Houseboat service started for Chilika tourists

BERHAMPUR: With tourist season beginning to hit the peak, Chilika has thrown open its houseboat service to provide the ethereal experience of the lagoon in all its glory to the visitors. The first of its kind facility in the State will enable tourists to spend the day and the night right on the waters, enjoying all the luxuries of a star hotel. The houseboat inaugurated by State Tourism Minister Debi Prasad Mishra would be stationed at Barkul. It has two airconditioned suites and would be available for visitors at a price of Rs 5,500 per suite per day. The charges include a free two-hour cruise per day. The houseboat would take the guests into the lake and anchor at places of their choice. The guests would be offered food of star hotel quality on extra charges.

The houseboat service has been designed on the lines of Kerala, where it is common on the vast stretches of backwaters.The facility would be immensely popular as it would provide the visitors to enjoy beauty of the lake in all its forms, said Mishra.The Minister said that houseboats would be gradually introduced at other hotspots of the lagoon like Satpada, the house of the dolphins and Rambha.

Source: NewIndPress

Famous Gopalpur beach festival begins

BERHAMPUR: Blowing of twin conch shells, rhythmic sounds of cymbals and staging of several folk dances kicked off the famous Gopalpur beach festival at the sea-side resort, of Gopalpur-On-Sea about 10 km from Silk city Berhampur.

The five-day festival, organised by Ganjam district hotel association in collaboration with the Gopalpur beach festival committee, began on December 24th. Folk, classic as well as modern dances performances by different groups from Orissa and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai and Kolkata will be organised during the festival. Traditional folk dances including 'Ranapa', 'Bharat Leela' and 'Sankirtana' troupes from different parts of the state would be performed on different days of the festival.

The five-day Gopalpur beach festival was inaugurated by Agriculture Minister GoO Damodar Rout. Among others seniors ministers of Govt. of Orissa Suryanarayana Patra, Bikram Keshari Arukh, Debi Prasad Mishra, Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahy attended.

Thousands of tourists from various parts of the state attended the inaugural function with artistes performing Ranapa, Odissi, Sambalpuri and other folk dances. Besides the cultural programmes, Gramshree Mela is also being organised. As many as 120 stalls have been put up for rural products. The event is being organised by the Ganjam District Hotel Association.

Sources: PTI, NewIndpress, Orissabarta

Preparations in full swing for Gopalpur beach festival

BERHAMPUR: Preparations are in full swing for the Gopalpur beach festival which is to commence on Dec 24 at the serene beach resort near the city. The five-day festival of music and dance is being organised by the Ganjam District Hoteliers Association (GDHA) with help from the Ganjam district administration and police. This cultural festival is being organized to attract tourists to the Gopalpur beach resort. It may be noted that the state tourism department has decided to include this five day period in December as the time for Gopalpur beach festival in the tourism calendar of Orissa.

State Revenue Minister Surya Narayan Patro who is adviser of the beach festival committee said all efforts were being made to attract tourists to the beach festival. The chairperson of the organizing committee, Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Panigrahi, said they wanted to extend such hospitality and entertainment which would make tourists attending the beach festival recommend to others to come over to this beach resort to enjoy the festival next year. President of the GDHA and convener of the organizing committee, Uma Shankar Panigrahi said its inclusion in Orissa’s tourism calendar would help in better marketing of the event outside the State.

An exhibition of rural art and craft is also part of the festival. This exhibition of rural art and craft is expected to continue for seven days even after the end of the beach festival. This beach festival would try to showcase the local folk art forms and upcoming dance and music troupes. Cultural troupes from all over the country and parts of Orissa would take part in this beach festival, to provide a national flavour. The East Zone Cultural Centre has extended support for this beach festival. The performances of this beach festival would include ethnic folk dance forms and classical dance forms like Odissi and Kuchipudi. Every evening there would be sessions of modern dance and music to match the moods of youngsters.

Source: The Hindu

India's Got Talent winners overjoyed

From the small town of Berhampur in Orissa to the glitzy world of showbiz in Mumbai - the Prince Dance Group, winner of the reality show India's Got Talent, has certainly come a long way and the members feel overjoyed when people called them celebrities. "It was big struggle to be where we are today. We faced many difficulties. But now it feels great when people call us stars and give us so much respect. No one knew us earlier, but today we are famous," Krishna Mohan Reddy, who leads the group, said.

The Prince Dance Group, comprising 26 artistes, all below 22 years of age, won Rs. 5 million as cash prize and a Maruti Suzuki Ritz car after winning the dance show India's Got Talent on August 23. While Reddy is a graduate, the majority of the group's members are daily wage earners. None of them had ever received professional dance training, but they mesmerised audience and the judges with their performance, which was based on episodes from the Mahabharata. However, it was not easy for the group to make their dream come true.

"We didn't have money and we had to travel 12 km to find a place to practice. We used to practice at the Gopalpur beach or near a Kali temple. There was resistance from my family. They said what will I gain out of dance. But I'm happy that I proved myself and today we are doing so well," said Reddy, 26. Along with the money, the group has also got a two-year contract from Sony. "After the show, we didn't know what to do and where to go. But because of this contract, all our shows and travel etc are managed by Sony," said Reddy.

Since August, the group has performed more than 40 shows around the country and are looking forward to international events. "We might go abroad in January. I don't know when and where, but there are talks," Reddy explained, who was instrumental in changing the lives of the members of his dance group. "Most members of my group were wage earners. They used to work so hard but in return used to get so little. I'm so happy that now they don't have to go for their work and they get enough to run their families. It is a big satisfaction," said Reddy.

