many precious lives can be saved by timely diagnosis and management, said Dr Das. Former DMET Dr Prasanna Das, superintendent SVPPGI, Cuttack Dr Pravakar Mishra and paediatric rheumatologist from Ranchi Dr Neha Singh also spoke among others.

OERC keeps power tariff unchanged for 2025-26

BHUBANESWAR : In a major relief to consumers, the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has kept the retail power tariff unchanged for all categories of consumers for the ensuing 2025-26 financial year. The regulator had reduced tariff by 10 paise for domestic consumers in the current 2024-25 fiscal. Explaining the salient features of the tariff order, to be effective from April 1, at a media conference here, OERC secretary Priyabrat Patnaik said the commission has not effected any hike in the electricity charges for the fourth consecutive year. The last hike was in 2021-22 when an overall increase of 5.6 per cent (30 paise per unit) for all categories of consumers except BPL and irrigation was effected. The notable feature of the tariff order is that consumers with smart meters up to 2 kilo watt connected load will be exempted from meter rent of `60 per month. The cost of the meter rent will be borne by the state government as an incentive to encourage consumers to opt for smart meters, a move vigorously pushed by Tata Power. Patnaik said consumers with pre-paid meters will get a four per cent rebate on pre-paid amount and the low transmission (LT) domestic and single-phase general purpose consumers will continue to enjoy four per cent digital payment rebate. All consumers provided with smart meters and contract demand of more than 10 KW, except irrigation and agriculture consumers will be eligible for a time of day (ToD) rebate of 20 paise per unit in energy charge during solar hours (8 am to 4 pm). They will pay a surcharge of 30 paise per unit during peak hours (6 pm to midnight). OERC marks AT&C loss at 17.33 per cent The primary goal of ToD tariff is to encourage consumers to reduce their electricity consumption during peak hours (when demand is high and costs are higher) and increase it during off-peak hours (when demand is lower and costs are lower). Allowing a revenue gap of Rs 798 crore in the annual revenue requirement of GRIDCO for the ensuing financial year, OERC in the bulk supply tariff order said the trading utility will make up the shortfall from bulk trading of surplus power. The commission has marginally increased the average bulk supply price (BSP) from 328.20 paise to 330.66 paise per unit as against GRIDCOs demand for a hike of 53.64 paisa per unit. The aggregated technical and commercial (AT&C) loss approved for tariff determination was 17.33 per cent for 2025-26 as against 18.79 per cent approved for 2024-25, Patnaik said. Power order No tariff hike for 2025-26 Rs 60 meter rent exemption for smart meters 4% rebate for pre-paid meters ToD rebate of 20p per unit during solar hours for contract demand of over 10 KW They will pay 30p surcharge during peak hours

Second wave arribada at Rushikulya brings joy, and worry for officials

BHUBANESWAR : The second wave of arribada at Rushikulya rookery in Ganjam district - a rare occurrence at Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites - has brought both joy and worry for forest officials. While more than 1.2 lakh turtles have already laid their eggs during the second phase of nesting which started from Friday, the nesting has raised fears over the safety of the eggs that had been laid during the first phase in February. The officials are now in wait and watch mode to see what impact the two mass nesting events will have on hatchlings. Officials of Berhampur forest division said the mass nesting resumed on March 21 was expected to end by Sunday. However, despite rains, it is continuing and expected to go on for a few more days. About 1.2 lakh Olive Ridleys have already laid eggs in this phase. We are expecting the number to go close to two lakh as a large number of turtles are still congregated in the shore waters and ready to lay eggs, said assistant conservator of forests of Khalikote, Dibya Shankar Behera. However, with the turtles laying eggs at the same stretch where the arribada in the first phase continued from February 16 to 23, at least 5 to 10 per cent eggs may get damaged in the process. Hatching of crores of eggs laid previously by the Olive Ridleys on the 7-10 km stretch of the rookery is fast approaching and expected to take place anytime in the first two weeks of April. The second wave of nesting at the same site within the same season has presented a significant challenge. As new turtles arrive to lay eggs, their digging activity risks disturbing and damaging the earlier nests, potentially affecting the survival of the hatchlings already developing beneath the sand. It takes around 45 days for the eggs to hatch, Behera said. Berhampur DFO Sunny Khokhar said all protection measures for the turtles have been put in place. However, it is to be seen what impact the two arribadas will have on hatchlings at the site this year, he said. Rabindranath Sahu, the founding head of Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee, said, This is the fourth time mass nesting has taken place twice in a season at the site. Previously, such nestings had been recorded in 2006, 2011 and 2018. However, the phenomenon is something that no one can do much about, he said. In the first wave, Rushikulya rookery saw a record 7.2 lakh Olive Ridley turtles arriving at the nesting site this year, the highest in recent decades. The arribada lasted for eight days, from February 16 to 23.

