Times Of India 19th Dec 2010
PHULBANI (Orissa): Intense cold wave is sweeping across Orissa's Kandhmal district for the last one week paralysing normal life as the minimum temperature plummeted to 4.2 degree celsius today.
Normal life was severely affected in Daringbadi, Kotagarh, Tumudibandha, Balliguda, Raikia, G. Udayagiri, Phulbani and Tikabali due to cold.
The lowest temperature of the season 4.2 was recorded at Daringbadi, while in the district headquarter town of Phulbani the mercury dropped to 5.8 degree celsius, local Meteorological Observatory sources said.
The homeless people have become the worst victim of the intense cold. Vegetable cultivation and Rabi crops will be damaged if such a condition persists, some farmers at Tikabali have opined.
Orissa cold wave: Phulbani coldest at 7.6 degrees
Bhubaneswar, Dec 16 2010 A cold wave has gripped several parts of Orissa with Phulbani town, G Udayagiri, Raikia, Baliguda, Daringibadi in Kandhamal district being the coldest at a minimum temperature 7.6 degrees Celsius, an official said.
Other places that recorded minimum temperatures of less than 10 degrees Celsius include Sundergarh at 8.9 degrees, and Sambalpur and Koraput both at 9.2 degrees Celsius, G.Dutta, an official of the Bhubaneswar meteorological centre, told IANS.
Bhubaneswar and nearby Cuttack city remained relatively warmer with minimum temperatures of 13 and 13.4 degrees Celsius respectively, he said.
Phulbani town is some 200 km from state capital Bhubaneswar.
The official added that the cold wave conditions would continue at some places for the next two days.
Other places that recorded minimum temperatures of less than 10 degrees Celsius include Sundergarh at 8.9 degrees, and Sambalpur and Koraput both at 9.2 degrees Celsius, G.Dutta, an official of the Bhubaneswar meteorological centre, told IANS.
Bhubaneswar and nearby Cuttack city remained relatively warmer with minimum temperatures of 13 and 13.4 degrees Celsius respectively, he said.
Phulbani town is some 200 km from state capital Bhubaneswar.
The official added that the cold wave conditions would continue at some places for the next two days.
Maoist says Sorry!
Bhubaneswar: Maoist guerrillas issued a public apology on Saturday for having blown up an ambulance and killing five 'innocent' people in Orissa's Kandhamal district last month.
The rebels issued a statement which was received by some mediapersons in Phulbani town, the district headquarters of Kandhamal.
Communist Party of India-Maoist Orissa unit secretary Sabyasachi Panda alias Sunil said in the statement that the rebels were sorry that some innocent people had been killed.
One of the journalists who received the statement quoted Sunil as having said that the rebels triggered the blast on a tip-off that the vehicle was carrying some policemen.
'I have not seen it. However, I was informed by some journalists that they received a statement in which the rebel leader has apologised,' Kandhamal district superintendent S. Praveen Kumar said.
Five people, including two women and a child, were killed on Nov 27 night when Maoists blew up the ambulance in which they were travelling in a hilly and forested area of Kandhamal district.
The landmine blast took place near Brahmanigaon, some 350 km from Bhubaneswar, when the victims were on their way home in a nearby area after admitting a pregnant woman in a government hospital in neighbouring Ganjam district.
Kumar said police have intensified combing operations in the district to nab the rebels involved in the blast.
The rebels issued a statement which was received by some mediapersons in Phulbani town, the district headquarters of Kandhamal.
Communist Party of India-Maoist Orissa unit secretary Sabyasachi Panda alias Sunil said in the statement that the rebels were sorry that some innocent people had been killed.
One of the journalists who received the statement quoted Sunil as having said that the rebels triggered the blast on a tip-off that the vehicle was carrying some policemen.
'I have not seen it. However, I was informed by some journalists that they received a statement in which the rebel leader has apologised,' Kandhamal district superintendent S. Praveen Kumar said.
Five people, including two women and a child, were killed on Nov 27 night when Maoists blew up the ambulance in which they were travelling in a hilly and forested area of Kandhamal district.
The landmine blast took place near Brahmanigaon, some 350 km from Bhubaneswar, when the victims were on their way home in a nearby area after admitting a pregnant woman in a government hospital in neighbouring Ganjam district.
Kumar said police have intensified combing operations in the district to nab the rebels involved in the blast.
Maoists target ambulance
Suspected Maoists blew up an ambulance in Kandhamal district of Orissa late on Saturday, killing all its five occupants, including a three-year-old girl.
The ambulance was coming back from a government hospital in Berhampur after dropping a pregnant woman when the Maoists triggered a landmine blast on a hilly road near Brahmanigaon around 2 a.m., Kandhamal SP Praveen Kumar said.
Brahmanigaon is a Maoist-infested area where Azad, the man who killed Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in August 2008, calls the shots.
The blast killed all five occupants on the spot and created a deep crater on the ground.
All the victims are Dalits and tribal Christians. They are Subhashree Digal (3), her mother Erina Digal, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) worker Sushanti Pradhan, Bunu Digal and driver Siman Mallick.
The SP said the landmine blast could have been a deliberate attack. “The ambulance must have had a blue beacon on its top. So how come the rebels did not see it?” he asked.
But police sources said the ambulance could have been targeted by mistake as the Maoists were actually looking for a deputy superintendent of police who had come to Brahmanigaon two days ago to investigate the killing of a contractor. The Maoists are yet to come out with any statement.
On Thursday, the Maoists had shot contractor Manoj Sahu at the crowded Brahmanigaon market. A bandh was called in Brahmanigaon on Saturday to protest the contractor’s killing.
The DSP was scheduled to travel back on that road on Saturday night, but deferred his visit.
Local officials said they were not sure if the ambulance had a blue beacon on top. Vehicles in the area normally do not sport any beacons after sunset as it could attract Maoists.
Local tribal leader Lambodar Kanhar said the Maoists had proved that they were just murderers. “I have been telling my fellow tribals time and again to steer clear of the Maoists and not give them shelter. If we help them, then the police would come after us branding us as informers,” Kanhar said.
The ambulance was coming back from a government hospital in Berhampur after dropping a pregnant woman when the Maoists triggered a landmine blast on a hilly road near Brahmanigaon around 2 a.m., Kandhamal SP Praveen Kumar said.
Brahmanigaon is a Maoist-infested area where Azad, the man who killed Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in August 2008, calls the shots.
The blast killed all five occupants on the spot and created a deep crater on the ground.
All the victims are Dalits and tribal Christians. They are Subhashree Digal (3), her mother Erina Digal, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) worker Sushanti Pradhan, Bunu Digal and driver Siman Mallick.
The SP said the landmine blast could have been a deliberate attack. “The ambulance must have had a blue beacon on its top. So how come the rebels did not see it?” he asked.
But police sources said the ambulance could have been targeted by mistake as the Maoists were actually looking for a deputy superintendent of police who had come to Brahmanigaon two days ago to investigate the killing of a contractor. The Maoists are yet to come out with any statement.
On Thursday, the Maoists had shot contractor Manoj Sahu at the crowded Brahmanigaon market. A bandh was called in Brahmanigaon on Saturday to protest the contractor’s killing.
The DSP was scheduled to travel back on that road on Saturday night, but deferred his visit.
Local officials said they were not sure if the ambulance had a blue beacon on top. Vehicles in the area normally do not sport any beacons after sunset as it could attract Maoists.
Local tribal leader Lambodar Kanhar said the Maoists had proved that they were just murderers. “I have been telling my fellow tribals time and again to steer clear of the Maoists and not give them shelter. If we help them, then the police would come after us branding us as informers,” Kanhar said.
Kandhamal people fear Maoist attack
Bhubaneswar, Nov 29 (IANS) People in parts of Orissa's communally sensitive Kandhamal district remained indoors Monday fearing a Maoist attack, two days after the rebels blew up an ambulance killing all its five occupants in the area, police said.
The landmine blast took place Saturday night in a hilly and forested area near Brahmanigaon village, some 350 km from here.
Roads were deserted Monday as vehicles stayed away in Brahmanigaon village and in about 20 other nearby villages. People feared that the rebels may have planted more landmines.
Shop owners also pulled down shutters, fearing a rebel attack.
'Normal life has been affected in Brahmanigaon and in about 20 villages located around it,' a police officer said, adding that a high alert has been sounded.
'Police and paramilitary have been deployed at various strategic points. They have launched combing operations to locate the rebels involved in the mine blast,' he said.
Five people, including two women and a three-year-old girl, were killed when the rebels blew up the ambulance in which they were travelling Saturday night.
'We are afraid because it was for the first time the rebels targeted an ambulance in the region,' said Raghunath Digal, who lives in the area.
Source:IANS
Maoists blow up ambulance in Orissa, 5 killed
Bhubaneswar: At least five persons, including two women and a three-year-old child, were killed as Maoists blew up an ambulance by triggering a landmine blast in Orissa's Kandhamal district, police said on Sunday.
"We have received information about a landmine explosion that blew up an ambulance in Brahmanigaon area of Kandhamal late last night," Director General of Police Manmohan Praharaj said.
The ambulance was on its way from Gadapur to Brahmanigaon, about two km from the blast site, when it was targetted in the Maoist infested area close to Gajapati and Ganjam, the police said.
The explosion that took place near a culvert at Pangdugaon, about 300 km from Bubaneswar, killed among others a woman health worker, a pregnant woman and the ambulance driver, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Southern Range) R K Sharma said.
