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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Bhubaneswar: The Gujarat government has placed IAS officer Rajendrakumar Patel under suspension after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 2 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials confirmed on Saturday. The suspension has been ordered in accordance with All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, which provide…
Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday said the National Education Policy (NEP) will help India’s new generation break free from the “Macaulay mentality” and reconnect with the country’s civilisational values, knowledge traditions, and cultural roots. Referring to the legacy of British-era education policies, Pradhan recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the lasting…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Vigilance on Monday apprehended Sri Bijay Kumar Barik, Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of CRRI Police Station, Cuttack, while allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹40,000 from a licensed liquor vendor. According to vigilance sources, the bribe was demanded and accepted to allow the liquor business to operate smoothly without interference. The IIC was caught red-handed during…
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…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar witnessed an unprecedented surge in liquor sales during the final week of 2025, with New Year celebrations driving consumption to record levels. Official data from the Excise Department shows that alcohol sales in the Odisha capital crossed ₹32 crore in just one week, marking one of the highest festive turnovers in recent years….