President Droupadi Murmu calls for tourism development of Kaliapalli

BHUBANESWAR/NAYAGARH: President Droupadi Murmu has called for development of Kaliapalli in Nayagarh as a popular tourist destination. Attending the foundation day ceremony of Bharatiya Biswabasu Shabar Samaj at Kaliapalli on Monday, the President said the place has the potential to become a popular tourist destination and development of infrastructure in the area would attract tourists and pilgrims. Speaking about tribal lifestyle, she said a nature-friendly lifestyle is the characteristic of Indian culture and also an integral part of tribal life. Tribal brothers and sisters worship forests, trees etc., as gods. According to tribal beliefs, the souls of their ancestors reside in the forest. This belief is a great mantra of forest protection, the President added. She added that the government is implementing various schemes for empowerment and self-reliance of tribal brothers and sisters while preserving and promoting their art and culture. She urged them to be aware about the welfare schemes and take advantage of them. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi accompanied the President. Majhi said the Centres Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which aims for the holistic development of tribal communities and villages, will cover 7,667 villages of 27 districts in Odisha. After the BJP government was formed in Odisha, it has sanctioned funds for development of Nayagarh region. This includes Rs 15 crore for construction of Pathani Samanta planetarium, Rs 6 crore for setting up of a science park and Rs 2 crore for development of Pathani Samanta Smruti Peetha, he added. Earlier in the day, the President travelled to Nayagarh from Bhubaneswar and offered prayers at the Lord Nilamadhab temple.

MD of real estate firm held for duping cop of Rs 18 lakh

BHUBANESWAR : Police on Monday arrested the managing director of real estate firm M/s Ultra Look Ventures private limited for allegedly duping a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel of Rs 18.65 lakh on the promise of providing him a flat in one of his projects here. Police said accused Narottam Mohanty had taken the money towards advance from complainant Umakanta Panigrahi, who is posted as CRPF constable in Chhattisgarh, to provide him a flat in his project - Maa Santoshi Enclave. After coming to know about Mohantys fraudulent activities in the past, Panigrahi told him that he did not want to purchase the flat. However, Mohanty failed to return the complainants money. The office of the accused is in Kharavela Nagar area. On receiving a complaint, Kharavela Nagar police registered a case and arrested him. Police said two other persons - Sanjay Kumar Panda and Manoranjan Patra have also alleged that Mohanty cheated them of Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh respectively on the promise of providing flats. Tamando police had earlier in 2019 arrested Mohanty for allegedly duping a person of Rs 3 crore on the pretext of providing him a plot.

Nine more villages to be brought under BMC fold

BHUBANESWAR : The state government has begun the work to expand the BMCs jurisdiction bringing more villages from the city outskirts under its fold to cater to the needs of the rising population in the city and its periphery. Sources in the H&UD department said apart from earmarking of land for a new city, proposals have been sent to Khurda collector Chanchal Rana for inclusion of Sijua village of Ranasingpur gram panchayat (GP) , Raghunathpur, Lingipur and Nuagaon villages of Sishupalgarh GP, Ebaranga village of Padhansahi GP besides Tikarapada, Itipur, Dhauli and Basuaghai GPs under BMC jurisdiction. However, decision regarding their inclusion would be taken after the government examines the proposals in detail, they added.

Plant to dispose hazardous waste to get going by April

BHUBANESWAR : In a bid to effectively process the biohazard waste generated in the city every day, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to operationalise a plasma incineration plant at the Gadakana temporary transit centre (TTS) near Sainik School beginning April. The first-of-its-kind plant in the state has been set up at an investment of around Rs 4 crore. We are planning to operationalise it from April after carrying out a trial and making it error-proof before normal operation. The calibration of the plant to fix parameters for accurate performance has been done recently, a BMC official said. Sources said around 11 to 12 tonne of biohazard waste including used sanitary napkins, empty phenyle and disinfectant bottles, used batteries and other domestic biohazard waste that require proper disposal to prevent health risks and environmental damage, are being collected on a daily basis. While the civic body has been struggling for their safe disposal, the plasma incineration plant is equipped with the most advanced equipment to resolve the challenge. The plant uses high-temperature plasma (ionized gas) to incinerate or gasify waste at over 1,750 degree Celsius. For effective collection of the domestic hazardous waste and their processing, officials said they have attached one red and a black box to each door-to-door garbage collection vehicle in which such waste are being collected from the households on a regular basis.

Agri department & Cold Chain Solutions ink pact to operate Dhenkanal pack house

BHUBANESWAR : The Agriculture department on Monday signed two MoUs for post-harvest management of fruits and vegetables and expansion of the agriculture production cluster (APC) to more backward blocks. The directorate of horticulture signed an MoU with Cold Chain Solutions for operation, maintenance and management of integrated pack house at Govindpur, Dhenkanal. The second MoU was between directorate of Horticulture, Mission Shakti and Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN) for a project titled Strengthening livelihoods of WSHG members through promotion of Agriculture Production Cluster in Odisha. As per the agreement, Cold Chain Solutions will manage the integrated pack house in Dhenkanal district set up by the Dhenkanal Fruits and Vegetables Marketing Company Ltd (DFVMCL) formed under the of Odisha Horticulture Development Society (OHDS). Cold Chain Solutions will use its expertise for efficient management of the integrated pack house and procure agricultural produce, fruits and vegetables from farmers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives and farmer producer company (FPC) on a priority basis from the nearby areas at a mutually remunerative price to be settled based on market pricing, deputy chief minister -cum-Agriculture minister KV Singh Deo said after the signing of the MoU. This will provide an alternative marketing platform to the farmers for better price realisation of their produce and create appropriate institutional and organisational linkages, he added. The objective of the other MoU is to promote improved cropping practices in agriculture and livestock rearing among women SHG members to help them sustainably double their income within the project period. The ACP project is already implemented in 73 blocks covering 14 districts of the state. The state government has decided to expand the project to 27 new blocks including Kotia group of villages in Koraput district.

