Scorching Heatwave Persists, Red Warning Issued for Jharsuguda
Rabindra Sahu news
Scorching Heatwave Persists, Red Warning Issued for Jharsuguda

Jharsuguda Fire is Pouring from the Sky  In mid-March, the heat is unbearable as fire seems to be raining from the sky.  The state is recording extreme temperatures. Yesterday, Boudh was the hottest city in the country.  The temperature in Boudh reached 43.6°C. With 42°C, Jharsuguda became the second hottest city in the country.  Red warning issued for Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Kalahandi districts. Orange warning for five districts and yellow alert for several others.

Northern Odisha Electricity Consumer Council Rejects Proposed Tariff Hike
Rabindra Sahu news
Northern Odisha Electricity Consumer Council Rejects Proposed Tariff Hike

Bhubaneswar: The ‘Northern Odisha Electricity Consumer Council,’ formed for electricity consumers of Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts, convened a conference opposing the proposed electricity tariff hike. A strong warning was issued that if the government takes any decision regarding the hike, protests will be intensified.

Demands were made for immediate resolution of consumer grievances and the removal of private companies from electricity distribution. If these demands are not met, the agitation will be expanded across the five concerned districts.

Today’s conference, held at the Station Club in Balasore, was presided over by former MLA Pradipta Panda. Former Minister Prafulla Samal and former MLA Swarup Das attended the meeting and strongly opposed the proposed tariff hike.

Key Demands Raised in the Conference:

Cancellation of the proposed electricity tariff hike.

Fulfillment of election promises, including free 300 units of electricity for all consumers.

Waiver of electricity charges for agricultural purposes.

Discontinuation of prepaid smart meters.

In this context, the council’s convener, Santosh Das, presented a declaration. He criticized TPNODL’s (TP Northern Odisha Distribution Limited) claim that it needed a revenue of ₹4,650 crore for the financial year 2025-26 while expecting to sell 8,719 million units of electricity. Despite current tariff rates, the company would earn ₹4,499 crore, resulting in a loss of ₹151 crore, justifying the need for a tariff hike. He dismissed these claims as false.

Additionally, General Secretary of TUCC, Gaurang Panigrahi, proposed a movement under the slogan “We will not pay increased electricity charges”—a proposal that was extensively discussed and unanimously adopted.

Participants and Resolutions for Mass Protests:

The conference saw participation from various leaders, including former MLA Sudarshan Jena, Civil Society District President Antaryami Pradhan, retired state employee leader Gyanananda Sahu, advocates Daitari Apat and Sadashiv Das, social worker Kanak Panigrahi, and senior left-wing leader Nirmal Nayak.

A 31-member committee was also proposed, with key members including Sitanshu Senapati, Shyamsundar Jena, Rajkishore Lenka, Asgar Ali, Sheikh Sikandar, Deeptiman Acharya, Sneh Lata Panda, and Bharat Chandra Sethi. The conference concluded with a vote of thanks from Premaranjan Patra.

Berhampur MP, MLA, and Mayor Inaugurate Multiple Development Projects
Rabindra Sahu news
Berhampur MP, MLA, and Mayor Inaugurate Multiple Development Projects

Berhampur Before the announcement of election dates, several projects in Berhampur city and its outskirts have been inaugurated. Many long-pending and much-awaited projects that were in demand by the residents have now been completed and inaugurated.

Due to the closure of the bus stand near MKCG Medical College, people were facing difficulties, leading to long-standing dissatisfaction among city residents. While the matter was under judicial review, an alternative road was constructed through the efforts of the Berhampur MLA. A 1 km wide road from Bhabanipur to Brahmanagar Square was constructed at a cost of over 1.5 crore rupees. This road was inaugurated on Saturday, significantly easing transportation for the public.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Berhampur MP Chandrashekhar Sahu, MLA and District Planning Board Chairman Bikram Kumar Panda, Mayor Sanghamitra Dalei, Deputy Mayor Bidyek Rahi, MKCG Medical College Dean Professor Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra, Professor Dr. Suchitra Das, Registrar Sangram Sekhar Panda, and many corporators.

