Bhubaneswar: The state government has asked the Planning Commission to form an inter-ministerial group and cabinet committee on reconstruction to assess damages in Odisha due to Phailin and subsequent floods. In a memorandum submitted to the Planning Commission, the state government has sought central assistance of Rs 7,769 crore under the centrally sponsored programme to the state for undertaking long-term reconstruction work. Earlier, a 12-member inter-ministerial team from Centre visited the state to assess the damages caused by the two consecutive calamities. Bhubaneswar: The state forest department has fixed minimum support price of eucalyptus wood pulp in Koraput to ensure that farmers engaged in growing the trees get the desired price for their produce and are not exploited by unscrupulous agents. “It has been decided to fix the minimum support price for a tonne of debarked wood pulp at Rs 2,800, excluding the cost of harvesting, loading and transporation. The farmers will get the amount in shape of cheque or bank transfer directly from the purchasing company,” said divisional forest officer (Koraput) Bijay Kumar Panda. Bhubaneswar: Tribute was paid to eminent educationist Abani Kumar Boral, who passed away on Thursday. He was 79. Boral had been fighting for the rights of teachers for almost 50 years and was instrumental in many policy decisions in favour of teachers. Several dignitaries including governor S.C. Jamir, chief minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Srikant Jena said that Boral’s death was not only an irreparable loss to the teachers community, but to the state as well. Bhubaneswar: A speeding truck caused two accidents on NH-16 in Ganjam district on Thursday killing two persons and injuring two others. The two persons killed were riding a scooter. After hitting them, the truck did not stop and hit a moped near Golanthara injuring two women. Bhubaneswar: A four-month-old elephant calf died on Thursday while being transported to the veterinary hospital of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology. The calf was being brought from Betanati range of Mayurbhanj district. The animal, which had been abandoned by the herd, got injured while roaming in the jungle. Rourkela: An awareness programme about the banking ombudsman scheme was held at ITDA training hall, inside the sub-collectorate in the city. Over 200 customers and bank officials were present at the meeting. Customers raised several issues which were discussed and suggestions of these people were noted by the officials. Rourkela: The 16th Vedvyas Song and Dance Festival, which had been going on at Bhanja Bhavan here, came to an end on Wednesday.
Saturday, 19 July 2025