BJD corporators brother held for encroachment

BHUBANESWAR: Police have arrested BJD corporator Sridhar Jenas brother Sikhar Chandra Jena for allegedly encroaching upon a private land in Jharpada area near Puri bypass road, and threatening its owner at gunpoint for confronting him. Police said on visiting their plot in the morning, the complainant Imteyaj Khan and his family members found that Sikhar was constructing a boundary wall on it. On being confronted for his illegal act, the accused allegedly threatened Khan at gunpoint. After receiving a complaint, a case was registered against him under various sections of BNS and Arms Act. The accused was arrested late Sunday night, said an officer of Badagada police station. Sikhar has criminal antecedents and was earlier booked in nine cases by Laxmisagar police.

Man gets 7-yr RI for raping 6-year-old girl

Shortage of firewood sparks protest outside DFOs residence in Sundargarh

39 govt officers forced to retire for graft in 5 years: CM

47 drowned in sea beaches in state in 5 years: CM

4 held for stone pelting at govt vehicles in Mayurbhanj

Gajapati admn launches probe into death of 2 girls

2 held for posing as cops; Rs 1.9L in fake notes found

Puri airport plan on track, says minister

Industries asked to provide rest sheds, water facilities for workers

7 arrested for illegal cattle transportation

5 persons arrested for burgling liquor shops

Truck driver arrested for ramming vehicle into tea stall

HC pulls up SCB in baby swap case

Never dreamt of becoming a judge, wanted to become a good lawyer: Justice Tandon

Heavy rain brings relief to capital; disrupts traffic

Climate change, lack of mosquito nets may be behind surge

80L consumers to pay less as OERC waives Rs 60 monthly rent on smart meters

7 tribal dists reported 83% of malaria cases in 2024, shows data

Only 100-120 Maoists currently active in Odisha: CM

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Monday claimed that only 100-120 Maoists were currently active in the state. In a written statement in the state assembly, Majhi said, As per available information, at present about 100 to 120 Maoists are active in the state. The target is set to make India Naxal-free by March []

Odisha: R&DM Dept provides Rs 20.38 cr for relief work in areas affected due to hailstorm

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said Monday that the state government has provided Rs 20.38 crore for relief work and financial assistance to persons affected by the hailstorm which occurred recently in several parts of Mayurbhanj district. Talking to media persons here Monday, Pujari also stated that the government will pay []

President Murmu visits famous Nilamadhab Temple in Odishas Nayagarh

President Murmu visits famous Nilamadhab Temple in Odishas Nayagarh Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday offered prayers at the famous Nilamadhab Temple in Odishas Nayagarh district, soon after reaching the state on a two day visit. Soon after arriving at Bhubaneswar International Airport from Chhattisgarh, the President headed for Nayagarh. She said that efforts should [] The post President Murmu visits famous Nilamadhab Temple in Odishas Nayagarh appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Fake DSP, constable arrested in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has arrested two persons for impersonating police officers and seized 386 counterfeit Rs 500 notes from them, a senior official said Monday. The accused, identified as Manas Ranjan Senapati (26) and Ashis Swain (23), were caught during a routine night patrol by Saheed Nagar police in Bhubaneswar Sunday. According to Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate []

Odisha set to manufacture semiconductors by December, says Minister

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government Monday said the local industry is expected to produce semiconductors by the end of December this year. State Electronics and IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling said this in the Assembly while replying to a question. Mahaling said the government has provided RIR Power Electronics with 20,000 sq feet to set up the []

Odisha government dismissed 120 officials, retired 39 compulsorily in five years: CM

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has dismissed 120 employees and given compulsory retirement to 39 officials over the past five years for indulging in corruption, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Assembly Monday. In a written reply to a query from BJD legislator Dhruba Charan Sahoo, the CM said, In all, 120 government employees have []

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Project Research Scientist III Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline

AIIMS Bhubaneswar Recruitment 2025 Apply Offline: All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar (AIIMS Bhubaneswar) has announced the recruitment of 01 Project Research Scientist III in 2025. Candidates With B.Tech/B.E, Post Graduate, M.Phil/Ph.D Can Apply Offline on or before 31-03-2025.

47 people drowned at Odisha sea beaches in last five years: CM

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Monday informed the state Assembly that 47 persons died due to drowning in the sea at different beaches of Odisha including Puri in the last five years. Majhi said this in a written reply to a question from BJP legislator Om Prakash Mishra. For the safety of tourists, []