Additionally, in Ward No. 35, the renovation of the municipal library in Gajapati Nagar and the new Park Office were inaugurated. Similarly, in Ward No. 10 under the Berhampur Municipal Corporation and in Old Berhampur, the Trinath Temple was inaugurated.

Furthermore, the bridge over the Sapua Canal on the road from Haldia Padar to Silla Petrol Pump was inaugurated, along with various urban development works in multiple wards of Berhampur. The event was attended by the MP, MLA, Deputy Mayor, several corporators, members of the Gajapati Nagar Development Committee, and the Hanuman Temple Management Committee.

The local residents expressed their gratitude to the MLA for these developmental initiatives.

Extreme Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days, Relief Expected from 19th
Rabindra Sahu news
Extreme Heatwave to Persist for Two More Days, Relief Expected from 19th

Bhubaneswar: Boudh recorded 43.6°C, while Jharsuguda reached 42°C, Balangir 41.7°C, and Angul 41°C. The intense heatwave has left western and interior Odisha struggling.

There will be no respite even on Monday. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning that western, interior, and northern Odisha will experience extreme heat. Most parts of Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Kalahandi districts will be under severe heatwave conditions.

Sundargarh, Balangir, Boudh, and Sonepur are also expected to face extreme conditions. Some places in Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts might experience firestorms. Although coastal areas may not reach 40°C, an unusual level of discomfort will be felt.

Possibility of Nor’wester Rain in Seven Districts

Light to moderate rain expected in various parts of the state till the 22nd

Heatwave conditions will continue on the 17th and 18th

On Sunday, temperatures touched 40°C in seven locations across Odisha. There is a possibility of thunderstorms and rain in seven districts. From March 19 to 22, different parts of the state are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall, according to the Bhubaneswar Regional Meteorological Centre.

Relief Expected After Two Days

Agricultural meteorologist Dr. Surendranath Pasupalak has predicted that relief will come after March 20. A complete weather system is expected to form over northwest Odisha on March 21 and over southern Odisha on March 22. This will bring gusty winds and rainfall.

On March 20, the temperature is expected to drop by 1 to 2°C. However, on the 21st and 22nd, the daytime temperature is likely to decrease by 4 to 5°C.

On Sunday, the temperature crossed 40°C in seven places across the state. Boudh recorded the highest temperature at 43.6°C, while Jharsuguda saw 42°C, Balangir 41.7°C, Angul 41.1°C, Titilagarh 40.5°C, and Bhawanipatna 40.9°C.

Currently, hot westerly winds are blowing across the state, causing a rise in temperature. However, after two days, partial changes in the weather are expected. Moist sea winds from the Bay of Bengal will move towards interior Odisha, leading to a drop in temperature.

Foundation Stone Laid for Sapuanal High-Level Bridge Construction
Rabindra Sahu news
Foundation Stone Laid for Sapuanal High-Level Bridge Construction

Brahmapur: The foundation stone has been laid for the construction of a high-level bridge over the Sapua Nala, connecting the National Highway from Haladiapadar to the Silla Petrol Pump Road.

The bridge, being constructed by the Eastern Division at an estimated cost of ₹6.53 crore, was inaugurated today in a foundation stone-laying ceremony. The event was graced by MP Chandrasekhar Sahu and MLA Bikram Kumar Panda, along with officials from the Eastern Division.

State-Level Kabaddi Tournament Kicks Off at Panchama YAK ADDI CLUB
Rabindra Sahu news
State-Level Kabaddi Tournament Kicks Off at Panchama YAK ADDI CLUB

Ganjam: The state-level kabaddi tournament was inaugurated on Friday at Panchama, under the Randha Panchayat of the Gopalpur constituency. The event was formally launched by MP Chandrasekhar Sahu and Brahmapur MLA & District Planning Board Chairman Bikram Kumar Panda.

Players from Ganjam, Bhubaneswar, Jajpur, Cuttack, Puri, KIIT University, Asika, and Panchama will participate in the tournament.