Orissa HC grants bail to BJP MLA
Cuttack: The Odisha High Court on Monday grfanted bail to the jailed BJP MLA from G Udayagiri Assembly constituency in Kandhamal, Manoj Pradhan.
A single judge bench of Justice (Mrs) Aruna Suresh granted bail to the jailed legislator who was behind the bars since early September after he was convicted by a lower court in Phulbani district under section 304 (2) of IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).
Pradhan was sentenced to undergo six years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) by a local fast track court for his alleged involvement in the murder of a youth Bikram Pradhan during the communal riots in Kandhamal in August 2008.
The legislator was slapped a fine of Rs 15000 on two counts by the court. Allowing the bail application of the petitioner, the High Court directed the legislator to deposit the fine amount in the lower court.
The lower court was also asked to release the petitioner on bail after collecting the fine amount, said the legislators counsel PK Padhi.
A single judge bench of Justice (Mrs) Aruna Suresh granted bail to the jailed legislator who was behind the bars since early September after he was convicted by a lower court in Phulbani district under section 304 (2) of IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).
Pradhan was sentenced to undergo six years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) by a local fast track court for his alleged involvement in the murder of a youth Bikram Pradhan during the communal riots in Kandhamal in August 2008.
The legislator was slapped a fine of Rs 15000 on two counts by the court. Allowing the bail application of the petitioner, the High Court directed the legislator to deposit the fine amount in the lower court.
The lower court was also asked to release the petitioner on bail after collecting the fine amount, said the legislators counsel PK Padhi.
Fourteen sentenced to three years for Kandhamal riots
A fast track court in Orissa awarded three years rigorous imprisonment to fourteen accused in the 2008 Kandhamal riots.
Judge CR Das of fast track court II in Phulbani sentenced seven people to rigorous imprisonment for setting fire to houses in Budamaha village in Raikia during the anti-Christian violence. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 4,500 each.
In a similar case of arson, seven people were sentenced to three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 6,500 each imposed for burning houses in Sindherigaon village.
Meanwhile, in a case of a murder, the court acquitted 31 persons while two were sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment.
The two were part of a mob that attacked three villages, setting fire to hundreds of houses that belonged to Christians. On September 30, the mob attacked and killed Ramamani Naik and Lalaji Naik of Rudangia village.
Incidentally, among the acquitted included BJP MLA Manoj Pradhan who had over 14 cases for his involvement in the riots.
Church people have expressed shock at the acquittals, which they said was the result of intimidation and coercion.
Earlier this month, a four-member team of prominent activists discovered a "state of lawlessness and utter fear" of Christians who were facing "social and economic boycott from the right-wing RSS."
"Christians have lost confidence in the police and local councils. They work hand in glove with the assailants," Fr Ajay Singh, who was part of the fact-finding mission, had expressed.
Judge CR Das of fast track court II in Phulbani sentenced seven people to rigorous imprisonment for setting fire to houses in Budamaha village in Raikia during the anti-Christian violence. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 4,500 each.
In a similar case of arson, seven people were sentenced to three years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 6,500 each imposed for burning houses in Sindherigaon village.
Meanwhile, in a case of a murder, the court acquitted 31 persons while two were sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment.
The two were part of a mob that attacked three villages, setting fire to hundreds of houses that belonged to Christians. On September 30, the mob attacked and killed Ramamani Naik and Lalaji Naik of Rudangia village.
Incidentally, among the acquitted included BJP MLA Manoj Pradhan who had over 14 cases for his involvement in the riots.
Church people have expressed shock at the acquittals, which they said was the result of intimidation and coercion.
Earlier this month, a four-member team of prominent activists discovered a "state of lawlessness and utter fear" of Christians who were facing "social and economic boycott from the right-wing RSS."
"Christians have lost confidence in the police and local councils. They work hand in glove with the assailants," Fr Ajay Singh, who was part of the fact-finding mission, had expressed.
78 tribal girls run away from Orissa hostel
Phulbani: Seventy-eight girls ran away from Shankarakhola kanyashram, a state government-run school for tribals, in Orissa's Kandhamal district. But, they were found by policemen who provided them shelter.
Late Thursday night, the girls were found loitering on the streets by some policemen of Tikabali police station, about 8km from their school. Finding them on the road at a late hour, the cops gave them shelter for the night. They also informed the hostel about the girls.
Student of classes VIII and IX, the girls fled their hostel because they were unhappy with food served at the hostel. They were given a measly breakfast of chuda, instead of their afternoon rice meal, police said. So, they had planned to run away from school and go back to their homes.
The kanyashram, run by Orissa's Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) welfare department, has 420 girl students. Inspector-in-charge of Tikabali PS Pradipta Panigrahi said the students returned to the hostel after their headmaster and hostel superintendent came to fetch them from the police station on Friday.
Late Thursday night, the girls were found loitering on the streets by some policemen of Tikabali police station, about 8km from their school. Finding them on the road at a late hour, the cops gave them shelter for the night. They also informed the hostel about the girls.
Student of classes VIII and IX, the girls fled their hostel because they were unhappy with food served at the hostel. They were given a measly breakfast of chuda, instead of their afternoon rice meal, police said. So, they had planned to run away from school and go back to their homes.
The kanyashram, run by Orissa's Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) welfare department, has 420 girl students. Inspector-in-charge of Tikabali PS Pradipta Panigrahi said the students returned to the hostel after their headmaster and hostel superintendent came to fetch them from the police station on Friday.
Planning Committee of Kandhamal district approves projects of Rs 245 Core 51 lakh
The Planning Committee of Kandhamal district held in the DRDA conference hall on Saturday under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Women and Child Welfare Pramilla Mallick . The Committee has approved projects of Rs 245 Core 51 lakh.
Among others MLA Debendra Kahanr, Karendra Majhi, Chairman of the Zilla Parishad Sakuntala mallick, Collector in charge Pradip Kumar Rath and other officials were present.
Among others MLA Debendra Kahanr, Karendra Majhi, Chairman of the Zilla Parishad Sakuntala mallick, Collector in charge Pradip Kumar Rath and other officials were present.
Orissa Governor Bhandare visits riot affected Kandhamal district
The Governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare has visited riot affected Kandhamal district . The Governor arrived at Phulbani Circuit House on Wednesday evening. Collector Dr Krishan Kumar and SP S. Prabin Kumar received the Governor .
The Governor visited the ITI at 9.30 am on Thursday and interacted with the tribal boys and girls of the ITI. The Governor then visited riot affected Bilabada village of Beheragan Panchayat under Tikabali Block and inspected the settlement projects and intracted with the riot affected peoples. The Governor distributed the beneficiaries under Mo Kudia, Madhubabu Pension scheme, Special PDS, etc.
The Governor also inaugurated a tribal girls hostel in Chudipada under Khajuripada Block. The Collector Dr Krishan Kumar , SP S. Prabin Kumar , DRDA Project Director Pradip Rath, District Welfare Officer , PA of ITDA project, and Khajuripada BDO were present. The District Administration arranged tight security in view of the visit of the Governor.
The Governor visited the ITI at 9.30 am on Thursday and interacted with the tribal boys and girls of the ITI. The Governor then visited riot affected Bilabada village of Beheragan Panchayat under Tikabali Block and inspected the settlement projects and intracted with the riot affected peoples. The Governor distributed the beneficiaries under Mo Kudia, Madhubabu Pension scheme, Special PDS, etc.
The Governor also inaugurated a tribal girls hostel in Chudipada under Khajuripada Block. The Collector Dr Krishan Kumar , SP S. Prabin Kumar , DRDA Project Director Pradip Rath, District Welfare Officer , PA of ITDA project, and Khajuripada BDO were present. The District Administration arranged tight security in view of the visit of the Governor.
Riot victims demonstrate at Naveen''s meet
PTI | 11:10 PM,Oct 25,2010
Phulbani (Orissa), Oct 25 (PTI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik faced demonstrations by riot affected people demanding a CBI probe into the 2008 ethnic violence and additional compensation during his visit to Kandhamal district today. The demonstrators under the banner of Christian Jan Kalyan Samaj shouted slogans against the manner of rehabilitation and waved placards at the venue of the meeting which was addressed by Patnaik to draw his attention. "We demand CBI inquiry, compensation is not adequate," said the placards, which were seized by the superintendent of police S Praveen Kumar. However, none was arrested in connection with the incident, police said. Later a member of the Samaj Issac Digal said the demonstartion was staged as its application for a meeting with the chief minister was not accepted. Patnaik during a review meeting later in the day inquired about disbursement of compensation among the victims and directed district officials to complete the process soon. "Patnaik also indicated a hike in the compensation amount," said a senior official adding the state government had given compensation to about 4800 riot affected families. The state government had given Rs 50,000 for completely damaged houses and Rs 20,000 for partially damaged houses. The next of kin of the persons killed in the riot were given Rs 2 lakh from the state government and Rs 3 lakh from the Centre.PTI COR AAM SKN KK
Phulbani (Orissa), Oct 25 (PTI) Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik faced demonstrations by riot affected people demanding a CBI probe into the 2008 ethnic violence and additional compensation during his visit to Kandhamal district today. The demonstrators under the banner of Christian Jan Kalyan Samaj shouted slogans against the manner of rehabilitation and waved placards at the venue of the meeting which was addressed by Patnaik to draw his attention. "We demand CBI inquiry, compensation is not adequate," said the placards, which were seized by the superintendent of police S Praveen Kumar. However, none was arrested in connection with the incident, police said. Later a member of the Samaj Issac Digal said the demonstartion was staged as its application for a meeting with the chief minister was not accepted. Patnaik during a review meeting later in the day inquired about disbursement of compensation among the victims and directed district officials to complete the process soon. "Patnaik also indicated a hike in the compensation amount," said a senior official adding the state government had given compensation to about 4800 riot affected families. The state government had given Rs 50,000 for completely damaged houses and Rs 20,000 for partially damaged houses. The next of kin of the persons killed in the riot were given Rs 2 lakh from the state government and Rs 3 lakh from the Centre.PTI COR AAM SKN KK
APL victims to get cheap rice
PTI | 07:10 PM,Oct 25,2010
Phulbani (Orissa), Oct 25 (PTI) Orissa government has extended its cheap rice scheme today to cover all victims of the ethno-communal riots in Kandhamal, including above poverty line (APL) families. "About 23,000 APL riot-hit families will be benefitted.All the riot victims will be provided with 25 kg of rice every month at the rate of Rs 2," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said at a public meeting at Shankarakhol, about 25 km from here. Though all the people, including APL families, in poverty stricken KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region were earlier covered under the scheme, it was for the first time extended to include such families hit by 2008 ethno-communal riots in Kandhamal where at least 38 persons were killed.