Source: Hindustan Times

http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/smallscreen/India-s-Got-Talent-winners-overjoyed/Article1-489315.aspx

All roads of the Silk City lead to the Book Fair

Berhampur: Now a days all roads of Berhampur city lead to the St Stephens church ground as book lovers make a beeline to the ongoing week-long book fair. Considered as one of the biggest book fairs of Eastern India, it offers books on a wide range of conceivable topics displayed in over 100 stalls, attracting the book lovers in large numbers.

Source: Outlook, The Hindu

Building a Better Berhampur Brick by Brick

Let's make ourselves heard for building the Future Berhampur: Moderator 

Readers Views
Opinion: Balaji Ramana

Berhampur is neglected on every front, not only railways. It is very strange that even national projects like National Highway's golden quadrangle project, BSNL, Railways etc., behave differently here, not to speak of the state projects, if at all they are there. A bridge or a flyover takes years to complete. Even the National High way Road 217 laid not so long ago is in a horrible condition at some places. Stray animals abound everywhere. Garbage, filth adorn our City. The state government does not provide funds enough to develop this City. The reasons are not known to us. It may take another 50 years for the bye-pass road every body has been talking for over ten years now. Is this what the 3rd largest City in our state deserves? It is time the Government is made to notice all this.

Opinion: Prashant

This is a very good united voice from people of Southern Odisha. Here are my personal opinion.

1. Build an action-committee based on this particular issue if you are seriously want to succeed. This committee should have 3-4 dedicated people.

2. Start a signature campaign both on internet and open this to all not just people of southern odisha. Start a similar signature campaign from Berhampur on pen and paper.

3. Follow up and push the list of MLAs and MPs who can politically address such issue. Please do it do it and and do it.

4. File RTI application with your questions on the status of various RAILWAY Line work and keep it handy with you. This will help you a lot when you go for an arguments.

5. Highlight this issue on media again and again say at least 10-20 times based on various development on this issue by the Action Committee formed above.

6. Pursue with the MPs to talk to Railway Minister at Delhi and raise this subject if required at Parliament. Please remember that our MPs will be only mobilised if you persue them again and again.

7. Don't loose confidence it will surely happen and we will succeed.

Opinion: Ashit

It is high time to think about Unitary University status for Khallikote College. The step motherly treatment to the demands of Southern Orissa should be stopped with immediate effect and care should be taken to grant the most deserving status to this institution of higher learning.

Opinion: Dr.J K Panigrahi, Senior Scientist, Singapore

Modernisation of Berhampur Railway station must be accorded top priority.

Opinion: Sagar

There is some action in the front of IIIT. But, what about Gopalpur port when it will become an to all weather port? Is there any specific time frame for that? Gopalpur sea beach is one of famous sea beachs in India since the British era which carries great legacy behind it. Some major steps are awaited in developing infrastructure in Gopalpur in order to make a successful port in near future. Some other important issues are:

1. What about Gopal Pur on sea, please take some major steps i order to make a beautiful tourist place like Vizag... with all facilities.

2. Education system and Health care is in bad shape, need to take some major steps on that.

3. Local train facilities between Berhampur-Chatrapur to avoid huge traffic.

4. What about new air port plan, this is highly essential please look into this.

5. Take some decisions about TATA's unutilized land which was acquired 15 years back.

Opinion: Ajay Sahu

Need to raise these issues for the development of Greater Berhampur.

1. Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) needs to launch its own website immediately

2. Inauguration of STPI and 1st Flyover Bridge of Berhampur to Public.

3. Site selection finalization of IIIT- Berhampur as declared 100 acres by CM.

4. NH-217 By-Pass Road survey completion and initiation. Presently ASKA Road is so busy and facing many accidents due to heavy traffic.

5. To include Hinjilicut in Greater Berhampur as it is just 15 km away from Berhampur. Hinjilicut is the 2nd most populous town in Ganjam district after Berhampur. (Greater BAM should be BCGH-Berhampur, Chatrapur, Gopalpur and Hinjilicut)

6. Converting Berhampur MKCG Hospital to AIIMS Level.

7. There was a plan to shift present BBSR airport to BBSR outskirts, if this is the case it should locate a place in between Bhubaneswar and Berhampur to serve both the Corporations in a better way.

8. Pharmacy College at Mahuda is the oldest pharmacy college in Orissa. Initially it was started from Hinjilicut Science College by Late Brundban Nayak and subsequently shifted to the place Mahuda. This needs to be converted to University status as like UCE- Burla.

9. To Start Police Commissionerate for Greater Berhampur, like BBSR-CTC Commissionerate.

11. Completion of Berhampur Stadium which is half-way now and to complete the Indoor Stadium.

Opinion: Binay Mohanty

We need to work out on all the important issues if we really want to see Berhampur map on world arena. Apart from this I want to add one more point. This is CLEAN AND GREEN BERHAMPUR. Regarding this these days I am talking with Mayor,Comminisinor,BDA,MLA.

We few friends planned to plant One Lakh trees across Berhampur. We have laid out a plan and shared with all officers. Though they agree, this need lots of follow up to make this success. I am trying my best by following up. I am on a vacatin for 2 weeks so did something. But if someone can take this charge would be a great help. Local authorities have their own limitation but I am sure it will be like any other political drama. At the end very little things will be achieved. Need real visionary people to bring out the beauty in Berhampur.

Citizens angry as Berhampur is repeatedly ignored by the Railways

Following is an excerpt from a news report in http://www.tathya.in/

It seems the nerve centre of the Southern Odisha is on boil.

Angry citizens are sending e-mails to the CM Naveen Patnaik and other high functionaries of the State and Central Government over the callous attitude meted out to Berhampur.

And the BJD MP from Berhampur is facing flak due to his lip seal approach on burning issues.

