Kalinga Society Hosts District-Level Workshop on Gender Inclusion in Disaster Risk Reduction
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Kalinga Society Hosts District-Level Workshop on Gender Inclusion in Disaster Risk Reduction

Nabarangpur: A district-level workshop on “Mainstreaming Gender Inclusion for Disaster Risk Reduction” was held at the Mission Shakti Conference Hall in Nabarangpur. The event was jointly organized by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), Bhubaneswar, and the District Disaster Management Authority, Nabarangpur.

The Chief Guest of the workshop was Dr. Shubhankar Mahapatra, District Collector of Nabarangpur, while Tapan Kumar Khuntia attended as a Guest of Honor. The General Manager of OSDMA, Bhubaneswar, Tapas Kumar Sethy, led the workshop proceedings. At the beginning, Deputy Collector for Emergency Affairs, Smt. Geetanjali Behera, delivered the welcome speech and introduced the objectives of the workshop.

Focus on Gender-Sensitive Disaster Management

During his address, Tapas Kumar Sethy emphasized that mainstreaming gender inclusion is a new and essential approach in disaster risk reduction. The key objective of this initiative is to analyze how disasters impact different vulnerable groups, such as women, pregnant women, transgender individuals, elderly people, children of various age groups, students, and individuals with chronic illnesses.

To achieve this, a village-level data framework is being developed, which will record the number of women, pregnant women, transgender persons, elderly individuals, school-going children, and people with pre-existing health conditions. This data will serve as the foundation for future disaster management planning and response strategies, ensuring a more inclusive and effective disaster preparedness system.

Expert Insights & Group Discussions

Experts from Bhubaneswar, including gender specialist Aranyak Mishra and project coordinator Subodh Nayak, conducted in-depth discussions using PowerPoint presentations. They emphasized the need for gender-sensitive disaster response measures and their integration into district-level emergency planning.

Participation of Key Officials

The workshop was attended by several key officials, including:

Himanshu Shekhar Pattnaik – District Emergency Project Officer

Suresh Pattnaik – District Child Protection Officer

Draupadi Kahanr – District Social Welfare Officer

Sudhanshu Shekhar Patra – District Social Security Officer

Manoj Kumar Behera – District Information and Public Relations Officer

Malay Tripathi – Additional Health Officer

Subash Chandra Khuntia – Additional Forest Protection Officer

Chainu Gandh and Samir Kumar Patra – Deputy Collectors

Tripati Balaji Sahu and Fakir Charan Raut – Emergency Sub-Divisional Officers

Bharat Chandra Sahu – Additional District Welfare Officer

Representatives from NGOs, including Prabhanjan Mishra and Subrat Mishra

Debi Prasad Das – District Fire Officer

Dr. Prashant Kumar Samal – Additional Animal Husbandry Officer

Officials from Health, Education, and Women & Child Development Departments

Efficient Execution & Coordination

The workshop was efficiently conducted with the support of officials from the District Emergency Office, including Neelkanth Raju, Gagan Bishoyi, Mobina Sultan, Abhinash Patra, and Ramakrishna Pujari.

This workshop highlighted the importance of gender-sensitive planning in disaster management, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive adequate attention and resources during emergencies. The initiative is expected to strengthen the disaster resilience framework in the district.

Nayahat-Nagpur Road Revamped After Years of Neglect
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Nayahat-Nagpur Road Revamped After Years of Neglect

Puri: Several projects that were neglected during the previous government are now being revived. One such initiative is the renovation of the road connecting Nagpur and Nayahat under Gop Block in Puri district. The Odisha government has handed over the responsibility of this project to the Works Department, which has begun the road improvement work in full swing

For years, the condition of this road had deteriorated significantly. The 21 km stretch between Nagpur and Nayahat is a crucial link connecting two major business hubs in Gop Block. Thousands of people rely on this route daily for transportation. However, the road had been abandoned for a long time, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.

After the BJP government came to power, with the support of Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Prabhat Parida, arrangements were made for its renovation. On February 27, the Deputy Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the improvement work. The project is estimated to cost ₹6.35 crore.

Considering the importance of this road, the contractor agency has started the work in full swing. Initially, all the potholes and damaged sections will be repaired before the final paving work begins. Under the supervision of engineers, heavy machinery is being used for the construction.

The project is expected to be completed within a year, providing a well-maintained road that will enhance connectivity and convenience for the people dependent on it. Officials from the Works Department and engineers have assured that the work will be completed as per the prescribed norms and timeline.