Assuring all help to the riot-hit families, Patnaik said his government was "very particular" about rehabilitation of riot victims. Biju Kandhamal Yojana, a special package, would be implemented to help people in the district. "I appeal to all the people in Kandhamal to maintain peace, harmony and fraternity to ensure better development of the district," he said after inaugurating a district-level exhibition and an extension building of a college at Shankarakhol.
Referring to the state government's efforts to resolve the long-standing land dispute issues in Kandhamal, Patnaik said 40 new revenue inspector offices, 10 new tehsil offices and an additional sub-collector office had been set up at G Udaygiri to address the problem. "My government is working for the uplift of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes. Housing programme like 'Mo Kudia' (my hut) for the poor and 'Mission Shakti' for women empowerment have been successful in Kandhamal," he claimed. The state government has identified horticulture and tourism as potential development scopes for Kandhamal. "Both the sectors are getting the priority from the state government," Patnaik said. During his day-long Kandhamal tour, Patnaik laid the foundation stone for a driving training institute at G Udaygiri, a horticulture training institute at Kalinga, inaugurated the sub-collector's office at G Udaygiri, regional information office at Gumagada and tehsildar's office at Phiringia. He is scheduled to review the law and order situation in Kandhamal before returning to Bhubaneswar.
Phulbani (Orissa), Oct 25 (PTI) Orissa government has extended its cheap rice scheme today to cover all victims of the ethno-communal riots in Kandhamal, including above poverty line (APL) families. "About 23,000 APL riot-hit families will be benefitted.All the riot victims will be provided with 25 kg of rice every month at the rate of Rs 2," Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said at a public meeting at Shankarakhol, about 25 km from here. Though all the people, including APL families, in poverty stricken KBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region were earlier covered under the scheme, it was for the first time extended to include such families hit by 2008 ethno-communal riots in Kandhamal where at least 38 persons were killed.
Assuring all help to the riot-hit families, Patnaik said his government was "very particular" about rehabilitation of riot victims. Biju Kandhamal Yojana, a special package, would be implemented to help people in the district. "I appeal to all the people in Kandhamal to maintain peace, harmony and fraternity to ensure better development of the district," he said after inaugurating a district-level exhibition and an extension building of a college at Shankarakhol.
Referring to the state government's efforts to resolve the long-standing land dispute issues in Kandhamal, Patnaik said 40 new revenue inspector offices, 10 new tehsil offices and an additional sub-collector office had been set up at G Udaygiri to address the problem. "My government is working for the uplift of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes. Housing programme like 'Mo Kudia' (my hut) for the poor and 'Mission Shakti' for women empowerment have been successful in Kandhamal," he claimed. The state government has identified horticulture and tourism as potential development scopes for Kandhamal. "Both the sectors are getting the priority from the state government," Patnaik said. During his day-long Kandhamal tour, Patnaik laid the foundation stone for a driving training institute at G Udaygiri, a horticulture training institute at Kalinga, inaugurated the sub-collector's office at G Udaygiri, regional information office at Gumagada and tehsildar's office at Phiringia. He is scheduled to review the law and order situation in Kandhamal before returning to Bhubaneswar.
CCI nod for upgradation of Orissa roads on Vijayawada-Ranchi route
New Delhi, October 6, 2010
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI), at its meeting here yesterday, approved the improvement of 600 km of State roads in Orissa as part of the plan to develop, in a phased manner, the entire 1632 km long Vijayawada-Ranchi corridor at an estimated cost of Rs 1200 crore.
An official press release said the project, located in left-wing extremism affected areas, would be completed in the next three years by March 2014.
It said the project would provide a good communication network between the tribal districts of Orissa and other developed areas in the State as well as to the neighbouring States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
The project will cover Malkangiri, Jaypore, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhmal, Boudh, Sambalpur, Angul, Deogarh, Koenjhar and Mayurbhanj districts in Orissa.
The Centre and the State Governments concerned had taken up the route from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh to Ranchi in Jharkhand for development as an integrated project in view of the growing activities of left-wing extremists in that area.
In September 2009, the Government took a decision to sanction remaining stretches of National Highways on Vijayawada-Ranchi route in Orissa for widening to two-lane standards and undertaking preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 600 km length of State roads which were not covered under any other programme.
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI), at its meeting here yesterday, approved the improvement of 600 km of State roads in Orissa as part of the plan to develop, in a phased manner, the entire 1632 km long Vijayawada-Ranchi corridor at an estimated cost of Rs 1200 crore.
An official press release said the project, located in left-wing extremism affected areas, would be completed in the next three years by March 2014.
It said the project would provide a good communication network between the tribal districts of Orissa and other developed areas in the State as well as to the neighbouring States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
The project will cover Malkangiri, Jaypore, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhmal, Boudh, Sambalpur, Angul, Deogarh, Koenjhar and Mayurbhanj districts in Orissa.
The Centre and the State Governments concerned had taken up the route from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh to Ranchi in Jharkhand for development as an integrated project in view of the growing activities of left-wing extremists in that area.
In September 2009, the Government took a decision to sanction remaining stretches of National Highways on Vijayawada-Ranchi route in Orissa for widening to two-lane standards and undertaking preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 600 km length of State roads which were not covered under any other programme.
Southco draws up Rs 492 crore paln for ATC loss
PTI | 02:10 PM,Oct 06,2010
Berhampur (Orissa), Oct 6 (PTI) Southco, a unit of Reliance Energy and one of the power distribution companies in Orissa, has drawn up a Rs 492 crore plan for next four years to reduce the aggregate transmission and commercial (ATC) loss by 21 per cent by 2013-14. The present loss of ATC in Southco was estimated at 50 per cent. With this fund, the company seeks to reduce the loss to 29 per cent in the next four years, while 3 per cent in the current year. Out of the total estimated cost, the state government will provide Rs 109.33 crore as a soft loan at 4 per cent interest, Rs 136.67-crore as nil interest. While the rest Rs 246 crore will be spent by the distribution company from its own resources as the counter funding. Besides reducing the ATC loss, the fund will also be utilized for the improvement of power distribution system and to avoid low-voltage in some parts of the distribution area.Southco has taken responsibility to distribute power in 10 southern Orissa districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangapur, Malkanagiri, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal and Boudh. The other three distribution companies including Wesco, Nesco and Cesu were also getting funds from the state government to reduce their ATC losses. The state government will spend around Rs 2400-crore for this purpose. Out of this, Southco will get Rs 492 crore, vice-president of Southco Tapan Mishra said.
Berhampur (Orissa), Oct 6 (PTI) Southco, a unit of Reliance Energy and one of the power distribution companies in Orissa, has drawn up a Rs 492 crore plan for next four years to reduce the aggregate transmission and commercial (ATC) loss by 21 per cent by 2013-14. The present loss of ATC in Southco was estimated at 50 per cent. With this fund, the company seeks to reduce the loss to 29 per cent in the next four years, while 3 per cent in the current year. Out of the total estimated cost, the state government will provide Rs 109.33 crore as a soft loan at 4 per cent interest, Rs 136.67-crore as nil interest. While the rest Rs 246 crore will be spent by the distribution company from its own resources as the counter funding. Besides reducing the ATC loss, the fund will also be utilized for the improvement of power distribution system and to avoid low-voltage in some parts of the distribution area.Southco has taken responsibility to distribute power in 10 southern Orissa districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangapur, Malkanagiri, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal and Boudh. The other three distribution companies including Wesco, Nesco and Cesu were also getting funds from the state government to reduce their ATC losses. The state government will spend around Rs 2400-crore for this purpose. Out of this, Southco will get Rs 492 crore, vice-president of Southco Tapan Mishra said.
