Ahead of Rath Yatra, Odisha Crime Branch Blocks 50 Fake Hotel Booking Websites

Bhubaneswar, June 29 (UDN): In a major cyber crackdown ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, the Odisha Crime Branch has blocked 50 fraudulent hotel booking websites over the past week to protect devotees from online accommodation scams.

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The action was initiated following multiple complaints received through the national cybercrime helpline, 1930, amid a surge in online fraud targeting pilgrims planning to visit Puri for the grand festival scheduled on July 16.

Officials said cybercriminals had been creating cloned versions of genuine hotel and lodge websites to deceive unsuspecting travellers. These fake portals reportedly offered attractive room tariffs, discounted accommodation packages and even bogus VIP darshan facilities to lure devotees into making advance payments through digital wallets and UPI platforms.

Investigations revealed that the fraudulent websites were designed to secure prominent visibility in online search results, thereby increasing the chances of duping pilgrims searching for accommodation in Puri.

According to police sources, online accommodation fraud has emerged as a growing concern in Odisha. Over the past year, at least 30 tourists reportedly lost nearly Rs 5 lakh after falling prey to fake hotel booking scams. In the last two weeks alone, four pilgrims were allegedly duped of around Rs 35,000 through similar frauds.

With lakhs of devotees expected to converge in Puri for Rath Yatra, authorities fear that the scale of cyber fraud could rise significantly if preventive measures are not strengthened.

Following the crackdown, the Crime Branch has intensified cyber patrolling and launched extensive awareness campaigns across the state. Devotees have been advised to verify the authenticity of hotel websites, avoid making payments to unverified accounts and report suspicious portals immediately.

Officials urged the public to use only authorised booking platforms or directly contact hotels through verified channels. Any cyber fraud or suspicious activity can be reported through the cyber helpline number 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

The Crime Branch reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting Puri during the world-famous Rath Yatra festival.

Gujarat sets INR 10 lakh crore investment target under new industrial policy

June 29: The Gujarat government has announced a target of attracting ₹10 lakh crore in fresh investments over the next five years under its new industrial policy, aimed at further strengthening the state’s industrial base and boosting economic growth.

The policy is designed to accelerate industrial expansion, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and generate large-scale employment opportunities across diverse sectors. Officials said the framework focuses on improving ease of doing business, upgrading infrastructure, and encouraging innovation-led development.

Key focus areas include manufacturing, renewable energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and emerging technology sectors. The policy also places emphasis on sustainable growth and balanced regional development across urban and rural regions of the state.

Government representatives said the initiative will simplify investment procedures, provide targeted incentives, and strengthen industrial infrastructure to attract both domestic and global investors.

Experts believe Gujarat’s strong industrial ecosystem, logistics advantages, and pro-investor environment position it well to achieve the ambitious target, supporting long-term economic growth and job creation.

Groundwater depletion threatens Kuruvai cultivation in Cauvery delta

June 29: Groundwater depletion has emerged as a major concern for farmers in the Cauvery delta, casting uncertainty over the upcoming Kuruvai cultivation season. Declining water tables, combined with uneven rainfall and irrigation constraints, are raising worries about agricultural productivity in the region.

Farmers in several parts of the delta are reporting increased dependence on borewells as surface water availability remains inconsistent. The situation has intensified pressure on groundwater resources, with many areas witnessing a steady drop in water levels.

Agricultural experts note that the Kuruvai season, which relies heavily on timely water availability, is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in both monsoon patterns and reservoir storage. Any delay or shortage in irrigation support could directly impact paddy sowing and yield expectations.

Officials are monitoring the situation closely and are expected to assess water release plans from reservoirs to support cultivation. Discussions around improving water management practices and promoting efficient irrigation methods are also gaining importance among stakeholders.

Experts have stressed the need for sustainable water use practices, including crop diversification and micro-irrigation techniques, to reduce pressure on groundwater reserves and ensure long-term agricultural stability in the Cauvery delta region.

El Niño could pressure agri loans, credit growth seen steady: Report

June 29: Agricultural loan demand could face short-term pressure due to the impact of El Niño conditions, although overall credit growth is expected to remain healthy, according to a recent report.

The report noted that climatic variability linked to El Niño may affect crop output in certain regions, potentially influencing farmers’ borrowing requirements and repayment cycles. However, strong rural demand, government support measures, and diversified lending portfolios are expected to help cushion the impact on the broader banking sector.

Despite potential stress in the agriculture segment, the report highlighted that credit growth across sectors is likely to remain steady, supported by improving economic activity, rising consumption, and sustained corporate borrowing demand.

Banks are expected to maintain a balanced lending approach, with continued focus on retail, housing, and MSME segments, which are likely to support overall credit expansion. Financial institutions are also strengthening risk management practices to navigate possible sectoral fluctuations.

Analysts said that while weather-related risks remain a key variable for agriculture, the banking sector’s diversified exposure and structural growth drivers are expected to ensure stability in credit performance in the coming months.

Gujarat boosts water storage under Sujalam Sufalam

June 29: Gujarat’s flagship water conservation programme, the Sujalam Sufalam Jal Abhiyan, has significantly boosted the state’s water storage capacity this year, adding 20,789 lakh cubic feet through large-scale desilting, deepening of lakes and ponds, and restoration of traditional water bodies.

The initiative focuses on improving water availability and groundwater recharge ahead of the monsoon season, with works carried out across multiple districts. Officials said coordinated efforts by government agencies, local bodies, and communities have helped enhance the efficiency and capacity of key water resources.

Under the programme, extensive cleaning and restoration of water bodies have improved rainwater harvesting potential, particularly in drought-prone and semi-arid regions. This is expected to provide stronger water security for agriculture, drinking water supply, and rural livelihoods.

Authorities highlighted that the campaign is part of a long-term strategy to build climate resilience through sustainable water management and revival of natural ecosystems. Community participation has also played a key role in ensuring the success of the initiative.

Experts noted that the increased storage capacity will help improve groundwater levels and reduce seasonal water stress, reinforcing Gujarat’s preparedness for water security challenges in the coming years.