Intelligentsia, young students and social activist are sending e-mails venting their anger and frustration over apathetic approach of the BJD Government as it is ignoring the genuine problems of the area.

Taking the lead R P Tripathy has blamed both State and Centre in neglecting the Berhampur time and again.

While the Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri railway stations are being developed as World class and Modern Railway Stations, Berhampur Rail Station does not figure in the list of Indian Railway Board.

Echoing his voice Prasanna Kumar Mishra, former Union Secretary lashed on the authorities leaving Berhampur like a way side Railway Station.

Berhampur station must be developed into a terminal facility with trains going to Koraput, Parlakhemundi, Chennai, Kolkata,Surat etc.

It is a pity that the station still has the look and facility of yet another roadside station, lamented he.

Abhisek Mishra, an angry young man from the southern zone has blamed it on the cine-actor turned BJD MP from Berhampur .

Mr.Mishra alleged that Siddhanta Mahapatra has turned out to be a puppet politician playing inconsequential role in state and national politics.

Siddhanta a leading actor of Ollywood joined politics in 2009 and has won as the BJD MP with huge votes from Berhampur Lok Sabha seat.

His performance inside the parliament is far from satisfactory and even tribal first time MPs of South Odisha and his colleagues from Nabarangpur, Phulbani and Koraput are doing better job than him.

This is really a pity that Berhampur parliamentary seat which has sent national stalwarts to the Lok sabha has come to be represented by undeserving leaders like the present one.

There are so many issues that confront Berhampur and South Odisha, said he.

Starting from water crisis and negligence by Indian Railways, undue delay in NH-5 golden quadrilateral project and NH-217 bypass for the city, undue delay in STPI project to establishment of IIIT and NID in Berhampur, inclusion of Berhampur under JNNURM to Unitary University status for Khallikote College, list is unending.

But, the MP stays in Bhubaneswar and hardly visits the city, let alone stay in Berhampur city and understand the problems of the people, though claims to be a Son of the Soil, lamented Mr.Mishra.

Even inside parliament he hardly asks questions or raises any issue of public interest, pointed out he.

It is still to be known whether the MP is serious about his role or just thinks his present job to be an extension of his acting profession.

But, one thing the MP must keep in mind that in Politics if some one fails to deliver there is no chance for a re-take and people just dump lock stock and barrel though they may continue to appreciate acting talents of the Ollywood star, warned Abhisek.

Siba Prasad Tripathy on a positive note has pointed out that Berhampur and Rourkela happen to be the two largest cities of Odisha, after the State capital.

And both are primary rail heads of Southern and Western Odisha respectively catering to millions of the people.

But, it is unfortunate that people have time and again brought to the notice of the Chief Minister the greatly felt need for a direct train service between these two cities.

In fact, till the year 2000, the Hirakhand Express used to connect these two cities but the train was withdrawn causing severe inconvenience to the general public and commuters.

A direct train service between Berhampur-Rourkela needs to be considered which may take the route Berhampur-Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Keonjhar-Chakradharpur-Rourkela route.

This will not only connect almost 10 districts and four major urban centres i.e., Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Rourkela but will bring South Odiissa and Western Odisha a closer to each other leading to their development. In view of its need and being a long standing demand of the masses may kindly be considired at the earliest.

Ajay Sahu has also pointed out that approximately 10 lakh Ganjam people stay at Surat since many decades.

Mr.Sahu has demanded with the Indian Railway Board authorities should add a few coaches which can be de-linked at Khurdha junction and can proceed to Berhampur-Paralakhemundi and Gunupur.

This will benefit the commuters in a big way, said he.

Source Link: http://www.tathya.in/2009/story.asp?sno=3596

Migratory birds arrive at Chilika

At least 6 lakh migratory birds from places as far as Siberia and Ukraine have arrived at Chilika lake, officials said. "About 3 lakh of them have been sighted in Nalabana, an island inside the lake," told ssistant forest conservator (wildlife) BK Mohapatra .

Spread across the districts of Puri, Khordha and Ganjam along the east coast, and about 100 km from state capital Bhubaneswar and 50 km from the commercial city Berhampur, Chilika is known for its immaculate scenic beauty and rich bio-diversity. Every year about a million migratory birds from places like Siberia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Himalayas come to the lake in October and return in March.

The most attractive birds sighted in the lake are flamingos, grey and purple herons, egrets, spoonbills, storks and white ibis. "We have set up at least 21 camps around the lake and deployed nearly a hundred officials and villagers to ensure that none of the birds are killed by poachers," he said. Five people were arrested recently for killing birds in the lake, he added.

Last year over 8 lakh birds belonging to 168 species were counted in the lake. This year the bird census in the lake would be held for two days starting from 11 January, Mohapatra said. Chilika was declared one of the six wetlands of international importance for Arctic and Central Asian waterfowl by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Source: The Statesman

Centre okays Granite cluster at Berhampur

The Centre has approved the development of four different sectors in Orissa including granite through the cluster approach under the Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme (LMCS).These clusters include the Ganjam Granite cluster at Berhampur, the handicrafts cluster of the Khurda-based Trishakti Self Help Group (SHG), Sponge Iron cluster at Bonai near Rourkela and plastic cluster at Balasore. New Delhi-based National Productivity Council (NPC) has been chosen as the nodal agency for the implementation of these cluster units. The formation of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) is necessary for the formal declaration of these cluster units. “We have already taken steps to form the SPV for the granite cluster at Berhampur”, said Santosh Kumar Bebarta, secretary, Ganjam Granite Cluster. Once all the formalities are completed, the granite cluster will be launched, said B B Dhal, general manager, District Industry Centre (DIC), Ganjam. The deadline for the functioning of the proposed granite cluster is December 31 this year. The SPV of the particular cluster could get a funding up to Rs 10 crore from the Centre for setting up of the Common Service Centre (CSC). “With the Centre's approval, we think more number of entrepreneurs will come to invest in the granite sector”, Bebarta said.