Odisha sees record-high road fatalities in 2024 despite safety measures

BHUBANESWAR : Enforcement of traffic rules, improvement in trauma care and intensified awareness on road safety notwithstanding, accident fatalities saw an uptick in Odisha last year. With 6,142 deaths, the highest so far in a year, the state witnessed a seven per cent rise in road fatalities during 2024 as compared to 2023 while the fatality graph climbed by 29.6 per cent in five years. The state had recorded 4,738 deaths in 2020 and 5,739 deaths in 2023. This rise in road accidents has left the state government worried, given the Supreme Court committees directive to reduce such fatalities by 50 per cent by 2020, using 2014 as the base year. Unfortunately, the road crashes recorded a steady increase since then, with 9,817 accidents in 2020 followed by 10,984 in 2021, 11,663 in 2022, 11,992 in 2023 and 12,375 in 2024. The rate of severity (number of people killed per 100 accidents) is 49.6 per cent against the national average of 37 per cent. Transport department sources said a total 27,167 people were killed and 50,041 injured in 56,831 road accidents in the state over the last five years. While 85 per cent of the accidents were due to human error and other associated issues, the rest were attributed to bad road engineering. Over-speeding and drunk driving are two critical factors associated with road accidents in the state. Several accident-prone zones in the state lack proper signages, adequate lighting, or scientifically designed speed breakers. Unmarked potholes, sharp curves and poorly maintained roads have also contributed to accidents. Commerce and Transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said the lead agency on road safety has been asked to conduct crash investigations and find out the exact reasons behind the rise in fatalities. As per Crime Branch data, 6,925 accidents reported in 2023 were due to rash driving and over-speeding, and 649 due to driving in an inebriated state, he said. A member of the state road safety committee Subrat Nanda said Odisha may have taken steps for stricter enforcement of traffic rules but the impact appears to be limited. Drunk driving remains a persistent issue despite regular enforcement drives. Delays in implementing long-term road safety measures such as blackspot rectification and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure continue to contribute to the rising fatalities, he said. We are planning a multi-pronged approach, including behavioural changes among drivers, robust road safety education, and effective coordination among Transport, police, and Health departments to achieve the target, Jena said.

Lack of charging stations dampen EV sales in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: After witnessing an exponential 405 per cent rise in electric vehicle (EV) sales in 2022, Odisha has seen a sharp drop in growth rate, with EV registrations recording only 48 per cent year-on-year growth last year owing to lack of charging infrastructure. In 2023, the growth was pegged at 56.5 per cent. According to Transport department data, Odisha has registered 1,61,338 EVs in last four years. Around 24,000 are pure EVs, 850 are strong hybrids and the remaining are battery-operated two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Although the governments incentives under the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy-2021 had encouraged adoption in the initial years, the lack of a robust and widely available charging network has dampened consumers confidence. Transport officials, however, said the growth rate may have declined, but in terms of absolute numbers, the EV registration is going up every year. As many as 5,626 EVs were registered in the state in 2021, followed by 28,447 in 2022, 44,545 in 2023, 65,977 in 2024 and 10,423 till mid-March this year. The highest 45,195 EVs have been registered in Khurda district, 19,986 in Cuttack, 11,287 in Puri, 10,290 in Sundargarh, 10,174 in Balasore, 9,054 in Ganjam, 7,150 in Mayurbhanj, 6,768 in Jajpur and 4,786 in Sambalpur. The lowest 154 has been registered in Phulbani and 156 in Deogarh. Managing director of Sai Ananta Motors Laxmi Narayan Mohanty said the limited availability of public charging stations is a major deterrent for potential EV buyers. The sale of four-wheelers is negligible as compared to electric scooters as there are no charging stations in the interior districts, he said. As per the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, the state has 198 public charging stations. Taking into consideration, Niti Aayogs estimate of 80 per cent electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, and 50 per cent four-wheelers by 2030, Odisha would require 47,381 public charging stations. Meanwhile, the state government has decided to set up 100 more charging stations this fiscal. Altogether 38 units would be set up in RTOs across the state, 23 in truck terminals, 21 in Bhubaneswar and the rest 18 in other places. Commerce and Transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said a private firm has already been selected through a bidding process for installation of the charging equipment and to make the stations ready at the earliest. We are also exploring plans to expand the charging network in the state, he added. Numbers up, growth down Sales growth down to 48 per cent in 2022 from 405% in 2022 1.61 lakh EVs registered in last four years 5,626 registered in 2021; 28,447 in 2022; 44,545 in 2023; 65,977 in 2024 & 10,423 till mid-March 2025 Odisha has just 198 public charging stations Govt to set up 100 more charging stations this year

CP seeks DGPs nod for bifurcation of Bhubaneswar UPD

BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to improve investigation and law and order situation, police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh has sent a proposal to DGP YB Khurania requesting to bifurcate Bhubaneswar Urban Police District into two UPDs - east and west - to be headed by one DCP rank officer each. As part of the proposal, there would be no change in the strength of police stations and ACP offices due to the division, and the police personnel would be distributed between the two districts in an even manner to make the work load more equitable, read Singhs letter. However, after dividing the existing manpower of Bhubaneswar UPD, Singh has sought creation of 988 posts including 555 for west UPD reserve office. Bhubaneswar east and west UPDs will have 14 and 15 police stations respectively. In his letter to the DGP, Singh cited that police had been facing multifaceted challenges after the Bhubaneswar UPD started functioning in 2008. Some of the challenges included increase in reporting of crimes, large number of swindling and economic offense cases, several law and order incidents, frequent VIP movements and rise in vehicles causing traffic snarls. Singh also pointed out that Bhubaneswar is going through rapid urbanisation along with the establishment of a large number of educational and health-care institutions, commercial hubs and increased industrialisation. The letter further stated that there has been an increase in the number of crimes reported between 2008 and 2024. While 4,566 crimes were reported in 2008, 13,411 were reported in 2024. It also mentioned that the population of Bhubaneswar UPD has increased from 12.66 lakh in 2008 to 27.64 lakh in 2024. Similarly, the number of vehicles have increased from 39,873 to 91,533 during the period. In such a situation, one DCP office for Bhubaneswar UPD is unable to cope up with the ever-increasing supervisory work. To meet the expectations and ensure a safer environment for citizens, it is proposed to bifurcate Bhubaneswar UPD into two UPDs - Bhubaneswar east and west headed by one DCP each having their separate offices, the letter stated.