Improve rehab package of Kandhamal victims: NCM
PTI | 10:09 PM,Sep 14,2010
Phulbani (Orissa), Sep 14 (PTI) Strongly favouring improved rehabilitation package for victims of 2008 riots in Orissa's Kandhamal, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) today asked the administration to focus on providing jobs and self-employment avenues to the affected people."It will be proper if rehabilitation package for the riot victims is improved and money given for reconstruction of destroyed and damaged houses is enhanced," NCM vice chairman H T Sangliana said during a visit to communally-sensitive Kandhamal district.Stating that the rehabilitation work in the riot-hit district was by and large satisfactory, he said enhanced financial assistance for house construction would enable the affected people restart normal life soon.Sangliana, who visited rehabilitation centres and interacted with people in Nandagiri, Hatapada and Paburia areas of G Udaygiri block, said the riot victims found it difficult to get employment after being rehabilitated.Therefore, the administration should take steps to provide job opportunities in the form of poultry, fishery, piggery, animal husbandry and horticulture, he said adding efforts need to be made for self-employment avenues.Besides examining the financial condition of the violence affected people and their security, the NCM vice chairman studied the eduction scenario and health services in the district too.Concrete steps were needed to ensure resumption of studies by children and other students as many of them had discontinued studies due to violence, he said.Sangliana is likely to interact with Christian leaders, NGO activists and district officials here tomorrow, sources said.
Four people died of diarrhoea
27th August 2010
Phulbani, Orissa: Four people died and 98 others were taken ill, 11 of them seriously, after being affected by diarrhoea in Orissa's Kandhamal district, official sources said.
The deaths were reported since last one week in five remote villages under Daringibadi public health centre, additional district medical officer (ADMO-Public Health), Jatin Patnaik said.
The disease had taken an epidemic form in Hatimunda village in Hatimunda GP where one person died and about 20 others were affected.
In Kallingi village under Tajungia GP the disease has claimed two lives including a woman and affected 25 others.
Similarly, in Danekbadi village under the same GP a girl identified as Sasmita Baliarsingh died and seven others were affected.
At least 26 people including a number of children in Badangia villagia under Sirkaburga GP and 20 persons in Gadapur village under same GP 20 people affected with the disease during the period, hospital sources said.
Health teams from Daringbadi, Balliguda and mobile health unit of an NGO were pressed in to service. Preventive measures were taken in all the affected villages and situation is stated to be under control, Patnaik said.
All the water bodies in the affected villages have been disinfected and sufficient medicines distributed.
Consumption of contaminated water from unhygienic sources in absence of safe drinking water owing to defunct tube wells is said to be the cause of the disease, Patnaik said.
Phulbani, Orissa: Four people died and 98 others were taken ill, 11 of them seriously, after being affected by diarrhoea in Orissa's Kandhamal district, official sources said.
The deaths were reported since last one week in five remote villages under Daringibadi public health centre, additional district medical officer (ADMO-Public Health), Jatin Patnaik said.
The disease had taken an epidemic form in Hatimunda village in Hatimunda GP where one person died and about 20 others were affected.
In Kallingi village under Tajungia GP the disease has claimed two lives including a woman and affected 25 others.
Similarly, in Danekbadi village under the same GP a girl identified as Sasmita Baliarsingh died and seven others were affected.
At least 26 people including a number of children in Badangia villagia under Sirkaburga GP and 20 persons in Gadapur village under same GP 20 people affected with the disease during the period, hospital sources said.
Health teams from Daringbadi, Balliguda and mobile health unit of an NGO were pressed in to service. Preventive measures were taken in all the affected villages and situation is stated to be under control, Patnaik said.
All the water bodies in the affected villages have been disinfected and sufficient medicines distributed.
Consumption of contaminated water from unhygienic sources in absence of safe drinking water owing to defunct tube wells is said to be the cause of the disease, Patnaik said.
Orissa in possession of large bauxite reserve
Rejection of environment clearance by Centre to Vedanta's mining project has brought to focus the high quality bauxite deposits in Orissa, considered to have the fourth largest bauxite reserve in the world.
The total reserves of bauxite in the mineral-rich state are estimated at 1,530 million tonnes, spread over different sectors, industry sources said.
According to conservative estimates, about 20 million tonnes of bauxites are distributed in Keonjhar, Sundergarh and Phulbani districts, they said.
The remaining reserve is under the thick blanket below the thin capping of soil and laterite in Bolangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Rayagada and Koraput districts.
There are altogether six leases, four in Keonjhar and Sundergarh producing annually 17,000 tonnes and used in iron and steel making, official sources said.
The other two leases owned by public sector Aluminium behemoth NALCO in the Panchpatmali deposit of Koraput district
produce 2.4 million tonnes.
The state has decided in principle to lease out the bauxite mines to the prospective entrepreneurs through Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) with the condition that they will set up alumina and aluminium industries in the state.
OMC also entered into an agreement with Utkal Aluminium Ltd for setting up an alumina plant in Rayagada district, official sources said.
However, most of the bauxite deposits are located in tribal-dominated areas, which makes it tough to obtain forest and environment clearane for carrying out mining operations, they said.
The Centre yesterday announced the decision to reject environment clearance to Vedanta's bauxite mining project in
Niyamgiri area of Kalahandi district on the ground that there
has been serious violation of Environment Protection Act and
Forest Conservation and Rights Act.
Orissa government had signed an MoU with Vedanta for setting up an integrated Alumina and Aluminium complex along with the associated captive power plant in the state.
A company official said the MoU also included supplying 150 million tonnes of bauxite for Vedanta's alumina refinery at Lanjigarh.
Vedanta is currently operating its alumina refinery with outsourced bauxite.
In view of the hurdles before proposed mining in Niyamgiri, the official said, the state government is actively considering allocation of alternate source of bauxite to it's alumina refinery
The total reserves of bauxite in the mineral-rich state are estimated at 1,530 million tonnes, spread over different sectors, industry sources said.
According to conservative estimates, about 20 million tonnes of bauxites are distributed in Keonjhar, Sundergarh and Phulbani districts, they said.
The remaining reserve is under the thick blanket below the thin capping of soil and laterite in Bolangir, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Rayagada and Koraput districts.
There are altogether six leases, four in Keonjhar and Sundergarh producing annually 17,000 tonnes and used in iron and steel making, official sources said.
The other two leases owned by public sector Aluminium behemoth NALCO in the Panchpatmali deposit of Koraput district
produce 2.4 million tonnes.
The state has decided in principle to lease out the bauxite mines to the prospective entrepreneurs through Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) with the condition that they will set up alumina and aluminium industries in the state.
OMC also entered into an agreement with Utkal Aluminium Ltd for setting up an alumina plant in Rayagada district, official sources said.
However, most of the bauxite deposits are located in tribal-dominated areas, which makes it tough to obtain forest and environment clearane for carrying out mining operations, they said.
The Centre yesterday announced the decision to reject environment clearance to Vedanta's bauxite mining project in
Niyamgiri area of Kalahandi district on the ground that there
has been serious violation of Environment Protection Act and
Forest Conservation and Rights Act.
Orissa government had signed an MoU with Vedanta for setting up an integrated Alumina and Aluminium complex along with the associated captive power plant in the state.
A company official said the MoU also included supplying 150 million tonnes of bauxite for Vedanta's alumina refinery at Lanjigarh.
Vedanta is currently operating its alumina refinery with outsourced bauxite.
In view of the hurdles before proposed mining in Niyamgiri, the official said, the state government is actively considering allocation of alternate source of bauxite to it's alumina refinery
Maoist posters against I-day celebrations appear in Kandhamal
PHULBANI (Orissa): Suspected Maoists put up posters and banners at several places in Orissa's communally sensitive district asking people to boycott Independence Day celebrations.
The posters bear messages asking people to observe a bandh from August 7 to 16.
Maoists posters were mostly seen in three blocks of Kotagarh, Daringbadi and Raikia in the district, the police said.
The bandh is believed to be observed in protest against the killing of Maoist leader Azad in an encounter.
They have allegedly threatened some teachers and school management to close their educational institutions and not to observe Independence Day celebration.
The ultras have also blocked the village road near Kahamguda village and five points near Gugurmaha, Ora and Marlang.
The posters bear messages asking people to observe a bandh from August 7 to 16.
Maoists posters were mostly seen in three blocks of Kotagarh, Daringbadi and Raikia in the district, the police said.
The bandh is believed to be observed in protest against the killing of Maoist leader Azad in an encounter.
They have allegedly threatened some teachers and school management to close their educational institutions and not to observe Independence Day celebration.
The ultras have also blocked the village road near Kahamguda village and five points near Gugurmaha, Ora and Marlang.
Orissa wants more districts in special scheme
Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday demanded that five more districts hit by Maoist violence be included in a special infrastructure development scheme.
Patnaik made the demand during the meeting of the chief ministers of seven states affected by left wing extremism chaired by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi, a statement here said.
He demanded the inclusion of Koraput, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kandhamal in the existing approved list of 34 districts of Planning Commission, for intensive development under special infrastructure scheme (SIS).
The inclusion is addition to the five districts of the state -- Sambalpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Malkangiri and Deogarh -- covered under the scheme, it said.
Patnaik made the demand during the meeting of the chief ministers of seven states affected by left wing extremism chaired by the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi, a statement here said.
He demanded the inclusion of Koraput, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kandhamal in the existing approved list of 34 districts of Planning Commission, for intensive development under special infrastructure scheme (SIS).
The inclusion is addition to the five districts of the state -- Sambalpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Malkangiri and Deogarh -- covered under the scheme, it said.
