koraput

koraput residents are urging the railway ministry to name the new koraput-Puri train 'Deomali Express', celebrating regional identity. They also advocate for direct rail links to New Delhi, citing the absence of such a vital connection despite the district's significant institutions. This move aims to boost regional development and improve travel for thousands.

A significant fire erupted at the Machkund Hydroelectric Project in koraput, causing panic and leaving four employees critically affected by suffocation. Rescued by colleagues and emergency responders, the injured workers were rushed to a community health center for treatment. Firefighting operations are ongoing as the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

The BJD has accused postal department employees in koraput and Nabarangpur of a Rs 50 crore scam under MGNREGS and welfare schemes. They allege fraudulent transactions and manipulation of beneficiary records. The ruling BJP dismissed the claims as politically motivated, promising a fair investigation and action against any guilty parties.

Jeypore police intensified their crackdown on illegal activities, seizing five tractors involved in unauthorized sand transportation from the Kolab riverbed. In a separate operation, 82 cattle being smuggled to Uttar Pradesh were rescued, with three individuals apprehended. Authorities are maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against such unlawful practices.

Police have arrested four more individuals in the murder of Nikhil Hadapa, bringing the total to 16 accused. The latest arrests were made in an inter-state operation across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The victim was allegedly abducted and shot dead over a gambling-related dispute.

Andhra Pradesh organised a health camp at the disputed Kotia gram panchayat headquarters, escalating tensions with Odisha. Odisha officials intervened, prompting the Andhra team to withdraw. This incident highlights ongoing attempts by Andhra Pradesh to expand its influence in the region, which has been a subject of a decades-long territorial dispute.

Tragedy struck at Ambadala railway station as an SBI employee, Dilip Kumar Sabat, 35, died after falling from a moving train. He reportedly slipped while attempting to disembark the Bhubaneswar–Junagarh Express after oversleeping. Rescued and admitted to a local hospital, his condition worsened, leading to his death during transfer for advanced care.

Satyanarayan Pattnaik

Tribal villagers have approached the Orissa High Court, alleging the state government's prolonged inaction in implementing the PESA Act, 1996. They seek directions to frame and enforce long-pending rules, arguing the delay deprives gram sabhas of self-governance and protection of community resources, leading to exploitation of tribal lands and resources.

Odisha is set to introduce a new land leasing policy for short-term tourism projects like tent cities and glamping. The state government is exploring leases of up to 30 years, moving away from the traditional 99-year model. This initiative aims to boost innovative, eco-friendly tourism and optimize land use, encouraging investment in flexible, experience-based accommodations across the state.

Odisha braces for continued intense heatwave with red warnings issued for Sambalpur, Balangir, and Boudh districts. Several other areas face orange and yellow alerts until May 29. Coastal regions will experience hot and humid conditions. Thunderstorm activity is also anticipated. Relief is not expected until after May 29, with a slight temperature drop forecast thereafter.

Tribal organizations are taking a stand by petitioning the Orissa High Court, claiming the state's chronic delays in enforcing the PESA Act, 1996. Despite being enacted almost three decades ago, Odisha has not put into place the necessary legislation, resulting in tribal Gram Sabhas lacking the constitutional authority needed for self-rule and the safeguarding of their resources.

A 34-year-old man, Laxmikanta Panda, has been arrested in Rourkela for allegedly defrauding victims of approximately Rs 1 crore since 2016. Police investigations revealed his involvement in fraud cases across multiple districts, promising subsidized loans and financial assistance. Valuables worth Rs 20 lakh were recovered during his apprehension.

Vigilance officials unearthed extensive landed and immovable assets belonging to executive engineer Bhubaneswar Sabar in Kalahandi district. Searches revealed 68 plots of land, five multi-storey buildings, two farmhouses, a market complex, and vehicles. Sabar, facing allegations of disproportionate assets, joined government service in 1999.

Eco-tourism development around Rayagada's Bada Nala reservoir is gaining momentum as the forest division initiates a preliminary review. Following a proposal highlighting the scenic potential, officials are conducting feasibility studies and field verifications. This project aims to boost the local tribal economy and showcase the region's natural beauty.

A recent study reveals significant shortcomings in fungal disease diagnosis across Odisha. Most medical colleges lack dedicated staff for mycology, leading to underdiagnosis. Advanced testing and quality assurance are missing. This situation hinders timely treatment for millions affected by fungal infections globally and in India. Experts urge investment in laboratory capacity and staff training to improve patient outcomes.

Tragedy struck on NH-26 near Jhitikiguda as a car collided with a trailer truck, claiming the lives of a 56-year-old woman and her 30-year-old daughter. Three others, including a child, were injured and hospitalized. The family was returning from Puri when the devastating accident occurred. The truck driver is currently on the run.

Farmers in koraput's Chandili panchayat are opposing the construction of a paddy procurement centre at Pipalahandi, citing flood risks and transportation hazards due to the site's low elevation. They have submitted a memorandum demanding the mandi be established at Chandili, where suitable government land was previously identified.

Eight families in Rayagada's Padmapur area face social boycott. They allege their Teli community is isolating them for inter-caste marriages. The families are excluded from events and face harassment. Community leaders defend the action as tradition. Officials are forming a committee to resolve the dispute through dialogue.

Three suspects from Bihar were apprehended in Aurangabad district following a multi-state manhunt for the murder of 19-year-old Hadipa Nikhil in Rayagada. Nikhil was shot and abducted during a local puja on May 9, with his body later found near the Nagavali river.

The once-vibrant Bomkai saree tradition in Odisha's Bomkai village is now on the brink of extinction, with only two weavers preserving its original form. Despite its GI tag and recognition, the craft faces challenges from younger generations' disinterest, labor-intensive processes, and a lack of government support, leading to a decline in its birthplace.

Nine individuals have been apprehended in connection with the disturbing murder of 19-year-old Nikhil Hadapa. Prime suspects were nabbed in Bihar, with further arrests made across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Police recovered incriminating evidence, including weapons and communication devices, as the investigation intensifies and more arrests are anticipated.