Source: Business Standard

SOSA bats for Khallikote Unitary University

South Orissa Students’ Association (SOSA) has demanded for another University to promote higher education in this backward area. R P Tripathy, President SOSA in a missive to the Chief Minister has demanded that one and half century old Khallikote College is to be given the status of Unitary University.Mr.Tripathy has said that in the educationally backward and tribal dominated region of Southern Odisha, Khallikote College has been a great hope with its exceptional track record of over a century and half. The institution began as a high school in 1856 before becoming a full-fledged college in the year 1878. With its glorious past of more than 150 years the Institution has been one of the leading centers of learning and intellectual pursuits in Odisha. Notwithstanding, paucity of teaching and administrative staff, inadequate state support and overall deterioration of higher education infrastructure in the state, Khallikote Autonomous College has stood out to be recognized as a “College with potential for excellence” by UGC and has also got Star Status by it.

Further, it has also consistently got good ratings from the NAAC.

This is high time that the State Government must do something urgently to promote this island of excellence in the vast sea of poverty and underdevelopment that characterizes the region of South Orissa.

In this regard, granting Unitary University Status to Khallikote College has become an imperative, urged he.

Further, to ensure its expansion and to facilitate the opening up of the new Departments, a campus of the Institution should be planned on the outskirts of Berhampur and the existing city campus should be given a facelift with allotment of additional land adjoining the campus.

Granting Unitary University status to Khallikote College will make the Institution eligible for UGC funds few years down the line leading to its expansion and will ensure better academic standards.

This will lead to the development of a centre of excellence in one of the most backward regions of India and will help in spreading the network of higher education deeper and wider.

Recently the State government has taken the pragmatic decision of establishment of two Unitary Universities in the State and the Institutions going by their past reputation also did deserve the elevation.

SOSA urged the Chief Minister to take a similar decision with respect to the demand for Khallikote Unitary University. This will fulfil one of the long standing demands of the students, educationists, intelligentsia and common people in Southern Odisha, said he.

Source: www.tathya.in (Link: http://www.tathya.in/2009/story.asp?sno=3571)

Proposed Venkateswara Medical University in Berhampur by Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham: A victim of State inefficiency

Excerpt of the interview of HH Jayendra Saraswathi where he speaks about the proposed Medical University in Berhampur city

Q: We understood that the Sri Math is establishing Medical Universities in Orissa and Nepal. What is the progress in this respect?

Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal (JSS): The Government of Orissa has consented to give sufficient space for the construction of a hospital in Berhampur. There will be a similar hospital in Pondicherry too. The hospitals constructed in these places will grow up into Universities in the years to come.

(Link: http://archives.chennaionline.com/festivalsnreligion/articles/jayendra.asp)

RP Tripathy

         The proposed Medical University at Berhampur by Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (the Kanchi Mutt runs the Shankar Eye Hospital in Chennai, which is one of the largest medical facilities in India), the project which started in 1996 with former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament from Berhampur Shri PV Narasimha Rao taking keen interest in the project, still remains incomplete as the state government has not given it suitable land for the purpose. The Chief Minister of Orissa and the Kanchi seer laid the foundation stone for the Super specialty hospital near Berhampur University in 2002 and it was found out to be a hillock, not suitable for Medical College and inadequate for future expansion. Seven years into the foundation laying the state government seems to be least bothered about the project more because of political reasons. The fact that southern region of the state will get better medical facility should have convinced the government to expedite its establishment but so far it has only created hurdles for the medical project and the trust may finally move to a different location.

Air connectivity to Berhampur: Need for a dedicated regional air service in the State

RP Tripathy

Recently many State governments like Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Gujarat and some North-Eastern states have come forward with plans for dedicated regional air service and have made considerable progress in this. Odisha has been considered a laggard as far as air connectivity is concerned (for that matter many districts are not even properly connected by railways and roads) and just putting the blame on central apathy every time won’t do any good to the State. Further, it may not be feasible for the national carrier to start air services to regional towns and industrial centers of Odisha from other metros of India owing to issues of revenue, passenger demand and lack of infrastructure for landing etc. But, connecting the regional growth centers by air is indispensable for the industrial and educational development of the state. It is also critical for development of tourism sector and faster medical services. Can’t our State Govt think of a similar dedicated regional air service to connect the regional growth centers with the state capital or with the nearest metro i.e., Kolkata? A dedicated regional air service connecting =Bhubaneswar-Berhampur-Koraput-Jharsuguda-Rourkela-Badbil-Kolkata-Bhubaneswar= will ensure faster development of the state and will make the entire state approachable by air.

The air strip on the outskirts of Berhampur city which is mostly used by the Ministry of Defence personnel can thus be put to use for civilian communication as well. The AAI has its staff quarters and establishments in Berhampur city. There also exists an air traffic control tower in Berhampur which can facilitate landing of regular flights. A dedicated regional air service as mentioned above can help connect Berhampur with Bhubaneswar, Rourkela and Calcutta by air and thus ensure its future growth. Presence of tourist destinations like Gopalpur, Taratarini Hill Shrine, Chilika and establishments like Gopalpur port, proposed SEZ, STPI and IT Park and a host of educational institutions will make air connectivity to the city a viable proposition. This is an issue worth looking at.

