CM talks green

Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said the forest cover in the state was higher than the national average while speaking on the occasion of World Forestry Day. He said around 35 per cent of the state’s land was covered with forest. Besides, he also urged people to plant more trees to bring welcome changes to the climate.

Tata initiative

Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday inaugurated the South Odisha initiative of the Tata Trust through a video conference from the Odisha Computer Application Centre. Naveen said the trust would spend Rs 105 crore in health, education, employment, water and sanitation sectors over five blocks in southern Odisha. At least 250 villages would be upgraded to model ones and over 25,000 people will be benefited through this project.

Mandap razed

Bhubaneswar: The development authorities demolished unauthorised constructions that included a kalyan mandap at Jagamara. An official said a builder had encroached upon a land that did not belong to him and had constructed a mandap. 

Ropeway

Rourkela: A ropeway will be constructed at the Vedvyas temple here to help devotees reach the shrine. Local residents had been demanding for the facility since long. Sources said Rs 8 crore would be spent for this purpose.