Watco Assistant Manager Transferred in Konark
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Watco Assistant Manager Transferred in Konark

Konark: There have been widespread irregularities in the Konark Watco Section, with no engineer being transferred for over 10 years and no access to clean drinking water. This issue was repeatedly highlighted by the Tirtha Kshetra daily newspaper, leading to the transfer of Assistant Manager Dipti Ranjan Patra from Konark to Mandali.

However, despite the transfer order, he has not vacated his position. It is believed that his attachment to Konark due to greed, attachment, and affection has prevented him from leaving. Local residents had previously submitted a written complaint, which was later published in Tirtha Kshetra. Journalist and social activist Gyan Ranjan Bishwal also brought this issue to the attention of the Chief Minister and departmental officials.

Due to the Konark Festival and Chandrabhaga Magha Mela, his transfer and release were delayed. Even after being relieved, he has not completed the necessary handover process or vacated his position. Additionally, agreements related to the Konark Festival and Magha Mela have also not been finalized, causing concern among contractors involved in these events.

The newly appointed Assistant Manager, Shibadarshi Das from Puri, has not yet been able to take charge. As a result, the drinking water supply in March and the upcoming summer season may be severely affected. Local residents are demanding immediate intervention from departmental officials and the concerned minister to resolve this issue promptly.

Water Supply Crisis in Panchayat: Officials Ignore Issues, Demand for Probe Grows
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Water Supply Crisis in Panchayat: Officials Ignore Issues, Demand for Probe Grows

Dabugaan: The drinking water supply system in Dabugaan Panchayat is in complete disarray. The employees working under the water supply project are neglecting their duties and failing to perform their responsibilities properly.

Despite repeated complaints from residents of Patra Sahi, Bajardanda, Gouda Sahi, Ribini Sahi, and Harijan Sahi to the Dabugaan Panchayat, no solution has been provided. When locals question the responsible employees about the irregular water supply, they are met with excuses. One employee reportedly responded, “My salary is low. If the residents of a locality need water, they should contribute money.”

It has been alleged that water is being released only after residents pay bribes, and those who don’t pay are denied access. Moreover, the hand pumps in the localities have been out of order for months, with no repairs being done unless residents raise funds themselves. This is despite the fact that the government provides free resources for hand pump repairs, a fact that remains unknown to most locals.

The employees in charge of the Dabugaan water supply system are reportedly taking advantage of this lack of awareness, exploiting villagers for money. Since Panchayat officials have taken no action to address the drinking water crisis, locals demand that block and district administration conduct an immediate investigation. They believe that appointing a dedicated and accountable official to oversee the Dabugaan Panchayat’s water supply will help resolve the ongoing crisis.

Balasore MP Secures Assurance: AIIMS Satellite Center to Be Fully Functional
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Balasore MP Secures Assurance: AIIMS Satellite Center to Be Fully Functional

Balasore: Union Health Minister Jagat Prasad Nadda has assured that the AIIMS Satellite Center in Balasore will become fully functional. This was confirmed by Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, who stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure the center’s full operational capacity.

Giving priority to the interests of Balasore district and North Odisha, MP Sarangi is pushing for the center to have both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) services, along with a 300-bed super specialty hospital. To achieve this, he has been regularly communicating with the Union Health Minister through letters, phone calls, and personal meetings.

Union Health Minister Nadda has provided a firm commitment that all necessary approvals and arrangements for making the AIIMS Satellite Center fully operational will be expedited. Once functional, this facility will greatly benefit not only Balasore but also neighboring districts like Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, and even nearby regions of West Bengal. MP Sarangi expressed confidence that this development will significantly improve healthcare services in the region.

Brahmapur Budhi Thakurani Yatra Set for April 3-28, Rituals Begin
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Brahmapur Budhi Thakurani Yatra Set for April 3-28, Rituals Begin

Brahmapur: The famous Budhi Thakurani Yatra of Brahmapur has been scheduled to take place from April 3 to April 28. A decision regarding the festival dates was taken in a meeting where traditional astrologers (Jyotishis) from Desi Behera Sahi announced the auspicious dates. In the presence of Durga Pratap of Desi Behera Sahi, MLA K. Anil Kumar, and other dignitaries, discussions were held, and it was finalized that the Yatra will begin on April 3. As part of the preparations, today, a grand procession (Patua Yatra) was carried out, during which the deity was ceremoniously taken to her temple for special worship. After the rituals, the auspicious foundation post (Shubha Khunti) was installed in a temporary mandap, marking the commencement of the festival. Reported by Anupam Bharat, Brahmapur – Thursday, March 13, 2025.

Farmers Burdened by Kisan Credit Card Debt, Seek Relief
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Farmers Burdened by Kisan Credit Card Debt, Seek Relief

New Delhi: Farmers across the country are facing a major financial crisis as many are unable to repay their loans under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme. The growing debt burden is creating serious challenges for them.