Students’ protest continues in historic Khallikote College

BERHAMPUR: The Khallikote Autonomous College students have intensified their protest as their indefinite agitation has entered the sixth day. The students of the historic Institution formed a human chain in Berhampur and continued to boycott their classes, locked up their college gates and gheraoed the principal. The students launched their indefinite agitation on Friday to press for six demands. The students decided to form a human chain from the main gate of the college up to the gate of the garage of Orissa State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC). It may be noted that the main demand of these students is handing over the 17 acres of land adjacent to the College which is now under the Orissa State Road Transport Corporation to accommodate the requisite infrastructure for the more than a century old Institution to be declared as a Unitary University. This land was earlier leased out to a private firm to open up a mega shopping mall. But due to opposition of students and citizens of the city, the Chief Minister had to intervene to cancel the lease last year. It was decided to alienate the land to the institution for its expansion.

Source: The Hindu

The Sambad on the agitation of Khallikote College students: http://www.orissasambad.com/news_article.php?id=12832

National level Yoga competition to be held in City

BERHAMPUR: A state-level yoga competition was held in the SK Mandap in the city. It was organised by the UR Foundation to promote yoga among the youngsters. Participants from 18 districts of Orissa took part in the competition. The competition was meant for children above the age of six years. More than 300 children participated in this tournament. They were divided into six groups as per age and skill. Before the start of competition the participants took out a rally to promote yoga among the city dwellers. A large crowd of yoga enthusiasts had gathered up to witness the yogic skills of youngsters. Some of the participants enthralled the audience by their extreme flexibility of the body. Many participants also performed asanas hanging to ropes. A panel of judges assessed performance of participants. The organizers declared that they are planning to hold a national-level Yogasana competition in the city in near future.

Source: The Hindu

CDP for greater Berhampur region to be ready in six months

BERHAMPUR: A Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for Greater Berhampur region is expected to be ready in next six months. It was declared by Berhampur Development Authority Chairperson Sarat Ranjan Patnaik at a workshop organised in the city on Saturday to elicit views from corporators and councilors of the local urban bodies under the BDA. The corporatoers of Berhampur Municipal Corporation and councilors of Gopalpur and Chatrapur Notified Area Councils (NAC) attended the workshop. The technical team that attended the workshop was led by chief planner of the Town and Country Planning Organisation (TCPO), J.B. Khirsagar. The TCPO, which happens to be the technical advisory body of Central Ministry of Urban Development, is preparing the CDP for greater Berhampur. The master plan is likely to be ready in another six months.

Mr. Khirsagar described the process through which the new master plan is being prepared. The new master plan is Geographical Information System (GIS) based. It depends on both remote sensing data from satellites as well as the ground level data collected by surveys. The Orissa government is bearing the cost of the CDP preparation, which would cost around Rs. 1.08 crores. Mr. Khirsagar said the TCPO was providing the technical collaboration without taking any consultancy fee. The city would get its master plan after four decades as its last master plan was prepared in 1969. The present CDP is being prepared keeping in view the development of greater Berhampur till the year 2031. The area under greater Berhampur will include the urban centres of Berhampur, Gopalpur and Chatrapur and 139 villages between them. The CDP will comprise a total area of 317 sq. km. having a population of around 12 lakhs.

Sources: The Hindu, Orissagrowth, Orissatv

Lack of space a hindrance to BDA's plans

BERHAMPUR: The Berhampur Development Authority (BDA), which is preparing the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for greater Berhampur region, is worried over lack of space to provide basic amenities to people within the city limits. According to BDA Chairperson Sarat Ranjan Patnaik, different government departments holding large patches of land for their residential quarters are not ready to part these patches of land for planned development of the city. He has asked the State government to take up measures so that the unutilised land could be used for better planning of the city for the future. (CDP for Greater Berhampur Region: http://orissagov.nic.in/housing&urban/Tender_Quo_Advt/6096_11-11-09.pdf),  Several corporators of the city, during a workshop for the crafting of the CDP, have suggested better public use of the vast patches of vacant land under different residential quarters of government officials. Lack of space inside the city limits can be assessed from the fact that most major market areas of the key trading centre of south Orissa still do not have proper parking space and public toilets. Despite plans of the BDA for four well- equipped parking zones and allocation of funds for the purpose, it could not be taken up as revenue department and the municipality could not hand over land for the purpose. These parking zones which have not come up were proposed near Kamapalli, Annapurna market, Bada Bazar and Gate Bazar areas. In most places, the government land was either found to be taken over by encroachers or the government departments were not ready to hand over the vast land inside the campus of residential quarters.
Source: The Hindu

Delegation from Berhampur meet the CM for developing sports infrastructure

BERHAMPUR: Members of the Berhampur based Orissa Weight Lifting Association urged Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to initiate measures to promote weightlifting in the State. The office-bearers of the association met the Chief Minister along with K. Ravi Kumar, the weightlifter from Berhampur who won three gold medals in the commonwealth weightlifting championship held in Malaysia recently. Mr. Kumar had represented the country in the 69 kg category. Berhampur MLA R.C.C. Patnaik, State Revenue Minister Suryanarayan Patro and Mayor of Berhampur Sibashankar Dash also accompanied the delegation.

        The Orissa Weight Lifting Association urged the Chief Minister to develop Berhampur as a grooming centre of weightlifting in the State. It may be noted that Berhampur has till date produced several weightlifters of national and international standards in both men and women category. Senior weightlifting coach Ramesh Chandra Padhi and secretary of the Orissa Weight Lifting Association Narayan Sahu tried to put forward the problems faced by the budding weightlifters of the State. Further, they drew the attention of the state Chief Minister to the inadequate sports infrastructure in Berhampur city and urged proper sports infrastructure in the southern city of the state.

