Bhubaneswar: Amid soaring temperatures across Odisha, the Panchpatmali hills in Koraput district are drawing attention for their unusually cool, lush, and mist-covered landscape—often compared to the scenic beauty of Kashmir. Despite nearby regions experiencing heat levels touching 40°C, the Panchpatmali range remains green and refreshing. The area’s dense vegetation and natural moisture help maintain its…
Bhubaneswar: Early weather projections indicate a possible low-pressure system forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal during the second week of May, with potential to intensify into a cyclonic storm. According to the Global Forecast System (GFS), the system may develop between May 11 and 15. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not confirmed…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha is planning to establish Heatwave Relief Centres across the state as part of its strategy to tackle rising temperatures and associated health risks. These shelters will function on the lines of cyclone and flood shelters, offering safe spaces for people to rest during peak heat hours while providing access to…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced early summer vacation for all schools across the state in view of the ongoing heatwave. All government, government-aided, and private schools will remain closed from April 27. The decision was approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi following a proposal from the School and Mass Education Department. The move…
Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a public advisory directing all government and private offices, institutions, and public sector units within its jurisdiction to ensure safe drinking water availability during the summer season. Focus on Public Health and Hygiene Authorities have urged establishments to: Maintain a clean and regulated drinking water system Ensure…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has issued comprehensive guidelines to safeguard outdoor workers from heat-related illnesses during the summer season, enforcing restrictions from April 1 to June 15, 2026. Ban on Work During Peak Heat Hours As part of the measures, outdoor work has been prohibited between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the period identified…
Bhubaneswar: With summer approaching, the Odisha School and Mass Education Department has issued a statewide advisory directing schools to implement precautionary measures to tackle potential heatwave conditions. The advisory outlines several key steps to safeguard students from heat-related illnesses. Schools have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted access to safe drinking water, repair non-functional tube wells,…
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: Bhubaneswar continues to face deteriorating air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently remaining in the ‘poor’ category, raising concerns over public health and environmental sustainability. In response, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a large-scale afforestation initiative aimed at improving the city’s air quality and green cover. Under the plan, BMC…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar has recorded a noticeable improvement in air quality over the past three days, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) returning to the ‘moderate’ category after remaining in the hazardous zone for much of December. Data from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) show the city’s three-day average AQI at 133, with daily readings…