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…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed field teams to ensure that no garbage-vulnerable points remain in the city from February 14, ahead of the Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 cleanliness survey. BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana instructed sanitary inspectors, Swachh supervisors, and waste collection agencies to intensify cleaning operations and deploy additional manpower and vehicles wherever…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced a new waste management initiative mandating four separate dustbins for households and establishments to strengthen source-level waste segregation across the city. Under the new system, residents will be required to segregate waste into four categories: Green bin: Wet/biodegradable waste Blue bin: Dry/recyclable waste Red bin: Sanitary waste,…
Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.” The promotional campaign was inaugurated at…
Bhubaneswar: In Bisimatri village of Odisha’s Puri district, a group of nearly 50 rural women has transformed eco-friendly craftsmanship into a sustainable livelihood, building a successful jute-based enterprise that has brought financial independence and social empowerment to their community. The initiative began in 2015, when artisan mentor Amiya Poddar introduced local women—many of whom were…
Bhubaneswar: In a significant policy overhaul aimed at curbing monopolies and controlling prices, the Odisha government has notified new rules for leasing minor minerals, including sand and stone, replacing the earlier auction-based system with a computerised e-lottery mechanism. Under the revised framework, mineral leases will now be allotted through an online, transparent e-lottery, a move…