A stitch in time saves Nine: Lesson from the judgment in Kandhamal Riot Case
Date: 07 July 2010
"Recently in Orissa, a sitting MLA Manoj Pradhan has been sentenced by the phulbani fast track court to seven years in jail for involvement in rioting and arson. Manoj Pradhan has been elected as MLA from G Udaygiri assembly constituency as a BJP candidate. This Kandhamal case carries much more importance than Ruchika and Jessica Lal and all such cases because these are the crimes that are related with individuals while a riot is one which the general public has to face and suffer. Thus a judgment in one of the crimes related with riots has a much higher relevance and impetus to the masses and has much more message to convey. In such circumstances, if the crimes related with riots (religious, political, caste-based etc) are not decided in a swift manner, it gives a very bad message to the society and acts as a huge bolster to the other rioters."
Amitav Thakur
29th June 2010 must be considered an important day in the history of Indian judicial system. Not that some new law was promulgated on that day nor was any new judicial body set up. There was not even a major judicial structural change as well. Yet, what happened that day is something that would go a long way in restoring our faith in Indian socio-political structure. At the same time, it would help redeem the respect of Indian populace for our judicial system.
It is on this date that in Kandhamal district Orissa, an important judgment was delivered that went on to sentence the powerful local politician and MLA from an important political party in matters related with communal riots. What is even more heartening is that the judgment was delivered by a fast-track court within a span of 2 years of the incidence. Manoj Pradhan, the convicted was an influential leader of Kandhamal and a sitting MLA who happened to be close to Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
It was in August 2008 that the murder of an important Hindu religious leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides had triggered a massive and highly damaging riot which went on for months (which has been alleged by many as being a result of the deliberate laxity on the government’s part). The end result was what always happens in every riotous situation - the poor and the have-nots bore the brunt of the attack. While thousands of Christians were forced to leave their houses, the heat was equally felt by the poor Hindu tribal communities. It is alleged that Manoj Pradhan played a major role in instigating the riots and led it from the front, taking part in arson, murder and other heinous offences during the riots. Pradhan later got arrested and subsequently got his bail.
Meanwhile the matter came for trial before the Fast Track Court in Kandhamal district. Nearly two dozen cases were registered in different police stations in that period. In fact 17 cases were registered against Manoj Pradhan himself. So far decisions in 12 cases related to him have come and he has been absolved in 11 of them. In the latest judgment he has been found guilty along with Pafulla Mallik and 14 others on charges of rioting, causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons and arson. They have been given 7 years of rigorous imprisonment each. Thus five cases are still pending before him.
The judgment has been received by different people in different ways. There is a group that says that the punishment has been too less and lenient considering the heinous nature of the crime. They would have been satisfied if the maximum prescribed punishment were imposed on the accused. The other group has an exactly opposite view and openly claim that Manoj Pradhan was falsely implicated in the matter and he is completely innocent. They say that an appeal will be made in the Orissa High Court which shall help bring forth the truth. There are also the sufferers and the poor people who are too frightened to articulate any opinion in any way and for whom the only thing that matters is that such things don’t repeat again.
For a person like me and you, it would neither be prudent nor legal to comment on the judgment per se and give our own opinion as it’s still in the judicial process. But one thing that really gives me immense satisfaction is the fact that justice (whether as acquittals or as convictions) is being delivered in these cases in a relatively fast manner, that too considering the fact that this is a highly contentious, political and religiously charged and emotive issue. “Justice delayed is justice denied” they say, but due to so many reasons this is exactly what is happening in our country in many cases. Look at the SPS Rathode case in Haryana. In incidence took place in 1990 and the judgment was delivered in 2010. What meanings do such judgments have for all the concerned parties? Many a times the accused and the victim are dead and gone, at other times they are too old, helpless or weak as to suffer or rejoice the verdict. In short, it becomes a mere mockery and some kind of ritual. I recently read of a judgment related with Shibu Soren, the ex-Chief Minister of Jharkhand who was found not guilty in a murder case of late 1970s. So after more than 30 years it is found that Shibu Soren had not caused that murder. What relevance do such judgements have in the eyes of the public, for the accused, for the victims, for the prosecution and even for the Judge who is delivering it?
What even pains more is that even Judiciary seems to have got affected by the Media bug or the Media pressure. An apt example would again be the same Ruchika case, where after 19 years, 40 adjournments, and more than 400 hearings, the court finally pronounced Rathore guilty under Section 354 IPC (molestation) and sentenced him to six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000. But the moment there was a huge uproar across the Nation, another Court could deliver the judgment in less than 6 months sentencing him to one and a half years of rigorous imprisonment.
But to me, the Kandhamal case carries much more importance than Ruchika and Jessica Lal and all such cases because these are the crimes that are related with individuals while a riot is one which the general public has to face and suffer. Thus a judgment in one of the crimes related with riots has a much higher relevance and impetus to the masses and has much more message to convey. In such circumstances, if the crimes related with riots (religious, political, caste-based etc) are not decided in a swift manner, it gives a very bad message to the society and acts as a huge bolster to the other rioters. If there is not enough evidence against a person, leave him/her for good. Otherwise convict the person to the equitable punishment that seems to be deserving. But to choose a middle path (which Lord Buddha would never have advocated) of lingering the matter for years is nothing but akin to becoming a party to the crime itself. If the Delhi riot of 1984, the Ayodhya events of 1992 or the Gujarat riots of 1992 are still pending in Courts with no near chances of their getting decided (either way), don’t they also act as potential precursors of future riots, giving such criminal mindsets an example to emulate and follow?
I sincerely believe that judgments in all such riot related matters must be delivered in a timely manner and swift (and correct) decisions must be arrived at in the minimum possible time, even at the cost of some criticism here and there (which any judicial pronouncement is bound to face anyway, because of vested interests and varying perspectives).
(Author is an IPS officer and the President of IRDS, Lucknow)
"Recently in Orissa, a sitting MLA Manoj Pradhan has been sentenced by the phulbani fast track court to seven years in jail for involvement in rioting and arson. Manoj Pradhan has been elected as MLA from G Udaygiri assembly constituency as a BJP candidate. This Kandhamal case carries much more importance than Ruchika and Jessica Lal and all such cases because these are the crimes that are related with individuals while a riot is one which the general public has to face and suffer. Thus a judgment in one of the crimes related with riots has a much higher relevance and impetus to the masses and has much more message to convey. In such circumstances, if the crimes related with riots (religious, political, caste-based etc) are not decided in a swift manner, it gives a very bad message to the society and acts as a huge bolster to the other rioters."
Amitav Thakur
29th June 2010 must be considered an important day in the history of Indian judicial system. Not that some new law was promulgated on that day nor was any new judicial body set up. There was not even a major judicial structural change as well. Yet, what happened that day is something that would go a long way in restoring our faith in Indian socio-political structure. At the same time, it would help redeem the respect of Indian populace for our judicial system.
It is on this date that in Kandhamal district Orissa, an important judgment was delivered that went on to sentence the powerful local politician and MLA from an important political party in matters related with communal riots. What is even more heartening is that the judgment was delivered by a fast-track court within a span of 2 years of the incidence. Manoj Pradhan, the convicted was an influential leader of Kandhamal and a sitting MLA who happened to be close to Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
It was in August 2008 that the murder of an important Hindu religious leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and four of his aides had triggered a massive and highly damaging riot which went on for months (which has been alleged by many as being a result of the deliberate laxity on the government’s part). The end result was what always happens in every riotous situation - the poor and the have-nots bore the brunt of the attack. While thousands of Christians were forced to leave their houses, the heat was equally felt by the poor Hindu tribal communities. It is alleged that Manoj Pradhan played a major role in instigating the riots and led it from the front, taking part in arson, murder and other heinous offences during the riots. Pradhan later got arrested and subsequently got his bail.
Meanwhile the matter came for trial before the Fast Track Court in Kandhamal district. Nearly two dozen cases were registered in different police stations in that period. In fact 17 cases were registered against Manoj Pradhan himself. So far decisions in 12 cases related to him have come and he has been absolved in 11 of them. In the latest judgment he has been found guilty along with Pafulla Mallik and 14 others on charges of rioting, causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons and arson. They have been given 7 years of rigorous imprisonment each. Thus five cases are still pending before him.
The judgment has been received by different people in different ways. There is a group that says that the punishment has been too less and lenient considering the heinous nature of the crime. They would have been satisfied if the maximum prescribed punishment were imposed on the accused. The other group has an exactly opposite view and openly claim that Manoj Pradhan was falsely implicated in the matter and he is completely innocent. They say that an appeal will be made in the Orissa High Court which shall help bring forth the truth. There are also the sufferers and the poor people who are too frightened to articulate any opinion in any way and for whom the only thing that matters is that such things don’t repeat again.
For a person like me and you, it would neither be prudent nor legal to comment on the judgment per se and give our own opinion as it’s still in the judicial process. But one thing that really gives me immense satisfaction is the fact that justice (whether as acquittals or as convictions) is being delivered in these cases in a relatively fast manner, that too considering the fact that this is a highly contentious, political and religiously charged and emotive issue. “Justice delayed is justice denied” they say, but due to so many reasons this is exactly what is happening in our country in many cases. Look at the SPS Rathode case in Haryana. In incidence took place in 1990 and the judgment was delivered in 2010. What meanings do such judgments have for all the concerned parties? Many a times the accused and the victim are dead and gone, at other times they are too old, helpless or weak as to suffer or rejoice the verdict. In short, it becomes a mere mockery and some kind of ritual. I recently read of a judgment related with Shibu Soren, the ex-Chief Minister of Jharkhand who was found not guilty in a murder case of late 1970s. So after more than 30 years it is found that Shibu Soren had not caused that murder. What relevance do such judgements have in the eyes of the public, for the accused, for the victims, for the prosecution and even for the Judge who is delivering it?