According to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the amount of outstanding loans under KCC accounts in scheduled commercial banks has increased by 42% over the past four years. A report states that by the end of March 2021, the total outstanding KCC loans stood at ₹68,546 crore, which surged to ₹97,540 crore by December 2024.

Banks report that loan defaults under KCC accounts are significantly higher compared to other loan segments. The Non-Performing Assets (NPA) in the KCC segment were recorded at ₹84,637 crore in 2021-22, rising to ₹90,832 crore in 2022-23, and further increasing in 2023-24.

By the end of the 2021-22 financial year, total KCC loans stood at ₹96,918 crore. As of March 2021, the total outstanding KCC debt was ₹4.57 lakh crore, which increased to ₹5.91 lakh crore by December 2024. In the first quarter of 2024-25, the outstanding loan amount stood at ₹95,616 crore.

During the July-September quarter of 2025, the total KCC loan burden is projected to reach ₹5.77 lakh crore. Banks estimate that NPA under the KCC segment may soon reach ₹97,000 crore.

The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme was designed to provide short-term credit support to farmers for their agricultural and allied activities. However, with increasing loan amounts and rising defaults, the scheme is facing significant challenges.

Villagers Urge Authorities for Urgent Road and Drainage Construction
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Villagers Urge Authorities for Urgent Road and Drainage Construction

Kolnara Kandipadu village under Kolnara block is facing severe infrastructure issues, with residents demanding proper roads and drainage facilities. The village currently lacks a well-constructed road. While a cement-concrete road was built in the main area years ago, it has now deteriorated. The smaller streets remain unpaved, forcing people to walk through muddy and waterlogged roads during the rainy season. Additionally, a solar-powered motor has been installed at the village tube well to provide water to the residents. However, due to the absence of a proper drainage system, women face difficulties while collecting water. The village, home to 65 tribal families, mainly depends on agriculture and daily wage labor for livelihood. However, none of the families have been included under the housing scheme, leaving them without proper shelter. While the village has electricity connectivity, frequent power outages have made life difficult for residents. As a solution, villagers are demanding the installation of solar street lights for a reliable power source. To reach Kandipadu, one has to travel 1.5 to 2 km from the Kuli Panchayat under Rayagada Block. However, the road leading to the village is divided between Rayagada Block and Kolnara Block. The half under Rayagada is somewhat developed, while the other half under Kolnara remains a dirt road, making transportation extremely difficult. Villagers have urged both block administrations to coordinate and pave the entire road, which would greatly improve their mobility and quality of life.

Revenue Department Clears Encroachment on Government Land
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Revenue Department Clears Encroachment on Government Land

Nabarangpur The Revenue Department has demolished several illegally constructed houses on government land in front of the Biju Patnaik Stadium in Umerkote, Nabarangpur district, using a JCB machine. Five encroachers had built five houses on government land and occupied it illegally. However, this land is officially registered under the Umerkote Court in the name of the Umerkote Tehsildar. The court had repeatedly issued letters to the Tehsildar, instructing the handover of the land. However, due to illegal encroachments, the transfer could not take place. The Tehsil office had issued multiple notices to these five encroachers, ordering them to vacate the land. However, they ignored the notices. As a result, in the presence of Umerkote police, the Revenue Department used a JCB to demolish three of the five houses. During the eviction process, Umerkote Tehsildar Meghaban Bagh was present as a Magistrate. The remaining two houses were not demolished because their owners had obtained a three-month temporary stay order from the High Court. However, once the stay order is lifted, these houses will also be demolished, according to officials.Present during the eviction drive were Additional Tehsildar Nilambar Pujari, Sub-Inspector Sanjay Mandal, police officers from the local station, and IRB personnel. Sources indicate that the Umerkote Revenue Department is planning a larger-scale eviction drive in the near future to remove illegal encroachments.

Brave Duo! Two Friends’ Efforts Help Control Raging Jungle Fire
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Brave Duo! Two Friends’ Efforts Help Control Raging Jungle Fire

Nabarangapur A fire broke out in a nearby forest for unknown reasons. Around midnight, two young men passing through the area noticed the fire and immediately attempted to put it out using their own efforts. They successfully controlled the fire before it could spread further. According to reports, the two friends were returning from some work when they saw the forest fire. Without wasting any time, they acted swiftly to contain it before it could escalate.Their quick action has been highly appreciated by the local residents. People believe that if they had waited for the fire department, valuable resources and property could have been lost in the fire.Thanks to the efforts of these two friends, the fire was contained before it could spread further.