Odisha AYUSH doctors threaten stir from March 27 over non-fulfilment of demands

BHUBANESWAR: The All Odisha AYUSH Doctors Association (AOADA) has threatened to launch a statewide strike from March 27 to protest the state governments apathetic attitude towards fulfilling their long-pending demands. The AYUSH doctors have been demanding permanent employment, pay on par with government ayurveda and homeopathy doctors, access to higher education, regular medicine supply, Rs 20 lakh health insurance scheme for them and their families and a one-time compensation of Rs 40 lakh for the families of doctors who die in service. AOADA president Dr Prashant Kumar Padhi said AYUSH doctors have been serving under the NHM for last 18 years, playing a crucial role in community health, emergency care, maternal and child healthcare. Despite their contributions, 1,485 AYUSH doctors working in CHCs and PHCs continue to be denied regularisation of their jobs. We remain on temporary contract without fair wages or job security. We will stage a peaceful protest at Lower PMG in the city to press for our demands. If our demands are not addressed, we will be forced to intensify our protest, he said. General secretary of the association Dr Pravas Chandra Swain said the state government has made multiple promises but no concrete steps have been taken so far. Despite forming committees and receiving recommendations for regularisation, AYUSH doctors have been left in the lurch, he pointed out. While 8,195 contractual health workers including nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians, were regularised through a cabinet decision in 2019, AYUSH doctors were excluded, the association members added.

Day temp likely to rise in next few days: IMD

Mass nesting of Olive Ridleys continues near river mouth

Fake engine oil unit busted, 2 brothers arrested

2 headmasters suspended in Sundargarh

Case registered after stray dog attacked with sword

Boy drowns in pond visiting sisters house

Over 33 quintals of ganja seized in Gajapati

3 injured in explosion at warehouse

Accused missing for a month found dead

Teenagers body found in forest; boyfriend detained

Production at Bagiaburu iron ore mines hit as workers strike over unpaid salaries continues

Capital city wakes up to a fun-filled day of activities

CP plea to govt to create 2 police dists in city

Odisha weather: IMD says thunderstorms likely to lash these six districts

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast thunderstorms in several districts of Odisha Monday. According to the Bhubaneswar centre of the IMD, thunderstorms with lightning are expected in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur districts. In its Sunday evening bulletin, the weather office said light rain is likely in the coastal districts. On Saturday, []

Odias in Jakarta, Manama relish soul food to mark Pakhala Divas

President Droupadi Murmu to visit Odisha Monday

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu will visit Odisha and Chhattisgarh March 24 to attend official functions, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said Sunday. Murmu will grace the silver jubilee of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in Raipur Monday, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said in a statement. Tomorrow, she will also attend the foundation day ceremony of Bharatiya Biswabasu Shabar []

BJD, BJP exchange words over Mahanadi dispute

Koraput admn launches effort to keep Deomali clean

Odisha Police arrests foreign national from Delhi over sextortion charges

Bhubaneswar: Commissionerate Police in Odisha nabbed a foreign national from New Delhi on charges of extorting money from a Cuttack woman by using her obscene images and videos, policesaid Sunday. Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said that Cuttack Police February 26 received a report that the victim in the Daragha Bazar police limits of the []

BJD, BJP engage in war of words over Mahanadi river water dispute

Bhubaneswar: A war of words Sunday ensued between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute following the meeting of Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh in Bhubaneswar Saturday. The principal Opposition party Sunday took a dig at the BJP saying that Chhattisgarh should first stop []

Manohar Lal assures Odisha of Centres support to strengthen power sector

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister of Power Manohar Lal held a detailed review meeting in Bhubaneswar Sunday with senior Odisha government officials on the development of the states power sector. The discussions covered key issues including fly ash utilisation, capacity addition, transmission infrastructure, and power allocation. Manohar Lal assured the state that a joint meeting with the []

Minister Manohar Lal reviews Odisha's power sector at a meeting in Bhubaneswar

Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal held a detailed review meeting with senior officials of the government of Odisha on the state's power sector development on Sunday in the state capital Bhubaneswar.