The ‘Panchama’ Youth Club has taken responsibility for organizing this competition.

The event was attended by Rangeilunda BJD President Ajit Das, Randha Sarpanch Ajit Raul, District Council Vice Chairperson Rajeshwari Dora, social worker Ramahari Patra, Block Chairperson CH Usha Rani, Vice Chairperson Anita Mahankud, youth social worker A. Santosh Patra, youth leader Subhashis Sahu, Search Committee member Pratima Nahak, Bhakta Nahak, BJD student wing president Milendra Pradhan, Lalit Pradhan, Suman Behera, and hundreds of sports enthusiasts.

New Bypass Road from Bhabinipur to New Bus Stand Inaugurated for Smooth Traffic Flow
Rabindra Sahu news
New Bypass Road from Bhabinipur to New Bus Stand Inaugurated for Smooth Traffic Flow

Brahmapur: The inauguration ceremony of the bypass road connecting New Bus Stand to Bhabinipur via Siddharth Nagar was successfully conducted.

The event was graced by MP Chandrasekhar Sahu, Brahmapur MLA Bikram Kumar Panda, Mayor Sanghamitra Dalei, and Deputy Mayor E. Vivek Reddy, who officially inaugurated the road.

Among the dignitaries present were Corporators Prashant Pattnayak, Sameer Mishra, T. Tirupati Patra, Durga Layak, MKCG Medical College Superintendent Dr. Suchitra Kumar Das, Medical College Dean Prof. Santosh Kumar Mishra, and Registrar (Administration) Sangram Panda.

Following the inauguration of this road, it is expected to provide better connectivity for the general public traveling to Bhabinipur, as stated by the dignitaries.

Khodasingi Urban Primary Health Center Organizes Free Health Camp for Local Residents
Rabindra Sahu news
Khodasingi Urban Primary Health Center Organizes Free Health Camp for Local Residents

Brahmapur: A health camp was organized at Gajapatinagar by the Khodasingi Urban Primary Health Center. The event was held at the Kalyan Mandap in Gajapatinagar.

Brahmapur MLA and Chairman of the District Planning Board, Bikram Kumar Panda, attended the event as the chief guest and inaugurated the camp. The camp focused on screening and treatment of non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. MLA Bikram Panda himself underwent a blood pressure and diabetes checkup during the event.

Several dignitaries were present at the health camp, including local corporator Sameer Kumar Mishra, Dr. Bansidhar Panigrahi, Dr. Karunakar Dash, Dr. Kedarnath Mishra, female health worker Pratima Priyadarshini, ASHA workers, and senior supervisor Sunita Nahak, who contributed to the successful execution of the camp.

A large number of local residents participated, undergoing health checkups and receiving free medical treatment and medicines. The Gajapatinagar Development Committee extended all necessary support for the event. Committee members, including Binod Kumar Mohapatra, Prabodh Mohapatra, Ranjan Kumar Panda, Devi Prasad Satapathy, and Girija Mishra, were also present.

Government Initiates Physical Survey to Identify Genuine Ration Card Beneficiaries
Rabindra Sahu news
Government Initiates Physical Survey to Identify Genuine Ration Card Beneficiaries

Bhubaneswar: A physical survey will be conducted to identify genuine beneficiaries. After the survey, the final list of ration card beneficiaries will be determined, according to Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krishna Chandra Patra.

As of now, 30,73,400 people have not yet completed their e-KYC. By March 31, the exact number of those who have not done e-KYC will be known. Following this, departmental officers will conduct field visits to verify why certain beneficiaries have not completed their e-KYC. However, the minister assured that ration cards will not be suddenly canceled.

Additionally, 6,35,000 applications have already been submitted through the portal. While the survey for these applicants is currently underway, it is expected to be completed by April 15. After that, new ration card beneficiaries will receive their rations. Furthermore, 50,000 new applications for ration cards have been submitted through the new portal.

Once all applications are processed, the sanctioning procedure will begin, the minister added.