What even pains more is that even Judiciary seems to have got affected by the Media bug or the Media pressure. An apt example would again be the same Ruchika case, where after 19 years, 40 adjournments, and more than 400 hearings, the court finally pronounced Rathore guilty under Section 354 IPC (molestation) and sentenced him to six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000. But the moment there was a huge uproar across the Nation, another Court could deliver the judgment in less than 6 months sentencing him to one and a half years of rigorous imprisonment.
But to me, the Kandhamal case carries much more importance than Ruchika and Jessica Lal and all such cases because these are the crimes that are related with individuals while a riot is one which the general public has to face and suffer. Thus a judgment in one of the crimes related with riots has a much higher relevance and impetus to the masses and has much more message to convey. In such circumstances, if the crimes related with riots (religious, political, caste-based etc) are not decided in a swift manner, it gives a very bad message to the society and acts as a huge bolster to the other rioters. If there is not enough evidence against a person, leave him/her for good. Otherwise convict the person to the equitable punishment that seems to be deserving. But to choose a middle path (which Lord Buddha would never have advocated) of lingering the matter for years is nothing but akin to becoming a party to the crime itself. If the Delhi riot of 1984, the Ayodhya events of 1992 or the Gujarat riots of 1992 are still pending in Courts with no near chances of their getting decided (either way), don’t they also act as potential precursors of future riots, giving such criminal mindsets an example to emulate and follow?
I sincerely believe that judgments in all such riot related matters must be delivered in a timely manner and swift (and correct) decisions must be arrived at in the minimum possible time, even at the cost of some criticism here and there (which any judicial pronouncement is bound to face anyway, because of vested interests and varying perspectives).
(Author is an IPS officer and the President of IRDS, Lucknow)
BJP MLA jailed for Kandhamal riots
G Udayagiri MLA Manoj Pradhan (30), along with his accomplice, Prafulla Mallick, was convicted of a murdering Parikhit Digal, a Christian resident of Barepanga village under the Raikia police station on August 27, 2008. Fast track court-I judge Sovan Das also fined Pradhan and Mallick Rs 5,000 each.
Sectarian clashes had erupted in Kandhamal shortly after the killing of senior VHP leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati at his Jalespeta ashram on August 23, 2008. Around 40 people were killed and many houses damaged in the spiral of violence that followed.
Security was tightened in Phulbani and G Udyagiri towns in Kandhamal district after the judgment was pronounced.
Pradhan, a first-time MLA, was sentenced under Section 326 (making severe injury to a person, which caused his death) and Section 148 (unlawful assembly).
The BJP MLA said he would appeal against the verdict. "I will challenge the verdict in a higher court," he said, before being taken to Phulbani jail. "The people of my constituency know what I am. I have full faith in the judiciary."
Five riot-related cases, including three murders, are also pending against Pradhan. Earlier, he had been acquitted in five other cases.
Despite his role in the riots, Pradhan was elected from the G Udayagiri constituency in the 2009 Assembly elections which he fought from behind bars. He defeated Congress candidate Ajayanti Pradhan by over 30,000 votes.
Orissa plans ATDCs in backward dists
Bhubaneswar: The Orissa government is planning to set up mobile apparel training and design centre (ATDC) in backward districts like Kandhamal, Koraput to improve the employbility skill of the people.
"We are now having an ATDC hub in Bhubaneswar and satellite centres in Berhampur, Rourkela, Cuttack, Baripada and Sambalpur," said the state textile and handloom minister, Anjali Behera. She said the mobile centres will serve the poor people living in interior parts of the state.The minister said ATDCs have trained as many as 1000 candidates and most of them have been employed in garment industire in Mumbai, Surat, Silvassa, Bangalore, Delhi, Tirupur. She said about 530 trainess, mostly riot victims and surrendered Maoists from Kandhamal, have been employed after being passed out from the ATDCs. State handloom secretary Arati Ahuja said the ATDCs are getting offer letters from big players like Arvind, Shahai, Poppys, Knitware, Unisource Trend, Victus, Sava.
"We are now having an ATDC hub in Bhubaneswar and satellite centres in Berhampur, Rourkela, Cuttack, Baripada and Sambalpur," said the state textile and handloom minister, Anjali Behera. She said the mobile centres will serve the poor people living in interior parts of the state.The minister said ATDCs have trained as many as 1000 candidates and most of them have been employed in garment industire in Mumbai, Surat, Silvassa, Bangalore, Delhi, Tirupur. She said about 530 trainess, mostly riot victims and surrendered Maoists from Kandhamal, have been employed after being passed out from the ATDCs. State handloom secretary Arati Ahuja said the ATDCs are getting offer letters from big players like Arvind, Shahai, Poppys, Knitware, Unisource Trend, Victus, Sava.
Politics hots up in Orissa as 3 Rajya Sabha seats to fall vacant
THREE RAJYA sabha seats form Orissa seats will be vacated on July 1 as Pyri Mohan mahapatra (BJD), Bhagirathi Majhi(BJP) and Radha Kanta Nayak from Congress complete their terms as members of Rajya Sabha.
Out of these three seats, it is confirmed that Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will be winning two seats without fail as it has the required votes forits candidates to sail through the elections.
There are as many one dozen candidates making rounds of political corridors seeking the Rajya Sabha nominations. Out of one dozen aspirants it is most likely that Pyri Mohan Mahapatra, who was very close to late Biju Patnaik will be renominated. Out of the other two remaining seats one is likely to be given to a member of minority commnity particular from Phulbani (Kondhamal) as the party wants to reiterate its secular credentials.
Both Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and several Congress leaders are also interested in contesting the third seat. However without BJD support it would be very difficult to win the third seat by congress or NCP. The third seat most probably will be go to a woman candidate to satisfy the UPA leaders, it is being speculated. However we will have to wait and see the results.
Women trafficking on rise in Kandhamal
Berhampur (Orissa), Apr 20 2010 At least five girls, two of them minors, were rescued from riot-hit Kandhamal district while being allegedly trafficked to other states, police said.
The girls, hailing from Manajodi village under Daringibadi block, were spotted by the volunteers of 'Childline', an NGO, at the railway station here last night, GRP said.
"The girls were later lodged in Utkal Balashram. They would be handed over to their parents in presence of the police tomorrow," director of Childline (Berhampur) Sudhir Sabat said here.
He said the rescued girls initially tried to hide their identity. The girls, however, admitted that they were being trafficked.
The police had last month arrested three persons, including a couple, while they were allegedly trafficking minor tribal girls from Daringibadi block.
Members of the NGO had also rescued at least a dozen girls from the railway station here on January 23, while they being trafficked to Kerala.
The girls, hailing from Manajodi village under Daringibadi block, were spotted by the volunteers of 'Childline', an NGO, at the railway station here last night, GRP said.
"The girls were later lodged in Utkal Balashram. They would be handed over to their parents in presence of the police tomorrow," director of Childline (Berhampur) Sudhir Sabat said here.
He said the rescued girls initially tried to hide their identity. The girls, however, admitted that they were being trafficked.
The police had last month arrested three persons, including a couple, while they were allegedly trafficking minor tribal girls from Daringibadi block.
Members of the NGO had also rescued at least a dozen girls from the railway station here on January 23, while they being trafficked to Kerala.
A two-member German delegation that visited Kandhamal
Date : 16th April 2010
A two-member German delegation that visited Kandhamal last week has expressed concern over the plight of victims two years after violence hit the district.
The delegation from the Human Rights Committee of the Federal Parliament visited Kandhamal from April 9 to 13, and said they were shocked at the widespread violence that rendered thousands homeless.
Kandhamal district was the epicenter for riots from August to October 2008 following the murder of a Hindu leader. Maoist militants claimed responsibility but extremist Hindus blamed Christians for the murder.
After their visit, the delegation consisting of Mr Ute Granold and Mr Pascal Kober, told reporters that the condition of people living in Kandhamal is still unacceptable and more must be done for the improvement of their lives.
They also said that many were yet to be compensated for their loss, and despite many complaints, only a few have been convicted.
The delegation will submit its report to the German parliamentary committee on human rights situation in both Orissa and Gujarat.
The delegation had visited Gujarat to study the status of minorities and reportedly justified the European Union's earlier decision of not granting visa to Modi, for his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.
On Gujarat, the visiting Parliamentarians commented that ‘alienation’ of minorities in the state could cost dear as their country wanted to have good relations with India but not at the cost of human rights.
A two-member German delegation that visited Kandhamal last week has expressed concern over the plight of victims two years after violence hit the district.
The delegation from the Human Rights Committee of the Federal Parliament visited Kandhamal from April 9 to 13, and said they were shocked at the widespread violence that rendered thousands homeless.
Kandhamal district was the epicenter for riots from August to October 2008 following the murder of a Hindu leader. Maoist militants claimed responsibility but extremist Hindus blamed Christians for the murder.
After their visit, the delegation consisting of Mr Ute Granold and Mr Pascal Kober, told reporters that the condition of people living in Kandhamal is still unacceptable and more must be done for the improvement of their lives.
They also said that many were yet to be compensated for their loss, and despite many complaints, only a few have been convicted.