Two injured as fire breaks out at Jagatsinghpur book depot

Bhubaneswar: Two persons were injured in a fire incident in a book depot in Odishas Jagatsinghpur district, police said. The fire at the book depot in Balikuda police station area was suspected to have been triggered by an explosion Saturday night, a police officer said. Books and notebooks stored inside the godown were gutted while []

Ramakanta Rath lives on in his poems

What struck me when I first met Ramakanta Rath at Ravindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar during the release of my first Odia short story collection, Akashara Luha (2015), was his meticulous preparation. He had underlined lines and passages from my collection and was eager to share his thoughts on my work. Unlike many others, he focused on the stories and the storyteller, offering profound observations. In private, he shared two key pieces of advice: that I should never doubt myself as an exceptional storyteller, and he asked whether I focus more on plot or character in my stories. At that moment, I didnt have a coherent response to his question, which prompted me to reflect and clarify my thoughts. I tentatively answered, Probably character. My second story collection, Chira Malata (2017), helped me find that clarity. In my literary journey, I have encountered very few authors like Ramakanta Rath, as he truly embodied his existence in his work. During our conversation, I suggested that even if he had only written Sri Radha, he would still be remembered in Indian and world literature. His response to my observation was a faint smile. I understood that he sought to give equal credit to all his works, but such is an authors fate; sometimes, readers determine worth, and particular creations transcend their creators. Ramakanta Rath is likely the first Odia poet of the twentieth century to experiment with a popular character to weave a long poem expressing loves mundane and philosophical aspects in all its complexities. He demonstrates the ultimate strength of love through surrender. Written in free verse with lyrical intensity, Sri Radha epitomises mastery of the Odia language. The more writers master their craft, the simpler the language becomes, making it more accessible to a broader audience. Through Sri Radha, he introduced a new dimension to Odia poetry at a time when global literature was liberating itself from realism and striving to express ideas through the complex forms of modernism, romanticism, and existentialism. While attending Ravenshaw College, I read Sri Radha for the first time in the 1980s. It helped me overcome my aversion to modern Odia poetry of that time, which often featured excessive symbols, similes, and metaphors and lacked craft. Ramakanta Raths portrayal of Radha was earthy, human, pristine, and feminine, and the way her story was told was uniquely mundane, day-to-day, yet metaphysical and romantic. It blended self-introspection with universal themes. The exploration of love, longing, and separation was beautifully intertwined simple and smooth like the flow of a stream. The depiction of love, combined with surrender, transforms any reader into a Radha, regardless of their biological gender. The beauty of Ramakant Rath lies in making Radha the quintessential symbol of love, both ethereal and platonic, transcending space and time. I have read and re-read Sri Radha many times at different stages of my life. I have also often listened to Odia literature enthusiasts reciting this long poem. When I read modernist poets like TS Eliot, Pablo Neruda, or Octavio Paz, I think of Ramakanta Rath. They all blend the aesthetics of Modernismo with European modernist experimentation, suggesting a shared exploration of similar ideas across various contexts while often merging indigenous myths with cosmopolitan concepts. All of them delve into identity, history, solitude, and the simplicity of expression as the universal language of modernity. Sri Radha inspired numerous attempts by later poets, yet none have reached that height. Many may strive to achieve this in the future; however, I believe Sri Radha will remain unmatched in literature for centuries, and Ramakanta Rath will live forever. (The author is the Ambassador of India to Bulgaria and North Macedonia. He can be contacted at: arun.sahu68@gmail.com)

Political polarisation in India worrying, says Congress leader Shashi Tharoor

BHUBANESWAR: Senior Congress leader and Thiruvanthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor who has raised hackles in his party for praising Keralas economic progress and Prime Minister Narendra Modis diplomacy, on Saturday rued the deepening polarisation of Indian politics. Speaking at a literary festival here, Tharoor touched upon the deteriorating relationship between the government and the Opposition and said such acrimony is not good for the country. We have now reached a level of polarisation in our politics. We can be adversaries but not enemies. We must agree to disagree but should not be disagreeable, he said. He further said, My view is simple. Even within our political space we should be able to see the good things we do and the merit in the other side. We may be opposed to the ruling party on many issues because we have different views, but all of us want to see India prosperous. The government must also understand that the Opposition is not anti-national, he said. With speculations rife that the senior Congress leader is inching closure to the saffron party after his reported rift with the party, Tharoor stressed he was neither a communist nor communalist. However, a social media post by national BJP vice-president and Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda late on Friday night reignited the rumour mills. Travelling in the same flight from Delhi to Bhubaneswar, a selfie by Panda with the Congress MP with a post on X - My friend & fellow traveler called me mischievous for saying that we seem to be finally travelling in the same direction set the social media abuzz. In a quick response though, Tharoor clarified that he was only travelling to Bhubaneswar to attend the literary festival. Fellow traveller only to Bhubaneswar! I am addressing the Kalinga LitFest tomorrow morning. And coming right back!!, was his reply to the post.

Saskatchewan University delegation visits IMMT for research collaborations in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: A high-level delegation from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, visited the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) on Saturday to explore collaborative opportunities in critical minerals research. The delegation led by dean of the College of Engineering Michael Patrick Bradley went around IMMTs critical minerals technology development facilities and interacted with director Ramanuj Narayan regarding potential areas of collaboration. The University of Saskatchewan consistently ranks first in Canada, and third globally for mining investment attractiveness. The university has identified nine signature areas of research, one of which is energy and mineral resources for a sustainable future. The partnership between IMMT and the university is expected to drive innovation in critical mineral extraction and processing through joint research projects, academic programming and technology developments. Professors of College of Engineering Ajay Kumar Dalai and Venkatesh Meda, international partnerships specialist Derek David Tiessen and representative of the Saskatchewan government Harish Vaidyanathan were present.

