Author: Neel Achary

CAG Flags Land Management Gaps In Odisha, 12,393 Acres Of Industrial Land Remain Unused

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 30 (UDN): The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged significant shortcomings in Odisha’s land management, including the non-utilisation of thousands of acres allotted for industrial and allied activities.

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A performance audit covering eight districts found that 12,393.651 acres of land allotted between 1981 and 2021 had remained unused for the purposes for which they were sanctioned. Another 252.692 acres were found to have been used for activities other than those approved.

According to the audit, the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) had allotted 50,231.849 acres for industrial purposes as of March 2024. However, inadequate monitoring and weak lease provisions affected the authorities’ ability to enforce land-use conditions and recover plots that remained unutilised.

The CAG also pointed to gaps in the land-record monitoring system. The Revenue and Disaster Management Department did not maintain a comprehensive database to track acquired and allotted land, while regular surveys to assess actual land use were not being conducted by IDCO or district administrations.

Government Land Worth Nearly ₹598 Crore Under Encroachment

The audit further revealed that 668.893 acres of government land, estimated to be worth ₹597.87 crore, were under unauthorised occupation in the areas covered by the audit.

The report also identified instances of land-use violations involving agricultural and forest land.

As many as 504.768 acres of agricultural land were found to have been used for non-agricultural purposes without proper authorisation. In addition, 568.876 acres of forest land had reportedly been used for non-forest activities without the required approvals.

The CAG has recommended stronger mechanisms to monitor allotted land and ensure compliance with prescribed conditions.

Among the measures suggested are the creation of village-wise land banks, regular surveys to establish the status of land, recovery of unused industrial plots and stringent action against unauthorised occupation and land-use changes.

The audit findings highlight the need for closer coordination between IDCO, district administrations and the Revenue Department to improve oversight of industrial and government land across the state.

79 LPG Cylinders Seized Near Bhubaneswar Over Suspected Illegal Transportation

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 30 (UDN): The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department has seized 79 LPG cylinders and two vehicles during a crackdown on suspected illegal transportation of cooking gas on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

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The seizure was made in the Hanspal-Naharkanta area after officials received information about the alleged unauthorised movement of LPG cylinders.

According to department officials, a team was heading to the area for an APS inspection when they noticed two vehicles allegedly involved in transferring cylinders from one vehicle to another.

The officials intercepted the vehicles and asked the persons handling the cylinders to produce documents authorising their transportation. However, they allegedly failed to provide valid papers.

Following the document verification failure, the department seized all 79 cylinders along with the two vehicles.

A written complaint was subsequently filed at Pahala police station, and the drivers were taken in for questioning.

Officials said the investigation will focus on determining where the cylinders originated, where they were being transported and whether the cylinders were linked to legitimate beneficiaries possessing valid LPG consumer cards.

“We will ascertain the source of the cylinders, their intended destination and whether the beneficiaries have valid cards. A detailed inquiry will be conducted,” an official said.

The department is also examining the possible supply chain involved in the movement of the cylinders and is working to identify others who may be connected with the suspected operation.

Further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry, officials said.

Odisha Bandh Sees Limited Impact In Bhubaneswar, Protesters Detained At Master Canteen

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 30 (UDN): The 12-hour Odisha Bandh called by the Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS) had limited impact in the state capital on Wednesday, with traffic movement, shops, markets and government offices largely functioning as normal.

Bhubaneswar DCP Saravana Vivek M said the overall situation in the city remained peaceful and normal throughout the day.

“Vehicles are running completely normally, and the traffic system is entirely normal. All shops and markets are open. Government offices are also fully open, and everyone is going to work,” the DCP said.

Police, however, detained a few protesters after they allegedly attempted to block a road near Master Canteen Square.

According to the DCP, the protesters were taken into preventive detention to avoid disruption to traffic and maintain public order. He said those detained would be released on bond after some time.

The bandh was called by the NNKS over a six-point charter of demands. One of the issues raised by the organisation relates to alleged errors in school textbooks. The group has also sought the resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond over the issue.

Despite the bandh call, regular public movement continued across Bhubaneswar, while police personnel remained deployed at key locations to monitor the situation and prevent attempts at road blockades.

The city police maintained vigilance in areas considered sensitive and continued traffic management measures to ensure the movement of commuters remained uninterrupted.

With most commercial establishments and government offices functioning normally, the bandh did not significantly disrupt day-to-day activities in Bhubaneswar, according to the police.

Rescued Orangutans Adapting Well To Odisha Climate, DNA Tests To Trace Origin

Bhubaneswar, Sept.  30 (UDN): The rescued orangutans housed in Odisha are reportedly adapting well to the state’s climatic conditions, with their health showing signs of improvement, Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said on Wednesday.

