Four new police stations announced for Berhampur city

The State Government has decided to open four new police stations for Berhampur city. This was informed by the state government in reply to an Unstarred Question of Berhampur lawmaker RCC Patniak. People of the City have welcomed the proposal for new police stations that includes one traffic police station as well which had become inevitable owing to bad traffic condition on city roads in recent times. While a new police station at Ambapua and a Traffic police station are going to start soon, police stations at Nimakhandi and Lanjipali are under active consideration of the state government. These new police stations which will come up in places under the limits of Berhampur Municipal Corporation have become necessary on account of faster rate of urbanization on the city outskirts. But, Police Commissionairate system for Greater Berhampur is yet to be accepted by the state government, demand for which is being made by the people after the city became a Municipal Corporation few years ago. 

SAI International School to open Berhampur campus

BERHAMPUR: The SAI International School, which was inaugurated in 2008 in Bhubaneswar, has plan of setting up three more schools at Berhampur, Rourkela and Balasore cities of Odisha. This was informed by Chairman of the school Bijay Kumar Sahu at a Press conference recently. “We are opening three more schools. As soon as we get lands, we will start setting up the new Schools,” Sahu said. He said his school imparts education for all-round development - mental, physical, moral- of children. Besides, the school caters to the need of extra classes for weak students and coaching for competitive examinations for diverse streams, he added. Sahu said his school adopts a method of one teacher for each 30 students. The school has won the award as the best green school for commendable resource management using alternative energy and promoting consciousness among students about energy saving.

Source: The Pioneer

Harihar Dash of Berhampur features in the new Airtel ad

Click here to watch the ad featuring Harihar in You Tube

Following is an excerpt from an Indian Express story on this ad

Dancing from Orissa town to Prague

Things are moving fast for Harihar Dash, and they are taking him places. The 24-year-old dancer from Berhampur, a commercial town in coastal Orissa, thought he had had his most famous moment when he made it as a finalist in Colors channel’s India’s Got Talent- Khoj 2. But more was in store: he is now the face of Airtel’s latest ad, which is shot in Prague and expected to go on air on Monday.

The journey from Berhampur to Prague has been nothing short of an adventure, he says. “It all happened in such a rush, right from arranging a passport or getting a visa or the dance preparation, it was so sudden. The only thing I could say when I got to know (about selection) was ‘Wow! it’s just so unbelievable’,” says Harihar, a B Tech in electronics and communication.

For a moment, it seemed that he won’t be able to make the trip in a fortnight’s time. He had to reach Delhi for his visa but missed the flight from Bhubaneswar. Tickets for a flight via Kolkata were arranged. He was caught in traffic on way to airport and barely made it.

“It was truly an adventure but worth the effort. Harihar is fantastic,” says Rohit Ohri, managing partner at JWT, marketing communications brand working with Airtel for the ad. Agrees Airtel Head (Brand and Media) Mohit Beotra, “He didn’t have much time to prepare but did a commendable job.” The 60-second ad was shot in three days a couple of weeks ago.

There was a bit of luck involved in his selection too as, Beotra says, they were looking somewhere else when Harihar’s name cropped up. “We were looking for somebody who is a street entertainer, a juggler, fire-eater or a dancer. We were watching some tapes of a few people from London School of Dance and then Sanjay Kapoor, CEO of Bharti Airtel, suggested Harihar’s name and we saw his tapes. He was striking.”

They tracked him down but he didn’t have a passport, and they had to get a visa for him in a short time. But finally things fell in place. “My dancing style is popping and locking but the one I was required to do was a mix of popping and ballet for which I had to slow down in between and then pick pace. I was trained by some of the best,” says Harihar. “I had no plans of acting but after this ad, I would like to try my hand at it.” Also in his wishlist: travelling to Prague again — on vacation.

Source: OrissaLinks, Indian Express

Khallikote College to be elevated to Unitary University

BERHAMPUR: In a significant decision the State Government has decided to elevate Khallikote Autonomous College in Berhampur to unitary university status, said Higher Education Minister of Odisha Debi Prasad Mishra. A government appointed task force on higher education reforms had suggested upgrading the Khallikote autonomous colleges to university status, the Minister said while addressing a function of the Students’ Union of Khallikote College. Mishra however stressed the need to develop necessary infrastructure facilities before the second oldest college of the State was declared a unitary university. While at least 50 acre was required, Khallikote Autonomous College had only 16.74 acres of land in its possession. “There is a proposal to get another 2.50 acres from transport departments garage adjoining the college”, he said. The Minister asked the local MLAs to locate another 50 acres in the town for the college’s expansion. He also assured the students to fill up the vacant posts soon. Around 50 percent of the posts of teaching staff are vacant in the 132-year old college, where over 3,600 students are pursuing studies in 19 different departments, 15 of them having post-graduate departments. The proposal for a foot bridge from KKC to Junior college has just been approved and funds have been released for renovation of Jhansirani ladies hostel, Swami Vivekananda boys hostel of the college. Among others, Berhampur MP Sidhant Mohapatra, MLAs RC Choupatnaik, P Panigrahy, BMC Mayor SS Dash and BDA chairman Kailash Rana were present on the occasion.