Source: The Hindu

Khallikote College students launch stir demanding Unitary University Status

BERHAMPUR: Khallikote college students are again back on the streets demanding Unitary University status for their almamater, shortage of teaching faculty and the inordinate delay in transfer of 17 acres of OSRTC land to the Institution. Students of the biggest college in the city started dharna on the six-point charter of demands which includes unitary university status for the historic Institution. Student leaders threatened to continue the stir till fulfillment of the demands. The agitating students also demanded the handing over of a patch of land under Orissa State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) to the college. This land was earlier leased out to a to a retail major. But due to opposition of students and citizens of the city, the Chief Minister had intervened to cancel the lease last year. It was decided to alienate the land to more than a century old institute for its expansion. But the land has not been handed over to the institute till date. The agitators claimed that the government had promised to hand over a plot belonging to Orissa State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) to the college last year. They added that the government had earlier planned to give the land to a retail major but reviewed its decision after a protracted students' agitation. The students also demanded the filling up of vacancies of teaching staff of this institute. According to them most of the departments of the college were short staffed which had affected the teaching process.

Source: Dailypioneer, Times of India, The Hindu

New Registrar of Berhampur University assumes office

BERHAMPUR:  Prof. Jayant Mohapatra of political science department of the University took over as the new Registrar of Berhampur University. He was appointed to the post at the directive of Governor Muralidhar Chandrakant Bhandare, who happens to be the Chancellor of Orissa universities. Prof. Mohapatra is currently a member of the NAAC.

Prince Dance Group and Naveen Patnaik are nominees for Indian of the Year contest

Odisha has an unique opportunity to hog national limelight once again as the CNN-IBN has shortlisted Naveen Patnaik and Prince Dance Group in Politics and entertainment categories respectively for its “Indian of the year (www.indianoftheyear.com)” contest. There are 5 categories-Politics, Sports, Entertainment, Business and Public Service. Last year Nitish Kumar won the CNN-IBN Indian of the year 2008. Recently Naveen has appealed one and all to vote for Prince Dance Group in the contest organized by the Colors Channel. And the Prince Dance Group won handsomely in the contest, bringing laurels for the state. Interestingly in the CNN-IBN contest in Entertainment category both Prince Dance Group and Colors are also vying for the award. It seems the Prince Dance Group; a team of daily wagers from Berhampur, have won the hearts of the Indians and have earned a place for them.

Source: CNNIBN, Tathya.in

Demand for FFDC at Berhampur gaining ground

A report in The Hindu outlining the growing demand for a Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC) in the City as Ganjam district of Orissa produces around 90 per cent of the kewra grown in the country.

BERHAMPUR: Kewra flower producers in Ganjam district are worried over the continuing closure of kewra distilleries, while the kewra flower production is on the rise. According to the Kewra distillery owners of the district, there are some 197 kewra distilleries in Ganjam. But during 2008-09 season only 82 of them are operational. Both the kewra farmers’ association and kewra distillers’ association are worried about this trend. Lack of proper number of distilleries will also reduce the market price of kewra flowers.

Although Ganjam district of Orissa produces around 90 per cent of the kewra of the country, Orissa is yet to tap the economic prospect. The trading of kewra essence distilled from the kewra flowers is not done directly from Orissa. Traders from Uttar Pradesh rule the kewra essence trading in Orissa. The irony is that the value added products of kewra get marketed or exported via Kannauj rather than directly. There are no units to produce the higher-end products derived from the Kewra flower extracts in Ganjam district. The flower extracts distilled out at crude distilleries in Ganjam district are sent outside the State especially to Kannauj for refining and extraction of higher-end products.

Source: The Hindu

There have been efforts for establishment of a kewra cluster in Ganjam district. But it has not materialised till date. The kewra distillers of Ganjam district like Natabar Sahu feel there is a need to establish a full-fledged fragrance and flower development centre on the lines of Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC) of Kannauj in Ganjam district.

Production of higher-end products near the region of kewra flower production can lead to better market price for the producers of kewra flowers. It may be noted that during the last season, the price of kewra flowers had plummeted as several distilleries did not agree to run their units by buying flowers at higher cost. The distillers have the excuse that they are unable to pay more to the kewra growers as the price depended on the price of kewra extract fixed by the traders from Uttar Pradesh, especially the ones from Kannauj.

Source: The Hindu

Four agriculture supermarkets to come up in State

Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout on December 01 said on the floor of the Assembly that four agriculture supermarkets would be set up one each at Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Rourkela. All the agriculture products would be procured and sold in these supermarkets. “Rs 80 crore would be spent for setting up these markets,” he said.

Giving reply to the queries of the members, Rout said the State Government is spending fund from its own resources for the development of horticulture in six districts which are not included in the National Horticulture Mission Programme.

“The State Government has planned to do horticulture programme in 50,000 hectre of land each year. People are getting huge profits from drumsticks and papayas, “he said, adding that all the vacant posts in the horticulture department at the block level would be filled up.

Source:The Pioneer

Rare music show performed at Silk City Berhampur

BERHAMPUR: Music lovers of Berhampur city came face-to-face with ‘Dhumpa’ during the folk dance and music festival, ‘Indradhanu’ organised by the Berhampur Music Circle on November 30 evening at Utkal Mandap open air auditorium. ‘Dhumpa’ performances have become a rarity. But ‘Dhumpa’ is a part of Oriya literary and cultural history. According to Satya Moharana of Berhampur Music Circle, revival of Dhumpa would also help popularise writings of great poet Kavisurya Baldev Rath. Digapahandi in Ganjam district happens to be the birth place of Kavisurya. The poet was believed to have invented the Dhumpa. It was made of bamboo. It was a musical instrument used to accompany his poetic satires, which are still called ‘Dhumpa geet’.

