Bhubaneswar: In a sustainable step ahead of Holi, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced organic gulal made from recycled temple flower waste, offering a chemical-free and fragrant alternative to conventional colours. Officials said the civic body has been collecting discarded flowers from nearly 700 temples across the city over the past six months. The…
Bhubaneswar: A toxic ammonia gas leak from a cold storage facility in the Aiginia market area of Bhubaneswar late on February 26, 2026, sparked panic among residents and shopkeepers, leading to swift evacuation and emergency containment measures. The incident occurred under the jurisdiction of Khandagiri Police Station, where locals reported a strong ammonia smell early…
Bhubaneswar/Ganjam: The iconic Rushikulya rookery is poised to receive designation as a Biodiversity Heritage Site under the Biological Diversity Act, marking a significant milestone in Odisha’s conservation efforts. Located along Odisha’s southern coastline, the Rushikulya river mouth is globally known as one of the most important mass nesting (arribada) sites for the endangered Olive Ridley…
Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple has announced special ritual arrangements in view of the Ketu-grasta lunar eclipse scheduled for March 3, coinciding with the auspicious festival of Dola Purnima. According to temple authorities, the eclipse is expected to touch Puri at 3:20:17 PM. In adherence to long-standing temple traditions, the preparation of Mahaprasad and all…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced the establishment of a dedicated Chandua Bazaar in Pipili to rejuvenate the traditional applique craft sector that has faced setbacks following the construction of the NH-316 bypass. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement during the presentation of the state budget, stating that the new market complex will…
Bhubaneswar: Tribal women in the remote Kotia region of Odisha have begun cultivating German chamomile, a high-value medicinal crop, to improve their livelihoods and income security. The initiative is being supported by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) and the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), leveraging the region’s favourable climate…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s plan to construct a helipad near Similipal National Park reflects the state’s growing push to integrate connectivity with tourism-led development. Announced in the Assembly by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, the proposal—initiated by Bangiriposhi MLA Sanjali Murmu—seeks to improve access to one of India’s most ecologically significant biosphere reserves while promoting…
Bhubaneswar: India’s highways have long symbolised speed, connectivity, and economic progress. But they have also represented ecological disruption—fragmented habitats, declining wildlife populations, and vanishing pollinators. Against this backdrop, the National Highways Authority of India’s proposal to create ‘Bee Corridors’ along national highways is a welcome, if overdue, intervention. Pollinators such as bees are not mere…
Bhubaneswar: Uttar Pradesh is set to establish India’s first National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, aimed at showcasing the historical, cultural, and scientific significance of cows in Indian society. The proposed museum will feature dedicated galleries on the role of cows in Indian traditions, agriculture, ecology, and rural livelihoods, highlighting how indigenous cattle breeds have…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is establishing two new waste processing facilities to strengthen solid waste management and promote sustainable recycling practices in the city. A construction and demolition (C&D) waste processing plant will be set up at Pandra, with a processing capacity of five tonnes per day. The facility will convert debris into…