BMC Enforces Strict Anti-Dust Norms to Curb Air Pollution in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a strong push to tackle worsening air quality, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued stringent new guidelines to control dust pollution from construction activities across the city. The directives, issued through an office order on January 6, have come into effect immediately. The decision follows a high-level review of the city’s air…

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Cold Wave Tightens Grip on Odisha; Similipal Freezes at 0°C, Dense Fog Persists

Bhubaneswar: Odisha continues to reel under an intense cold wave, with temperatures plunging sharply across several regions and dense fog disrupting normal life. According to the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests (RCCF), Upper Barakamuda in Similipal recorded a freezing 0°C, while Chahala logged 2°C. Other forested pockets such as Bareipani and Gudugudia recorded 5°C, accompanied…

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Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu Inaugurates ‘Atal Van’ Eco-Park at Lok Seva Bhawan

Bhubaneswar: Former Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today inaugurated ‘Atal Van’, a newly developed eco-park at the Lok Seva Bhawan premises. The park has been named in honour of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in recognition of his visionary leadership and lasting contribution to nation-building. The inaugural programme…

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Odisha Unveils ₹1,500–2,000 Crore Plan to Restore and Revitalise Chilika Lake

Bhubaneswar: Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika Lake, is set for a major ecological and economic revival as the Odisha government rolls out a ₹1,500–2,000 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) aimed at restoring the lake’s fragile ecosystem while enhancing sustainable livelihoods and tourism. Officials said the ambitious plan goes beyond cosmetic intervention and focuses on…

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Orissa High Court Seeks State’s Response on ‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ Policy

Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Odisha government over its decision to deny petrol and diesel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) and sought the state’s response within two weeks. Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice…

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Odisha Imposes Night-Time Construction Ban in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to Curb Pollution

Bhubaneswar: In response to worsening air quality, the Odisha government has imposed a temporary ban on construction activities in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack during night and early morning hours. The restriction, effective from 6 pm to 10 am, applies to both government and private construction projects. Authorities have also directed builders to…

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BMC to Install Air Purifiers at Key Locations to Tackle Bhubaneswar Pollution

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to address the rising air pollution levels in the state capital, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to install air purifiers at key locations across the city to help keep the Air Quality Index (AQI) within permissible limits. The initiative will be rolled out in a phased manner, with the…

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BMC Deploys Anti-Smog Guns as Bhubaneswar’s Air Quality Slips into ‘Very Poor’ Category

Bhubaneswar: With air pollution levels rising to alarming levels, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has deployed anti-smog guns at key locations in the city to curb dust and particulate pollution after the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 300 mark, placing the city in the “very poor” category. The mist cannons have been installed at…

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BMC to Levy User Fee for Door-to-Door Garbage Collection Across Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at strengthening sanitation services and improving solid waste management efficiency, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to levy user fees for door-to-door waste collection across the city, covering both residential and commercial establishments, official sources said on Monday. The decision is part of BMC’s broader effort to enhance service…

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Odisha Government to Install Smart Electricity Meters; Free Power for Consumers Using up to 2 kW

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a major reform in the power distribution sector with the decision to install smart electricity meters across the state. Under the new initiative, consumers using up to 2 kilowatts (kW) of electricity will receive electricity bills free of cost, providing significant relief to small and domestic consumers. The state…

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