Dhumpa Guru Pradeep Rath and his troupe performed the ‘Dhumpa’ recital. The troupe comprised a principal singer, some chorus singers, a Gotipua dancer and a group of stick drummers who beat on the Dhumpa to produce rhythmic sounds. Dhumpa was a hollow decorated bamboo cylinder of six to seven feet length. The singing of principal singer was accompanied by instruments like harmonium, tabla, flute, veena, mardal, thali and nagara. The other folk dance forms which were part of the evening were Sakhinata, Dhuduki, Bharat Lila, Gahani, Ranapa and Chadeya dances. During the festival, gurus of these folk dance forms were honoured for keeping alive the cultural tradition of the State. Sakhinata guru Nilakantha Tarai, Bharat Lila master Santosh Padhi, Kedar Panigrahi of Gahani form, Dhumpa guru Pradeep Rath, Ranapa guru Rajendra Prasad Patra were honoured by the organisers. These gurus also performed along with their troupes.

Marital dance

The Odissi classical vocalists, who were honoured during the ceremony included Santosh Behera, and vocalist twins, Ram-Laxman. These vocalists sang the famous Odissi compositions of Kavisurya. Throughout the show the organisers tried to provide historical data regarding the folk dances that were performed on stage and how they were part of our cultural heritage. The martial dance ‘Ranapa’ had played a major role in the ‘paika mutiny’ of Orissa against the Britishers

Source: The Hindu

AIDS cases on rise in Orissa

Ganjam worst-affected district

Anti-Retroviral Testing Centre in Berhampur tested 3,491 persons HIV+ since 2002

 

A reputed medical journal has revealed that the killer AIDS is on the rise in Odisha, recording as many as 459 AIDS-related deaths over the past three years, while there has been a marginal decline of the incidence of AIDS in the country. It remains one of the most significant problems haunting India over the past decade. India, at this level, continues to be the third largest contributor to the global HIV burden after South Africa and Nigeria, the journal stated in an article.

The report published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research revealed that an increasing epidemic trend has been noticed in seven of the low-prevalence States such as Pudduchery, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, Rajasthan and West Bengal. The assessment showed that HIV prevalence among the adults was 0.36 per cent while the rate in high prevalence States stood at an alarming 0.8 per cent. In the low and moderate epidemic states like Orissa, the rate of infection stood at 0.2 per cent. As per the data, Odisha’s adult HIV prevalence rate has seen a rise from the 0.06 per cent level in 2002 to 0.22 per cent in 2006. This also explains why the number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) has increased over the same time--from 9,717 to 48,248 — a 400 per cent growth. The report further points out that Tamil Nadu is one among the high-prevalence States to have recorded a decline in the rate, while it remained stable in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

The problem is particularly large in Orissa, which has recorded as many as 459 AIDS-related deaths over the past three years. Out of 24,676 blood samples screened during the period between January, 2002 and September, 2005, 2,506 HIV positive cases were detected in the State. Furthermore, 641 persons were found to be full-blown AIDS cases and 459 deaths were reported during the same period. Of all the districts, Ganjam has been found to be the worst-affected district and is closely followed by Kendrapara, Puri, Cuttack and Koraput. Until December 2007, Ganjam district accounted for 35 per cent of the total AIDS deaths and 37.8 per cent of a total of 8,200 HIV-positive cases in Orissa, according to Orissa State AIDS Control Society (OSACS). As per official records, 10, 862 persons were by HIV infected in Orissa till September 2008. Among them, 1,020 were AIDS patients. Ganjam district happened to be the major hub of this killer virus. There over 4,296 HIV-positive cases in the district while 363 of them were AIDS patients. Till now, Ganjam has recorded 293 deaths due to AIDS, which is the highest in the State. At the Anti-Retroviral Testing (ART) Centre in the city of Berhampur, out of a total of 37,386 persons tested from 2002 till February 2008, 3,491 were HIV-positive. ART treatment has been started on 1,015 cases.

Source:The Pioneer

Source: Anupam Bharat (Odiya Daily)

Greater Berhampur Region: HINJILICUT

By Ajay Sahu

HINJILICUT is the 2nd most populous town in Ganjam District and Greater Berhampur Region as per the census “2001”. Further, it happens to be the constituency of the present Chief Minister of Orissa Shri Naveen Patnaik. But, the development of the town leaves a lot to be desired. Following are some specific issues which need to be addressed for the development of HINJILICUT town.

Name of this Town:

People call this town as Hinjili / Hinjilicut / Katu / Hinjilikatu. Even Government offices named this town in different ways …such as Hinjili Thana, Hinjili Assembly Constituency, Hinjili Sub-Register and Hinjilicut Block Office etc. Going by public sentiments the name of this Town must be changed as Biju Nagar as we will be Proud to see our town as like Bhanjanagar or Kabisurya Nagar.

Education: (Also the few points are available in http://www.orissa2020.org/hinjlicut-area)

A. Science College, Hinjilicut (Established 1963) is the 2nd best College in Ganjam district after Khallikote College, Berhampur. Science College, Hinjilicut enjoy (B+) NAAC accreditation rating and it is only second college in Ganjam district to enjoy such a distinction. There is also demand for opening PG Courses along with MBA and MCA and for converting its Status to an Autonomous College as a best regard to this Institution.

B. Women’s College: Women’s college existed in Hinjilicut for more than two decades but unfortunately this has been closed down few years back. So, there is strong demand to open a Govt. Women’s college in memory to Late Gyan Patnaik in the town.

