Bhubaneswar, July 30 (UDN): The Odisha Tourism Department has called for faster approval of pending Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) and Zonal Master Plans (ZMPs) to support responsible tourism development while protecting the state’s rich natural heritage. The department has requested the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department to expedite the process, stating that clear environmental guidelines are essential for planning new eco-tourism destinations, attracting investments, and…
Youths Brave Swollen Nagabali River to Rescue Two Stranded on Tractor in Rayagada
Rayagada, July 30 (UDN): Two persons, including a minor boy, were rescued after the tractor they were travelling on became trapped in the swollen Nagabali River in Odisha’s Rayagada district following a sudden rise in the water level caused by heavy rainfall. The incident took place near Intaliguda village under Kolnara block when Prakash Pedanti, a resident of Emaliguda village in the Paikpada area, was…
Coffer Dam Breach at Kanupur Irrigation Project Triggers Flood Alert in Keonjhar
Keonjhar, July 30 (UDN): A coffer dam under construction at the Kanupur Multipurpose Irrigation Project on the Baitarani River in Odisha’s Keonjhar district breached on Thursday, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert for downstream villages and intensify precautionary measures. The breach occurred at the project site near Basudevpur under Joda block. Soon after the incident, emergency sirens were sounded and residents of low-lying areas,…
Ethanol Fuel Push to Support Cleaner Mobility as Government Rules Out Inflation Concerns
New Delhi, July 30: The government has clarified that the use of broken rice for ethanol production has not contributed to inflation, as India continues to expand its ethanol blending programme to support cleaner energy and reduce dependence on imported fuel. The initiative is expected to benefit the automobile sector by promoting the use of ethanol-blended petrol and encouraging manufacturers to develop vehicles that support cleaner…
Rising Mahanadi Floodwaters Inundate Maa Bhattarika Temple; Deity Shifted to Temporary Shrine
Cuttack, July 30 (UDN): Rising floodwaters of the Mahanadi River have submerged parts of the revered Maa Bhattarika Temple at Badamba in Odisha’s Cuttack district, forcing the temple administration to relocate the deity’s movable idol to a safer location in keeping with long-standing tradition. The flooding follows a steady rise in the Mahanadi’s water level, triggered by continuous rainfall in the river’s upper catchment areas…
Odisha Launches Emergency Drive to Restore Flood-Damaged Roads, Bridges and Public Infrastructure
Bhubaneswar, July 30 (UDN): The Odisha government has stepped up efforts to restore road connectivity and repair public infrastructure damaged by incessant rainfall and flooding, with the Works Department launching an emergency restoration drive across affected districts. Reviewing the flood situation on Wednesday, Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan directed officials to expedite the repair of roads, bridges and government buildings damaged by the recent heavy rains.…
Flood Crisis Reaches Wildlife as Four Civets Get Trapped
Cuttack, July 30 (UDN): Four civets were found trapped at the Naraj Barrage in Cuttack district after being swept away by strong flood currents amid the ongoing flood situation in Odisha. Rescue efforts have been initiated to ensure the safe recovery of the animals, with authorities and wildlife teams monitoring the situation closely. The incident highlights the impact of rising floodwaters on wildlife, forcing animals to…
Mahanadi on Watch: Rising River Levels Trigger Flood Alert Across Odisha
Bhubaneswar, July 30 (UDN): The rising water level of the Mahanadi River has prompted Odisha authorities to step up preparedness measures, with increased monitoring of vulnerable areas and alerts issued for communities living in low-lying regions. The river’s water flow at Mundali is expected to reach around 9 lakh cusecs by this evening, raising concerns over possible flooding in parts of Cuttack and Puri districts. Officials are…
Odisha Flood Emergency Deepens as Over 2 Lakh People Affected Across Six Districts
Bhubaneswar, July 30 (UDN): Flood conditions in Odisha have become increasingly challenging as heavy rainfall and rising river levels continue to impact communities across six northern districts. More than 2 lakh people have been affected, while three lives, including that of a fire service personnel, have been lost during the ongoing flood situation. Several villages have been submerged as swollen rivers overflowed their banks, leaving around 266…
AIIMS Bhubaneswar Saves Woman Police Officer After 36 Days on ECMO in Landmark Critical Care Success
Bhubaneswar, July 30 (UDN): AIIMS Bhubaneswar has recorded a significant achievement in advanced critical care by successfully treating a 49-year-old woman police officer from Odisha’s Jharsuguda district after she spent 36 days on life-saving veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) support for severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The patient was initially admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on April 18, 2026, after developing severe…