The delegation will submit its report to the German parliamentary committee on human rights situation in both Orissa and Gujarat.
The delegation had visited Gujarat to study the status of minorities and reportedly justified the European Union's earlier decision of not granting visa to Modi, for his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots.
On Gujarat, the visiting Parliamentarians commented that ‘alienation’ of minorities in the state could cost dear as their country wanted to have good relations with India but not at the cost of human rights.
Rs 18 cr to be spent annually for dev projects in Kandhamal
Date 31st March 2010
Phulbani (Orissa): Government has earmarked Rs 18 crore to be spent annually to carry out special developmental works in Kandhamal district and urged the youth to help maintain peace in the region, that witnessed communal riots for about 9 months in 2008.
"Youths should fight divisive forces and remain vigilant to maintain peace and to foil any attempt to divide the society," Patnaik said inaugurating 'Antarang' - an initiative aimed at long term peace and harmony among all communities.
During his visit to the Maoist-affected and communally sensitive Kandhamal amidst tight security, the chief minister granted Rs five Lakh to each of the 12 blocks in the district to strengthen the programme.
Patnaik, who also inaugurated the Command Area Development (CAD) Programme of Pilla Salki Medium Irrigation Project at Gudari near here, said his government was committed to all round development of Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Castes and other backward people of Orissa.
All out efforts are on to bring these communities to the mainstream, particularly in Kandhmal. The CAD Project, taken up at a cost of Rs six crore, will irrigate a cultivable area of more than 2,000 hectares, he said.
Patnaik said Rs 18 crore would be spent in 12 blocks of Kandhamal every year for undertaking various developmental and welfare programmes under Biju Kandhmal Yojana and to facilitate education of ST and SC, he said.
Patnaik said the state government had decided to set up 5,000 hostels within five years to accommodate five Lakh ST, SC women in the state.
The government had also been sympathetic to the forest dwellers and was taking steps to settle their forest land disputes, he said.
The Chief Minister distributed 'pattas (land deeds), pensions, prizes and citations to the beneficiaries of 'Madhubabu Pension Yojana', 'Mo Kudia Yojana' and NREGS.
He also inaugurated a district level development exhibition at Gudari village and laid foundation of a 100-seat ST women Hostel at local ITI premises on the outskirt of the town.
Phulbani (Orissa): Government has earmarked Rs 18 crore to be spent annually to carry out special developmental works in Kandhamal district and urged the youth to help maintain peace in the region, that witnessed communal riots for about 9 months in 2008.
"Youths should fight divisive forces and remain vigilant to maintain peace and to foil any attempt to divide the society," Patnaik said inaugurating 'Antarang' - an initiative aimed at long term peace and harmony among all communities.
During his visit to the Maoist-affected and communally sensitive Kandhamal amidst tight security, the chief minister granted Rs five Lakh to each of the 12 blocks in the district to strengthen the programme.
Patnaik, who also inaugurated the Command Area Development (CAD) Programme of Pilla Salki Medium Irrigation Project at Gudari near here, said his government was committed to all round development of Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Castes and other backward people of Orissa.
All out efforts are on to bring these communities to the mainstream, particularly in Kandhmal. The CAD Project, taken up at a cost of Rs six crore, will irrigate a cultivable area of more than 2,000 hectares, he said.
Patnaik said Rs 18 crore would be spent in 12 blocks of Kandhamal every year for undertaking various developmental and welfare programmes under Biju Kandhmal Yojana and to facilitate education of ST and SC, he said.
Patnaik said the state government had decided to set up 5,000 hostels within five years to accommodate five Lakh ST, SC women in the state.
The government had also been sympathetic to the forest dwellers and was taking steps to settle their forest land disputes, he said.
The Chief Minister distributed 'pattas (land deeds), pensions, prizes and citations to the beneficiaries of 'Madhubabu Pension Yojana', 'Mo Kudia Yojana' and NREGS.
He also inaugurated a district level development exhibition at Gudari village and laid foundation of a 100-seat ST women Hostel at local ITI premises on the outskirt of the town.
Orissa guv visits Kandhamal
Phulbani (Orissa), Mar 10 About 18 months after the communal violence in Kandhamal district, several victims told Governor M C Bhandare today that they still felt insecure and found the government compensation inadequate.
Bhandare, who visited riot-affected villages in Balliguda and supervised the rehabilitation programme, was told by the victims that they had to borrow from moneylenders as the compensation given to them in instalments was inadequate.
"Now we have no work. We still do not feel secure," said Manuel Nayak, whose reconstructed house the governor visited at Kutipada village in Balliguda.
The victims also alleged that those who had lost their homes in the riot in December 2008 in Balliguda area have not yet received compensation despite several requests to the authorities concerned.
Some women told Bhandare that they were staying in forest land but have been evacuated from those places.
Bhandare, who visited riot-affected villages in Balliguda and supervised the rehabilitation programme, was told by the victims that they had to borrow from moneylenders as the compensation given to them in instalments was inadequate.
"Now we have no work. We still do not feel secure," said Manuel Nayak, whose reconstructed house the governor visited at Kutipada village in Balliguda.
The victims also alleged that those who had lost their homes in the riot in December 2008 in Balliguda area have not yet received compensation despite several requests to the authorities concerned.
Some women told Bhandare that they were staying in forest land but have been evacuated from those places.
Phulbani - Berhampur Rail Line 2010 Rail Budget
Bhubaneswar: Breaking News! Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee did not offer much to the people of Orissa in her West Bengal-specific Railway Budget 2010, but people in distant regions such as Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Phulbani will have something to celebrate.
Several new train routes were announced in the 2010 Railway Budget. The follwing new train lines have been allocated for Orissa:
- Phulbani-Berhampur
- Jeypore-Malkangiri
- Raipur-Jharsuguda
- Puri-Konark
- Nabarangpur-Jeypore
In addition, survey will be made for new train lines in Talcher-Phulbani-Lanjigarh and Gunpur-Theruball-Junagarh-Jeypore route. Delang-Puri and Talcher-Sambalpur will have double track rain lines.
The Railway Minister announced 10 Duronto trains in the Railway Budget 2010. There will be one Duronto Express between Howrah-Puri. Not surprisingly, West Bengal got 5 Duronto trains.
Kandhamal visit 'satisfactory': EU diplomats' team
Phulbani (Orissa), Feb 5 2010 The EU delegation of diplomats today termed as "fruitful" and "satisfactory" their two-day visit to riot-hit Kandhamal but said they were "concerned" over sufferings of some people in the district.
"We had a very good meeting with the Kandhamal district administration. It is fruitful. We had open and frank discussion. It helped us in understanding the situation and understanding happenings over the past 15 months," said Gabriele Annis, the first secretary (political and counsellor) from Embassy of Italy.
Annis said during the visit the delegation met all people concerned, communities and stake holders.
Replying to a question on relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken by the state government, he said, "Of course, there is always need for more."
Asked on the EU's observation on the post-riot situation in Kandhamal, Annis said they were still gathering information
"We had a very good meeting with the Kandhamal district administration. It is fruitful. We had open and frank discussion. It helped us in understanding the situation and understanding happenings over the past 15 months," said Gabriele Annis, the first secretary (political and counsellor) from Embassy of Italy.
Annis said during the visit the delegation met all people concerned, communities and stake holders.
Replying to a question on relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken by the state government, he said, "Of course, there is always need for more."
Asked on the EU's observation on the post-riot situation in Kandhamal, Annis said they were still gathering information
Three die in bus accident in Orissa
Berhampur: Three persons were killed and 40 others injured today when the bus they were travelling in fell off a road in Orissa's Ganjam district.The mishap occurred when the Berhampur-bound bus from Baliguda in Kandhamal district was negotiating a turn on the Ghat road near Gajalbadi, about 100 km from here," Ganjam SP Nitinjeet Singh said.
The injured, some of them in serious condition, were being treated at the hospitals at Daringibadi in Kandhamal district and Sorada in Ganjam district.
The police and fire brigade had rushed to the spot even as locals were engaged in rescue operation and helping the passengers moving to hospitals.
The dead persons were yet to be identified and Singh said efforts are on to provide medicine to the passengers.
The injured, some of them in serious condition, were being treated at the hospitals at Daringibadi in Kandhamal district and Sorada in Ganjam district.
The police and fire brigade had rushed to the spot even as locals were engaged in rescue operation and helping the passengers moving to hospitals.
The dead persons were yet to be identified and Singh said efforts are on to provide medicine to the passengers.
EU diplomats begin Kandhamal visit
Phulbani (Orissa), Feb 4 2010 Amidst tight security, a 11-member EU diplomat delegation today began its Kandhamal visit, about 25 months after the large scale ethno-communal violence in the district.
Diplomats belonging to nine European countries of Spain, Hungary, Poland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Finland and Sweden along with two senior officials of the EU's India office, reached Nandagiri rehabilitation camp, about 55 km from here.
The EU diplomats who were earlier denied permission twice to visit the communally-fragile Kandhamal, finally met the riot affected people.
The delegation had, however, met some of the victims earlier in Bhubaneswar.
Nandagiri, the place where at least 52 riot affected families were rehabilitated after violence, was the first choice of the delegation, an official said adding that people from Batikela were provided land and funds to set up their house at the camp.
Diplomats belonging to nine European countries of Spain, Hungary, Poland, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Finland and Sweden along with two senior officials of the EU's India office, reached Nandagiri rehabilitation camp, about 55 km from here.