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The Minister said the animals are under round-the-clock observation and are being regularly examined by teams of specialist veterinarians.

According to Khuntia, the orangutans have also shown an increase in body weight since their rescue, indicating improvement in their overall condition.

“The climate of Odisha suits the orangutans. Special care is being taken and 24-hour monitoring is being done. Their weight has also increased,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, authorities are preparing to conduct DNA tests to establish the geographical origin of the rescued primates.

Khuntia said the state has been in touch with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in connection with the testing. Samples are expected to be collected shortly and sent for examination.

Once the DNA analysis is completed, the report is expected to provide information that could help determine the orangutans’ origin, the Minister said.

“The samples will be collected very soon and sent for examination. After the DNA test report, it will be clear which country they have come from. The Government of India will also be informed,” Khuntia said.

The findings are expected to assist authorities in establishing the background and origin of the rescued orangutans and determining the appropriate course of action for their continued care.

Kichakeswari Temple Development: Centre Sanctions INR 44.91 Crore For Khiching Temple In Mayurbhanj

Mayurbhanj, Sept. 30 (UDN): The historic Maa Kichakeswari Temple at Khiching in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district is set to receive a major infrastructure boost, with the Centre sanctioning ₹44.91 crore for the development of the temple complex under the PRASHAD scheme.

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The announcement was made by the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism on social media. The sanctioned amount is aimed at strengthening pilgrimage infrastructure while preserving the religious, cultural and heritage significance of the centuries-old temple.

The project has been app roved under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) of the Ministry of Tourism. The scheme focuses on developing pilgrimage and heritage destinations by improving basic amenities and visitor facilities.

The proposed development at the Kichakeswari Temple complex is expected to include improved facilities for devotees and tourists, better visitor amenities and infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience.

The temple, located at Khiching, is an important religious and heritage site in Mayurbhanj and attracts devotees as well as visitors interested in Odisha’s architectural and cultural heritage.

The Centre’s investment is also expected to give a push to pilgrimage tourism in the region. Improved infrastructure could encourage more visitors to Khiching and create greater opportunities for local businesses and tourism-linked activities.

The project is being positioned as an effort to balance modern visitor facilities with the preservation of the temple’s historic and spiritual character.

The development of the Kichakeswari Temple complex is expected to add to Odisha’s growing network of pilgrimage and heritage tourism destinations and strengthen the state’s tourism infrastructure.

CCTV Cameras, Plainclothes Cops To Intensify Security At Bhubaneswar Puja Pandals

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 30 (UDN): The Commissionerate Police has strengthened its security strategy for the upcoming festive season in Bhubaneswar, with enhanced surveillance, CCTV monitoring and deployment of plainclothes personnel planned at major puja pandals across the city.

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Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dr Saravana Vivek M said police would identify locations considered vulnerable based on incidents reported during previous festive seasons and increase patrolling and surveillance in those areas.

“We will review the security situation for the upcoming festive season and take necessary measures. Places identified as vulnerable during previous festive seasons will be kept under special surveillance, with additional patrolling in those areas,” the DCP said.

As part of the security plan, puja committees and organisers have been asked to install CCTV cameras at their respective pandals. Police have already held meetings with organisers to discuss crowd management and other security arrangements.

“CCTV coverage will be ensured at the pandals. We have already discussed the security arrangements with the organisers, and they will have to install CCTV cameras as part of the security measures,” DCP Saravana Vivek said.

Police personnel in plain clothes will also be deployed at various pandals to monitor suspicious activities, keep an eye on crowds and prevent crimes such as chain-snatching and other offences targeting women.

According to the DCP, photographs of habitual offenders and individuals previously involved in snatching cases will be circulated among police personnel to facilitate identification and monitoring during the festive period.

The police have also intensified their watch on unauthorised or forced collection of donations during the festive season. All police stations have been directed to monitor such activities and take action against those found violating the law.

“Strict action will be taken against those involved in forcibly collecting donations. All police stations have been instructed to remain vigilant and take action as per law,” the DCP said.

Surveillance will also be stepped up against criminals coming from outside the state, the DCP added.

Police officials will coordinate with inspectors-in-charge and senior officers to assess security requirements at different locations and finalise deployment plans accordingly.

The Commissionerate Police has urged puja committees to give priority to the safety of devotees and ensure adequate security and crowd-management arrangements at their pandals.

The enhanced patrolling, CCTV surveillance and deployment of police personnel will remain in place throughout the festive season to maintain public safety and ensure the smooth conduct of celebrations across Bhubaneswar.