C. Kendriya Vidyalaya: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved setting up of 6,000 Model Schools at the Block level in the country. Initially, in the First Phase of the implementation of this Centrally Sponsored Scheme, 2,500 Model Schools will be set up in the Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs). These schools will be set up through State Governments. A model school will have infrastructure and facilities, at least of the standard as in a Kendriya Vidyalaya and with stipulations on pupil-teacher ratio, ICT usage, holistic educational environment, appropriate curriculum and emphasis on output and outcome. Since Hinjilicut is listed in this, initiatives must be made to start this on a priority basis.  Further, the recently announced Central School in Aska should be established at Hinjilicut for the benefit of maximum people as Hinjilicut is situated between Aska and Berhampur –Just 15 km away on either side.

D. Pharmacy College: The 1st Pharmacy college of Odisha started at Science College, Hinjilicut in the year 1979 and subsequently shifted to Mohuda (Near Berhampur) by Late Brundaban Nayak (ex-MLA of Hinjilicut). So, efforts must be made to open a similar kind of Diploma in Pharmacy or Nursing College at Hinjilicut.

E. Laxmi Nusingha Kala Mandir: Recently this Kalamandir was inaugurated at Hinjilicut by the State Chief Minister but there is no scope for its development / growth. So, there is a need to open a Branch of Government College of Art and Crafts, Khallikote, Ganjam which will be right fit to this region.

F. Agriculture College: Hinjilicut is considered the vegetable feeder for the entire Ganjam district and Betel leaf (Paan) of the place is famous in the entire state and even outside. People of this locality are having their source of income mainly on the crops. So, an Agriculture College at Hinjilicut which serve the purpose of the surrounding area such as Berhampur, Aska, Sheragada, Purushotamapur, Patapur, Kukudakhandi etc, and the best site for this is near to Ghodahada River at Hinjilicut, as a vast patch of land is available.

G. Diploma / Degree Stream School / College: Presently Hinjilicut town is having Five High Schools but unfortunately not to see a Diploma / Degree stream technical institute. As Odisha is heading for rapid industrialization, mobilizing technical staff will be a difficult task for the government to eradicate unemployment. So, a Diploma Stream School (Engg.) at Brundvan Vidyapitha High School must be started as a start up to mark the respect for the 100 yrs old High School.
H. Indian Institute of Handloom Technology (IIHT) or National Institute of Design (NID): The silk city Berhampur deserves institute like IIHT -Indian Institute of Handloom Technology or National Institute of Design (NID) as very recently Berhampur Pattu Saree has got Government of India’s Geographical Indications (GI) registry. Since most of the weaver’s society and Surat /Mumbai migrants are in Hinjilicut region, which justifies opening of an institute in NH-217 corridor (Hinjilicut–Berhampur). This will help in the merger of Hinjilicut town with the Greater Berhampur Region.

Health Service:

A. As per a recent Survey, Hinjilicut is the epicenter of HIV in the State and hence facilities for additional ward /doctor for preliminary checkup (HIV) must be made at Govt Hospital, Hinjilicut.

B. A Blood Bank & 24 HOURS medicine Store must be started in the government hospital premises to cater the need of the Public.

C. There is need for an additional Hospital or Dispensary to cater to the Child and Mother’s Health like Children’s Hospital in Bhanjanagar.

D. Additional Ambulance facility is needed at Hinjilicut as most people are dependant on the MKCG Medical College at Berhampur for any Critical /Emergency services.

Road Connectivity

A. NH-217 (Gopalpur-Raipur) is passing through this town with an approximate 4 km stretch. Heavy traffic is always seen in this route due to the prime connectivity between major cities / towns of this district. There is an urgent need for bye-pass road at Hinjilicut and Berhampur to resolve this traffic congestion.

B. There is a need to initiate the work of Taratarini Road (Hinjilicut- Purushotampur-Khallikote) into a National High Way. This is very much required as a part of famous Pilgrimage center with heavy traffic at Taratarini junction and this route would act as a by-pass route to NH-217 while meeting NH-5 at Khallikote. This will reduce the distance to state Capital by at least 30 km.

Industry

A. Spinning Mill: People of this town are mostly dependant on Weaving / Handloom business and making clothes as required to local market. Earlier on two occasions, spinning mill proposal has been shifted from Hinjilicut (after planned) to other places due to political intervention during 1980. It will be proper for this district to have a Handloom Institute (Ministry of Textiles) at Hinjilicut town located in the Greater BERHAMPUR Region.

B. Jems and Jewellery SEZ: About 2 yrs back Gitanjali Group, one of the leading names in gems and jewellery, has proposed to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the State. The group’s infrastructure arm, Gitanjali Infratech Limited (GIL), had approached the Chief Minister to set up its eighth SEZ for gems and jewellery in the past.

As there are more than 3 lakh workers from this region engaged in the diamond cutting and polishing industry in Surat, this will help them find jobs in their hometown. So, the company must be pursued to start a SEZ in the Berhampur –Hinjilicut stretch of NH-217.

Urban Development: Declaration of Hinjilicut as a Municipality and its inclusion under Greater Berhampur region

Recently Berhampur city has been declared as a Municipal Corporation. There is a need for declaring Hinjilicut town as a Municipality, based on its population. Further, steps must be taken to bring it under Greater Berhampur region. (BCGH- Berhampur, Chatrapur, Gopalpur & Hinjilicut). There is a strong justification for the above as Chatrapur and Hinjilicut both are at same distance (15 km) from Berhampur.

Hinjilicut Population (Including U.A)

The Hinjilicut Municipality (proposed) would be consists of the area such as Hinjilicut NAC, Burupada, Sikiri, Kharida, Khandra, Chanduli Sompur, Saru & Pochilima. Presently this area comprises having population more than 50,000 and there is a long standing demand to include Hinjilicut under Greater Berhampur region as it is just 15 km away.