MP Aparajita reviews bypass projects in Odisha's Khurda, asks agencies to ensure timely completion

BHUBANESWAR: Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi on Saturday directed the contracting agencies to expedite the ongoing work of Khurda town bypass on NH-57 connecting Balangir, and Baghamari bypass in Bolagarh to ensure their completion within the stipulated time. The MP asked the agencies to complete the work of the Khurda bypass project by August this year and Baghamari by April 2026. Both the projects are being constructed at a cost of Rs 215.49 crore. The MP said the Khurda bypass got the approval from Centre in 2022 and Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari sanctioned Rs 157.49 crore for the project. The project work began in 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by August-end. The bypass will reduce congestion in Khurda town. Emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire tenders can also move freely, she said, while directing the contracted agency to complete the work before the stipulated time. The MP said the Baghamari bypass will be constructed at a cost of Rs 58 crore. It is scheduled to be commissioned in April, 2026. The bypass will make travel to Bhubaneswar easy for people of Nayagarh, Balangir and Phulbani districts. Sarangi also promised to sanction Rs 10 crore for the Baghmari underpass.

Odisha's Similipal to receive National park status soon

BHUBANESWAR: After decades of wait, Similipal National Park is going to be a reality with the Odisha government gearing up for a formal notification shortly. An area of 845.7 sq km, primarily in Similipal south division, will be declared as national park and the notification is only a matter of time, said sources in the Wildlife headquarters. The statutory 60 day proclamation period issued by the district administration has been complied. Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) is the states biggest tiger habitat. As per the criteria of the Centre, an area to be accorded national park status must be completely inviolate and free from human habitation and movement of domestic animals. Accordingly, out of 2,306.61 sq km, an area of 845.70 sq km of Similipal was proposed as national park. The government had already notified 1,194.75 sq km of STR as the core critical tiger habitat in 2007. However, the proposal for national park was due to presence of human habitations in its core. The core area of Similipal had six villages of which Jenabil, Jamunagada, Kabatghai and Bakua were revenue villages, while the other two - Barahkamuda and Bahaghar - were settlement villages. Though the state government succeeded in shifting Jenabil, Kabatghai Barahakamuda, Bahaghar and Jamunagada villages, around 61 families continue to inhabit Bakua. An official from the Similipal TR said Bakua has been kept out of the national park area and does not fall in the 845 sq km proposed area though they are ready to relocate the villagers if they agree to it voluntarily. We have complied with all the conditions required for declaration of national park and submitted a report to the state government last year. This included relocation of two small hamlets and proclamation, he said. President Droupadi Murmu, who hails from Mayurbhanj, during her visit to the tiger reserve in 2023 had also wished for the national park tag to Similipal. According to Similipal officials, Mayurbhanj collector, based on their requisition, notified a 60 day proclamation period last year and sought objections. This was done through a settlement officer and subsequently a report was also sent to the government. The process for declaring Similipal national park is complete and we have complied with all norms required to be fulfilled for the purpose. The state government is likely to notify it anytime within a month, said a senior officer. Once the national park is notified, Similipal management will be able to seek more funds for strengthening protection measures in the tiger habitat. Currently, Bhitarkanika holds the status of being the lone national park in the state. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975, the mangrove ecosystem was designated as a national park in 1998. Former PCCF (wildlife) Susanta Nanda during whose term the process was set in motion last year said the national park notification will be a great milestone for the tiger habitat.

Odisha government to ready 55 more flood, cyclone shelters before monsoon

BHUBANESWAR: The state government is planning to complete construction of 55 more multipurpose flood and cyclone shelters before the monsoon this year. A senior official of Revenue and Disaster Management department said of the 55 transit shelters, civil construction in 28 have already been completed, while work on the remaining 27 is progressing fast. The new facilities will strengthen evacuation measures in the vulnerable areas of coastal districts during natural disasters, he said. The shelters are being built in vulnerable villages of Balasore, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Puri and other coastal districts. Each of these shelters are being developed at an investment of around Rs 3 crore. The state government had sanctioned about Rs 189 crore for the purpose, he said. The total number of multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters including the 28 new ones is 909 and after completion of the remaining 27, it will go up to 936, sources in SRC office said. With the state evacuating over a million people during major calamities, especially flood and cyclone, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Disaster Preparedness Day in October last year had announced that the state government is planning to construct 500 additional shelters to strengthen rescue and relief operations during disasters. Officials said the government has also formed cyclone-flood management and maintenance committees involving local community members, PRI members and government officials and field functionaries at the panchayat level. Around Rs 49 crore has also been sanctioned in 2024-25 towards maintenance of the shelters, while the department will manage funds for various resources for their maintenance in 2025-26. Around Rs 6 lakh has been set aside for maintenance of each shelter in the current financial year after many of them were found to be in poor and dilapidated conditions, sources said.

