IIT Bhubaneswar Lends Technical Expertise for Safe Construction of Kendrapara Rath Yatra Chariot

Kendrapara, July 8 (UDN): In a unique blend of tradition and technology, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar is providing engineering support for the construction of the chariot for the upcoming Baladevjew Temple Rath Yatra at Ichapur in Odisha’s Kendrapara district.

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The annual Rath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 16, will witness the procession of the temple’s towering 67-foot-high, 14-wheeled chariot, ‘Bramahataladhwaja’. The initiative follows last year’s festival, during which four wheels of the chariot were damaged, causing the structure to tilt while being pulled by devotees.

To strengthen safety measures, the temple administration sought technical guidance from experts of the School of Mechanical Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar. The institute’s engineering team has been monitoring the construction process and advising temple authorities on structural stability, material selection and safe operational practices.

During a recent inspection, IIT experts recommended the use of fresh timber for the construction wherever possible and highlighted the importance of maintaining uniform structural strength across the chariot. Owing to a shortage of quality timber, however, the temple authorities are reusing some components from last year’s chariot after thorough inspection and necessary repairs.

As part of the safety overhaul, 10 new wheels are being built, while four wheels from the previous chariot are being refurbished for reuse. Around 45 traditional carpenters have been engaged in the construction work, which began in early May.

The IIT team also surveyed the nearly 2-kilometre route between the Baladevjew Temple and the Mausima Temple and identified sections of uneven road that could affect the smooth movement of the massive chariot. The experts recommended repairs to the procession route before the festival to minimise operational risks.

Temple authorities said approximately 2,700 cubic feet of sal and other timber has been procured for the construction, although around 4,000 cubic feet is required to build the chariot entirely with new wood. The shortage has necessitated the selective reuse of timber without compromising safety standards.

The collaboration between IIT Bhubaneswar and the temple administration is being seen as an innovative effort to integrate scientific expertise with traditional craftsmanship. Authorities expressed confidence that the engineering intervention will help ensure the safe conduct of one of Kendrapara’s most significant religious festivals while preserving its centuries-old heritage.

Prime Volleyball League Receives FIVB Recognition

New Delhi, July 8: The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has received recognition from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), marking a significant milestone for the league and Indian volleyball.

The recognition by the global governing body is expected to further strengthen the league’s position on the international stage and provide a boost to the growth and development of volleyball in India. The upcoming fifth season of the league is scheduled to begin on November 30.

The new season will bring together top Indian and international players, offering fans an exciting showcase of competitive volleyball. The league has played a key role in providing a professional platform for players and increasing the popularity of the sport across the country.

With the backing of FIVB recognition, PVL aims to further enhance its standards, attract wider global attention, and contribute to the development of volleyball talent in India.

The organisers said preparations for Season 5 are underway, with teams gearing up for another action-packed edition of the tournament.

Andhra Pradesh Officials’ Visit to Kotia Villages Rekindles Odisha–Andhra Border Dispute

Koraput, July 8 (UDN): The decades-old border dispute between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has resurfaced after a team of Andhra Pradesh government officials reportedly carried out census-related verification in several villages under the disputed Kotia Gram Panchayat in Koraput district.

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According to local sources, the Andhra Pradesh team, led by Salur Tehsildar Suresh Babu from Parvathipuram Manyam district, visited Upper Sembi, Lower Sembi and Nedibalasa villages. The delegation reportedly included Booth Level Officers (BLOs), Anganwadi workers, education officials and other government functionaries.

During the visit, officials are said to have undertaken door-to-door verification, collecting previously issued census forms and reviewing the status of digitisation of demographic data. Local representatives from the Andhra Pradesh side also reportedly accompanied the team during the exercise.

The reported administrative activity has once again drawn attention to the long-pending territorial dispute over the Kotia cluster of villages, claimed by both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. While Odisha has already completed its census-related work in the region, the latest exercise by Andhra Pradesh has triggered fresh concerns over competing administrative claims.

The development comes barely a month after a visit by an Andhra Pradesh minister to Nedibalasa village for the inauguration of a road project, an event that had also sparked political and administrative debate in both states.

Although the situation remained peaceful, the latest visit has reignited discussions over the recurring administrative interventions by both states in the disputed villages. Residents of the Kotia region have frequently witnessed welfare programmes and official visits from both governments as the boundary issue remains unresolved.

The border dispute over the Kotia villages is currently pending before the Supreme Court, where both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have staked their claims over the territory. Officials said any long-term resolution will depend on the outcome of the legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Odisha district administration is monitoring the situation closely. An official statement on the reported visit was awaited at the time of filing this report.

Gujarat Expands Fuel Tax Relief for Fishermen with Major Policy Change

July 8: In a move aimed at providing greater financial relief to the fishing community, the Gujarat Cabinet has approved a key amendment to the state’s diesel Value Added Tax (VAT) relief scheme by removing the boat length criterion, allowing more fishermen to benefit from the subsidy.

The revised policy is expected to make the scheme more inclusive by extending eligibility to a larger number of fishing vessel owners, irrespective of the size of their boats. The decision is intended to ease the financial burden of rising fuel costs, one of the biggest operational expenses for fishermen.

State government officials said the amendment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. By broadening the scope of the scheme, the government aims to ensure that welfare benefits reach more beneficiaries engaged in marine fishing.

The Cabinet believes the revised policy will not only support fishermen economically but also encourage greater participation in the fisheries sector, which plays a vital role in Gujarat’s coastal economy. The updated diesel VAT relief scheme is expected to come into effect as per the government’s notified guidelines.

Government Steps Up El Niño Preparedness as Monsoon Boosts Kharif Sowing

New Delhi, July 8: The Centre has intensified its preparedness measures to address the potential impact of El Niño while expressing confidence over the progress of the ongoing kharif season, aided by improved monsoon conditions across several parts of the country.

According to official data, kharif sowing has reached 350.85 lakh hectares, reflecting steady progress in agricultural activities following the revival of monsoon rains. The increase in cultivated area is expected to support crop production and provide relief to farmers after concerns over delayed rainfall in some regions.

The government is closely monitoring weather patterns and their possible impact on agriculture, with a special focus on mitigating risks associated with El Niño. Ministries and state governments have been directed to maintain preparedness and ensure timely interventions to safeguard crop health, water availability, and farmers’ livelihoods.

Officials said contingency plans are in place to respond to any weather-related challenges, including the availability of quality seeds, irrigation support, and other agricultural inputs. Regular coordination is also being maintained with state authorities to review rainfall distribution, reservoir levels, and crop conditions.

The Centre reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers through proactive planning and continuous monitoring, while emphasizing that favourable monsoon conditions in recent weeks have significantly improved the pace of kharif sowing across the country.