Puri, July 11 (UDN): To protect devotees from extreme heat during the annual Rath Yatra, the Odisha Fire Services Department will deploy a high-capacity water tower system to create an artificial rain effect at the festival site. The advanced articulated water tower, stationed at the Puri Fire Brigade unit, will spray water over large gathering areas near the chariots whenever required to provide relief to pilgrims…
Mahanadi River Swells After Hirakud Releases First Floodwater
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): The water level of the Mahanadi River has increased after the first floodwater release of the season from the Hirakud Dam reached the Mundali barrage in Cuttack on Saturday. The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring the river flow following the controlled release of water from the reservoir. Officials are keeping a constant watch on water levels at key locations and…
Odisha Sees Second IPS Resignation as C.A. Ramdas Steps Down
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): Odisha Police has witnessed another high-profile resignation with Odisha cadre IPS officer C.A. Ramdas stepping down from service, just days after the resignation of Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena. The resignation marks the second exit by a senior IPS officer within a short span, drawing attention to developments within the state’s police administration. C.A. Ramdas formally submitted his…
Odisha Launches Statewide Campaign to Prevent Child Drowning
Government, communities and global partners unite to turn national strategy into local action Bhubaneswar, July 11: Every year, preventable drowning claims hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide, with children bearing the greatest burden. In Odisha alone, nearly 9,000 people have lost their lives to drowning over the past five years, according to official government data. Many of these tragedies occur silently in village ponds, irrigation canals, rivers…
Extensive Preparations Underway for Rath Yatra 2026: Enhanced Security, Surveillance, and Transport Arrangements
Bhubaneswar, July 11 (UDN): With the annual Rath Yatra drawing near, the Odisha government has stepped up preparations to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the world-famous festival in Puri. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting and directed all departments to work in close coordination for the successful management of the mega religious event. Representational Image Emphasising that…
New Chapter Begins for Development Planning in Koraput as Raghuram Machha Takes Charge as Board Chairman
Koraput, July 11 [UDN}: Chairman Raghuram Machha formally entered the office of the Koraput District Planning Board and officially commenced his duties today. On the occasion, he first offered prayers and sought the blessings of the Almighty before beginning his responsibilities. The event marked the beginning of a new administrative chapter for the district planning body. Officials and staff members welcomed the Chairman to the…
District Collector Engages with Students and Health Officials During Inspection of School and Community Health Centre in Lakhanpur
Lakhanpur, July 11 [UDN}: Jharsuguda District Collector Gunal Motiram Nahan visited Lakhanpur today and shared the mid-day meal with school students as part of his field visit. The District Collector first visited the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya located at Bandipahad village in Lakhanpur. During his visit, he inspected the science laboratory and interacted with the students to understand their academic environment and facilities. He encouraged the…
Government Declares No-Flying Zone Around Hirakud Dam to Ensure Protection of Strategic Assets and Public Safety
Hirakud, July 11 [UDN}: The main structure of Hirakud Dam and its adjoining areas have been officially designated as a “No-Flying Zone” to ensure strict security measures. The decision has been taken in view of the release of the first floodwater from the Hirakud reservoir for the current year. As part of the enhanced safety arrangements, the administration has tightened surveillance and imposed restrictions on…
Black Box Technology Similar to Aircraft to Be Introduced in Trains to Enhance Safety and Accident Investigation
Bhubaneswar, July 11 [UDN}: As train accidents continue to rise in the country, concerns are increasingly being raised about possible acts of sabotage behind some incidents. Many questions also emerge after every railway accident regarding its actual cause and circumstances. To address these concerns, a decision has been taken to install “Black Boxes” in trains. With this technology, authorities will be able to monitor the…
Land Purchase and Sale Transactions Set to Become Completely Cashless Under New Government Initiative
Bhubaneswar, July 11 [UDN}: The government has taken a major step to simplify the land registration process. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari shared this information.Land purchase and sale transactions in the state will now become completely cashless. Not even a single rupee will be allowed to be exchanged in cash. Earlier, cash transactions of up to ₹15,000 were permitted.This decision has been taken to make land…