The EU diplomats who were earlier denied permission twice to visit the communally-fragile Kandhamal, finally met the riot affected people.
The delegation had, however, met some of the victims earlier in Bhubaneswar.
Nandagiri, the place where at least 52 riot affected families were rehabilitated after violence, was the first choice of the delegation, an official said adding that people from Batikela were provided land and funds to set up their house at the camp.
Kandhamal Violence Had Impact in Europe'
Date : 02 Feb 2010
The communal violence in Orissa's Kandhamal, which claimed 38 lives including Christian Dalits' and Hindu tribals, had its impact on the people of Europe, visiting diplomats from nine European Union countries said today.
"The EU diplomats said people in their countries wanted to know about the ground situation at Kandhamal," a journalist present among the group of mediapersons invited to an informal chat with the diplomats here, said.
The EU diplomats also informed the media persons that they were anxious to know about the condition of the violence-affected people 25 months after the riot in Kandhamal.
Since the EU decided to fund some development activities in Orissa, they wanted to assess the ground situation, especially whether communal harmony prevailed now, said another scribe.
While the diplomats met a select group of scribes from particular media houses at a posh hotel here, a large number of journalists, mostly from local media, expressed their displeasure for being left out by the EU team.
The visiting delegation said it discussed with journalists different issues relating to riot in Kandhamal.
"We collected information from church leaders on how the state government acted after the riot and condition of victims", Christopher Manet, political counsellor in the EU delegation to India, said.
The 11-member delegation met church leaders including Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar diocese Rapheal Cheenath in the evening.
"We have told them that complete normalcy was yet to return to Kandhamal though there had been no violence in the district for the last one year," Cheenath told reporters after the meeting.
The communal violence in Orissa's Kandhamal, which claimed 38 lives including Christian Dalits' and Hindu tribals, had its impact on the people of Europe, visiting diplomats from nine European Union countries said today.
"The EU diplomats said people in their countries wanted to know about the ground situation at Kandhamal," a journalist present among the group of mediapersons invited to an informal chat with the diplomats here, said.
The EU diplomats also informed the media persons that they were anxious to know about the condition of the violence-affected people 25 months after the riot in Kandhamal.
Since the EU decided to fund some development activities in Orissa, they wanted to assess the ground situation, especially whether communal harmony prevailed now, said another scribe.
While the diplomats met a select group of scribes from particular media houses at a posh hotel here, a large number of journalists, mostly from local media, expressed their displeasure for being left out by the EU team.
The visiting delegation said it discussed with journalists different issues relating to riot in Kandhamal.
"We collected information from church leaders on how the state government acted after the riot and condition of victims", Christopher Manet, political counsellor in the EU delegation to India, said.
The 11-member delegation met church leaders including Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar diocese Rapheal Cheenath in the evening.
"We have told them that complete normalcy was yet to return to Kandhamal though there had been no violence in the district for the last one year," Cheenath told reporters after the meeting.
Chill paralyzes life in Kandhamal
Date 23/01/2010
BERHAMPUR: Life in Kandhamal was paralyzed on Friday when the mercury fell to around five degree Celsius in many parts of the district. Phulbani recorded 5.2 degree Celsius, one degree less than Thursday. Temperature in remote areas was much lower than that in the district headquarters town. Phulbani had recorded four degree Celsius in December.
Daringibadi, a block headquarter town, famous for recording the lowest temperature in the state during peak winter recorded three degree Celsius, sources said. It is about 2,500 feet above sea-level.
The cold wave forced people to stay indoors. Many could be seen huddling around bonfires during early morning to keep themselves warm. "It is too cold to venture out of the house during morning hours," a bank employee in Daringibaidi said.
Locals, however, said they had earlier experienced minus temperature in the town and even snowfall. "We have experienced snowfall in the town many times in the past during peak winter," Nityananda Kanhar, a businessmen of Daringibadi said. Although there has been no snowfall in the tourist town this year, it is likely to be freezing in the next one or two days, he said.
Despite the chill, many people from far-flung area of the state come to Daringibadi to experience the winter chill. There was a huge crowd on New Year.
Even coastal areas of the state are experiencing a chilly weather this winter. The minimum temperature of Goplapur, the beach town in Ganjam district was 15.2 degree Celsius.
BERHAMPUR: Life in Kandhamal was paralyzed on Friday when the mercury fell to around five degree Celsius in many parts of the district. Phulbani recorded 5.2 degree Celsius, one degree less than Thursday. Temperature in remote areas was much lower than that in the district headquarters town. Phulbani had recorded four degree Celsius in December.
Daringibadi, a block headquarter town, famous for recording the lowest temperature in the state during peak winter recorded three degree Celsius, sources said. It is about 2,500 feet above sea-level.
The cold wave forced people to stay indoors. Many could be seen huddling around bonfires during early morning to keep themselves warm. "It is too cold to venture out of the house during morning hours," a bank employee in Daringibaidi said.
Locals, however, said they had earlier experienced minus temperature in the town and even snowfall. "We have experienced snowfall in the town many times in the past during peak winter," Nityananda Kanhar, a businessmen of Daringibadi said. Although there has been no snowfall in the tourist town this year, it is likely to be freezing in the next one or two days, he said.
Despite the chill, many people from far-flung area of the state come to Daringibadi to experience the winter chill. There was a huge crowd on New Year.
Even coastal areas of the state are experiencing a chilly weather this winter. The minimum temperature of Goplapur, the beach town in Ganjam district was 15.2 degree Celsius.
Snowfall at Daringbadi ?
Date : 3rd January 2010
Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Interior Odisha continued to reel under severe cold wave on Sunday as minimum temperature at five major towns of the state has dipped below 8 degree Celsius. The temperature at Daringbadi in Phulbani and Tensa in Sundargarh touched 0 degree Celsius. Snowfall has been reported in these two centres.
Meanwhile, the temperature in Phulbani is reported to be 4 degree Celsius, Sundargarh 5.9 degree C, Koraput 10.5 degree C, Sambalpur 6.5 degree C, Angul 6 degree C, Bhawanipatna 6.5 degrees C, Jharsuguda 7 degree C, Chandbali 9.8 degrees C, Bhubaneswar 11.3 degrees C and Cuttack 11.6 degree C. The temperature was appreciably below normal over interior pockets and below normal over coastal Odisha. The cold wave would continue for another 48 hours, said an official of the local Met office here.
A stiff breeze and poor visibility due to fog kept people indoors till 10 am in most places. The breeze and dipping temperatures in evening hours also ensured that people remained indoors. The state is impacted by the cold wave prevailing in northern parts of the country, said officials indicating that even neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and parts of West Bengal were reeling under similar conditions.
Bhubaneswar (Odisha): Interior Odisha continued to reel under severe cold wave on Sunday as minimum temperature at five major towns of the state has dipped below 8 degree Celsius. The temperature at Daringbadi in Phulbani and Tensa in Sundargarh touched 0 degree Celsius. Snowfall has been reported in these two centres.
Meanwhile, the temperature in Phulbani is reported to be 4 degree Celsius, Sundargarh 5.9 degree C, Koraput 10.5 degree C, Sambalpur 6.5 degree C, Angul 6 degree C, Bhawanipatna 6.5 degrees C, Jharsuguda 7 degree C, Chandbali 9.8 degrees C, Bhubaneswar 11.3 degrees C and Cuttack 11.6 degree C. The temperature was appreciably below normal over interior pockets and below normal over coastal Odisha. The cold wave would continue for another 48 hours, said an official of the local Met office here.
A stiff breeze and poor visibility due to fog kept people indoors till 10 am in most places. The breeze and dipping temperatures in evening hours also ensured that people remained indoors. The state is impacted by the cold wave prevailing in northern parts of the country, said officials indicating that even neighbouring states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and parts of West Bengal were reeling under similar conditions.
Cold wave sweeps in Orissa
Bhubaneswar, Jan 3 2010 Chilling cold wave swept across most parts of Orissa today with Phulbani turning the coldest place with four degrees Celsius.
As mercury fell well below the normal level in many parts of the state, the capital city of Bhubaneswar recorded a minimum temperature of 11.3 degrees Celsius.
Most parts in north, west and interior Orissa shivered as the temperature dropped substantially affecting normal life in some places like Daringbadi (0 Degree) and Raikia in Kandhamal where the district headquarter town of Phulbani recorded 4 degrees Celsius, the Met centre said here.
The minimum temperature in Sambalpur was recorded at 5.7 degrees Celsius, while it was 5.9 degrees in Sundargarh, six degrees Celsius at Angul, 7 degrees in Jharsuguda and eight degree Celsius in Keonjhar.
The met office said the cold wave conditions would persist over many parts of the state during the next two days.
As mercury fell well below the normal level in many parts of the state, the capital city of Bhubaneswar recorded a minimum temperature of 11.3 degrees Celsius.
Most parts in north, west and interior Orissa shivered as the temperature dropped substantially affecting normal life in some places like Daringbadi (0 Degree) and Raikia in Kandhamal where the district headquarter town of Phulbani recorded 4 degrees Celsius, the Met centre said here.
The minimum temperature in Sambalpur was recorded at 5.7 degrees Celsius, while it was 5.9 degrees in Sundargarh, six degrees Celsius at Angul, 7 degrees in Jharsuguda and eight degree Celsius in Keonjhar.
The met office said the cold wave conditions would persist over many parts of the state during the next two days.
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