KIIT-DU signs MoU Toi Ohomai Institute

Bhubaneswar: KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU) Saturday entered into a strategic partnership with New Zealands Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding academic collaboration and fostering joint research initiatives. The MoU was formalised in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The agreement was spearheaded []

Widespread showers bring big relief from heatwave to Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: The blistering spell of heatwave in Odisha was brought to a halt by widespread rains across half the state in the last 24 hours. Berhampur city received the heaviest rainfall on Saturday. Due to heavy rains and strong winds, waterlogging and uprooting of trees were reported from Berhampur. The Odisha Fire and Emergency Service personnel launched water evacuation at various places and removed felled trees near the national highway, on MKCG Medical College and Hospital premises of the city. The rescue teams also moved to safety a visually-challenged woman, identified as Laxmi Sahoo, at about 4.15 pm after rain water entered her house in the Prem Nagar area. In Balasore and Bhadrak too, similar uprooting of trees and power supply disruption was witnessed. The regional met office said Chhatrapur received the highest rainfall of 62.8 mm on the day, followed by Cuttack (21.2 mm), Chandbali (16.4 mm), Balasore and Nayagarh (15 mm) and Gopalpur (14.2 mm). Bhubaneswar which reported overcast conditions received around 10 mm rain. On Friday, Baripada had recorded 120 mm rain, Joda 90 mm, Rajgangpur 70 mm and Saharpada, Champua and Karanjia 60 mm each. More rains are expected in the next two days, albeit with lesser intensity. The met office has forecast thunderstorm with lightning at one or two places in Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh and 11 other districts on Sunday. Light to moderate rainfall or thundershower activity may prevail across 15 districts during the period. Director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Manorama Mohanty said, the state is likely to witness a decline in widespread rains from Sunday. However, a few places will continue to experience thunderstorm activities in the next two days, she added. The rains brought much-needed relief from the unusual hot conditions that had gripped the state as both day and night temperatures dipped. Boudh had emerged as the hottest place in the country recording over 43 degree Celsius earlier in the week, while Malkangiri recorded 36.1 degree C. People in both the districts had a sigh of relief. The day temperature in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack fell to 25.4 degree C and 26 degree C respectively on the day. However, with rainfall activity expected to subside, the pleasant weather condition may end soon as mercury is likely to rise by 2 to 3 degree C in the state from Monday onwards.

Literature triumphs when politics fails

Bhubaneswar: Literature triumphs when politics fails, said senior Congress leader, Thiruvananthapuram MP, and noted author Shashi Tharoor, emphasising the power of literature in shaping society. Speaking on the second day of the 11th Kalinga Literary Festival (KLF) 2025 Saturday, Tharoor highlighted the role of writers in fostering change and preserving democratic values. During a conversation []

Majhi, Sai agree to resolve Mahanadi dispute amicably

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Vishnu Deo Sai Saturday agreed to find a way for a peaceful and amicable solution to the Mahanadi water-sharing dispute between the two neighbouring states, an official statement said. Sai met Majhi at Lok Seva Bhavan here during his visit to Odisha. The chief ministers []

Delimitation only on population basis unfair: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik Saturday said that population should not be the only criterion to determine the number of seats in Parliament and Assemblies and sought a detailed discussion with all parties before the commencement of the delimitation process. Virtually addressing the first Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting on delimitation convened []

328 child labourers rescued in state

Bhubaneswar: According to government data, as many as 328 children working as labourers in various parts of the state were rescued by authorities between 2019 and February 2025. While 85 of them were rescued in 2019-20, the figures were four and 43 in 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. Similarly, 107 child labourers were rescued from different []

Population cant be sole criteria for delimitation, asserts BJD president Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR: BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday voiced concerns over population being made the sole criteria for delimitation of Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies, and called upon the Union government to clear all doubts on the exercise through thorough discussions with all parties. Even as he had deputed two senior party leaders Sanjay Das Burma and Amar Patnaik to attend the joint action committee (JAC) meeting convened by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in Chennai, Naveen chose to take part in it virtually from Bhubaneswar. Addressing the JAC, Naveen said the meeting was important to uphold democracy, particularly in context of representation and rights of people living in states that have done very well in controlling and stabilising the population. He asserted that his party will take all possible measures to protect the interests of the people of Odisha. Emphasising that population control is an important national agenda that directly contributes to the countrys development, the former chief minister said states also took their own initiatives and successfully implemented the national agenda. #WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: At the meeting on delimitation, former Odisha CM and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik says, ...This is an important meeting to ensure democratic representation and rights of people living in states that have done very well to control and stabilise pic.twitter.com/74iMO3UY4z ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2025 BJD will do everything to protect the interests of Odisha: Naveen States of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab and Odisha have been very successful in population control. Had these states not achieved what they did in stabilising population, India would have had a population explosion today derailing our developmental progress. It will be unfair to these states if delimitation is based only on population figures, Patnaik said. He said states like Odisha who have made significant strides in population control after years of persistent efforts should not be penalised for performing well on a national priority. If projected population figures of 2026 are taken, we will end up losing seats in the Lok Sabha and the state Assembly. Biju Janata Dal will do everything to protect the interests of the people of Odisha, he said. I suggest the Union government take up a detailed discussion with all the parties so as to remove any doubts on this very important issue that has far reaching implications for our democracy, Patnaik said and thanked Stalin for organising the meeting.

Youth kills aunt, grandma

Man axed to death in Sambalpur village

Govt takes steps to secure place for Bali Yatra on Unesco list

NGT glare on non-compliance of order on legacy waste in Bargarh

Supply inspector suspended

Five held for assaulting police in Gajapati district

Man held for Killing neighbour in Dhenkanal

Khurda admn lens on illegal plot registrations

Rain relief from heat: Chatrapur records 62.8 mm, Cuttack follows with 21.2 mm

Workers body brought from Dubai

Servitor injured inside Puri temple, purification ritual delays darshan

18-yr-old gets 20 years RI for raping minor

Shop-owner lends a helping hand to patients