Source: New IndianExpress

Agri engineering college at Hinjilicut sought

BERHAMPUR: People of Ganjam Districts have been demanding the establishment of an Agri Engineering College at Hinjilicut  near Berhampur city which is known as the agricultural bowl of Odisha. NRO Ajaya Sahu of Hinjilicut and presently a software expert working at Saudi Arab-based Resource Science Arabia Ltd (RSAL) has urged the Chief Minister to set up a college of agricultural engineering in Hinjilicut. Petitioning CM Naveen Patnaik, who represents Hinjlicut constituency, Sahu has stated that the area being an agricultural hub and vegetable feeder for the entire Ganjam district, there is a dire need for such an institution. Betel leaf of this place is famous not only in the entire State, but has a brand name of its own in other parts of the country. People of this locality depend largely on this sector for their livelihood and have their source of income mainly from these crops. In the absence of any major industry and employment opportunities and due to lack of the State’s support for agriculture and agro-based industries, people of this region are migrating in large numbers to the cotton and diamond-cutting industries in Gujarat. Hinjilicut can become a hub of agriculture and food processing industries if the State Government provides the requisite support and infrastructure, Sahu reflects the feelings of the locals in his petition. Agricultural engineering as a discipline has been gaining popularity across the country and people of the State in general and the region in particular, would immensely benefit if the State pays attention to the demand for such a college at Hinjilicut, Sahu bats. This Institute would not only be unique of its kind in the State, mushroomed with engineering colleges with conventional disciplines, but would be a step in the right direction to promote the food processing sector that remains largely untapped so far in the State, the NRO argues. The demanded college of agricultural engineering at Hinjilicut will go a long way in reviving the moribund agriculture sector in the State apart from attracting students and prospective entrepreneurs to this hitherto neglected discipline which has great potentials for job creation, he adds further. Establishment of the institution in one of the most agriculturally advanced places of Odisha like Hinjilicut would greatly benefit the people, agriculturists, students and entrepreneurs following which the State Government should consider the demand favourably, hopes Ajaya.

Source: The Pioneer

Khallikote College road to have a Foot Over Bridge

BERHAMPUR: Bowing before public pressure the state government has finally sanctioned a foot over bridge for Khallikote College. The bridge will connect the main campus of Khallikote College with the Khallikote Junior College and Stadium situated on either side of the NH 217. There has been persistent demand for this foot over bridge for last many years owing to growing traffic on the road which has been declared a National Highway. Students and faculty of the College had to cross the busy road several times a day which led to recurring accidents. Students of this historic Institution resorted to prolonged agitation demanding the upgradation of the College into a Unitary University last year. Demand for adequate number of faculty, additional land and foot over bridge were also part of their demand. The State Government earlier agreed to transfer the land adjoining the College which was earlier handed over to the Reliance group for a shopping mall. With the foot over bridge, the Khallikote college campus which is crisscrossed by busy roads passing through it would become safer for the students. Presently the main campus, hostels, stadium and Junior College of this Institution are segregated by these roads and the over bridge will help integrate the campus leading to its elevation as a Unitary University feel students and people of the City. 

CM lays foundation for some long-awaited projects in BAMP

BERHAMAPUR: During his whirlwind tour to Berhampur city and Ganjam district Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took part in several inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremonies. Chief Minister laid foundation stone for 12 projects including repair, renovation and reconstruction of minor irrigation projects in the District. After arriving at Seragada, he laid the foundation stone for a fire station there. In Berhampur, he inaugurated the building of the research and referral centre of the forensic medicine and toxicology (FMT) department, inaugurated a special newborn care unit (SNCU) and a hostel for undergraduate students in the campus at MKCG Medical College and Hospital. While the SNCU is expected to tackle the high infant mortality rate in the state, the FMT will help police and the judiciary by conducting forensic tests.

In Berhampur the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the proposed Gokarneswar-Lochapada bypass road which is aimed at decongesting the traffic in Gate-Bazar square. Then he attended the Sahid Lakshmana Nayak memorial Samaroh in the City. Sahid Laxman Nayak had been hanged in Berhampur circle jail on March 29, 1943. The Chief Minister promised assistance from the state government for the establishment of a Statue of martyr Laxman Nayak in the city. The Chief Minister made this declaration during his address at the function in memory of the great martyr related to anti-British tribal movement in south Orissa held at Laxman Nayak community hall by the People's Trust. The Chief Minister also met the agitating lawyers demanding a permanent bench of Orissa High Court at Berhampur and assured them to consider their demand after the submission of the report on this by Justice Pal.

Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for widening of Berhampur-Gopalpur road, which is an important link between the Silk City and the popular sea beach of Gopalpur-on-Sea. He also laid the foundation for the long awaited road connecting NH-217 and NH-5.

Sources: The Hindu, The Pioneer, The Telegraph, New IndianExpress, The Samaja

Construction boom in Greater Berhampur

BERHAMPUR: The greater Berhampur region is witnessing a construction boom these days like never before, mainly in the housing segment due to changing perceptions and purchasing power among the people and also due to huge influx of people from adjoining southern districts of Orissa and KBK region to the city. Interestingly people of the region staying outside the state are not only buying luxurious houses in the city, they are also investing in the real estate sector in a big way which is considered a safe investment option with high return. On account of these the demand for housing in the city has skyrocketed. The real estate investors are no longer confined to Berhampur city but from places like Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam and Surat etc. Recently the Surat based Astha International Group has launched a township project in Berhampur with a proposed investment of Rs 500 crore along with a 3-Star hotel and shopping mall. Another Surat based group Green Infra has also launched mega housing and resort projects in Berhampur and Gopalpur. Not to be left behind the Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) has also unveiled mega projects on the Berhampur-Gopalpur stretch at an investment of over Rs 50 crore. The City Corporation has also earmarked land for mega shopping malls like Forum Mart by Saraf Group and Reliance Mart.  The on-going projects like Gopalpur Port, Tata Industrial Park, Sonepur Energy and Oil City, Titanium SEZ, Software Technology Park of India (STPI) proposed Berhampur airport have all played a role in the construction boom. The declaration of Berhampur as the third Municipal Corporation of Odisha in 2008 by changing its boundary limits and arrival of several engineering and medical colleges to the city have also triggered real estate activities on the city outskirts. The skyrocketing real-estate prices in Berhampur has made the city an alternate real-estate investment destination of the State, besides the state capital.

• http://www.greeninfra.co.in/home.php
• http://www.jayshakti.com/index.html
• http://www.nandighoshestates.com/
• http://www.satyamsivamgroup.com/
• http://shivamdevelopers.net/
• http://www.uniquepariwar.net/
• http://www.vlb.svect.com/index.aspx

Gopalpur Beach Festival to be held from December 24th-28th

BERHAMPUR: The famous Gopalpur beach festival is scheduled to start from December 24^th 2010. The beach festival is being organised by Ganjam District Hoteliers Association (GDHA) with help from the Ganjam district administration and police. The five-day cultural extravaganza is aimed at attracting tourists to the serene Gopalpur beach resort. The State Tourism Department has also decided to include the five-day period in December as the time for Gopalpur beach festival in the tourism calendar of Orissa.  A high-level preparatory meeting for the beach festival was held recently in the city in the office of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), southern division. The meeting was attended by RDC Chandrasekhar Kumar, district Collector V.K. Pandian, DIG Berhampur Range RK Sharma and Berhampur Superintendent of Police Safin Ahmed. The MLAs of Berhampur, Gopalpur and Members of the GDHA also took part in this meeting. The beach festival this year would showcase the local folk art forms. Cultural troupes from all over the country would take part in the festival.

Source: Dharitri

TaraTarini Hill Shrine to get a facelift

BERHAMPUR: The Tara Tarini Development Board (TTDB) has decided to take up construction work with around Rs. 1.2 crore within next one year to further develop the temple complex at the hill top. This was decided at a meeting of the TTDB chaired by its president Chandrasekhar Kumar, RDC, southern division. The main temple of this hill shrine was reconstructed at a cost Rs. 2.5 crores in traditional ‘Rekha' style of Oriyan temple architecture by master sculptor Padmabhusan Raghunath Mohapatra. The TTDB has entrusted Mr. Mohapatra with the next phase of construction work on the temple complex at the hill top. The design of the construction work was finalised at a meeting by the technical committee of the TTDB. Under it, a boundary wall will be built around the temple in traditional form at a cost of around Rs. 50 lakhs. Four ‘parswa' temples will be built up at four corners of the temple complex at a cost Rs. 44 lakhs. Apart from it, a modern kitchen will also be added to the temple complex. The kitchen complex will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 25 lakhs. “We have decided to complete these projects within a year and Mr. Mohapatra has also agreed to it,” said Pramod Kumar panda, secretary of the TTDB.

Meanwhile, work on the new ghat road to the hill top is also under way. The new road will be less steep and wider than the existing old road. The road is being laid at a cost of Rs. 5 crores by the Rural Development Department. Another ring road is also being laid around the Tara Tarini hill at a cost of Rs. 50 lakhs. The RDC directed the department to complete the construction of the roads by April, 2011.

The Tourism Department has also come up with plans of developmental projects for the hill shrine with Rs. 71 lakhs. Survey for it has already been complete. The TTDB has also decided to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the area around the hill shrine. A survey will be taken up in five km radius around the hill shrine soon for the purpose.

Source: The Hindu

SOSA demands greenfield domestic airport at Berhampur

Naveen Patniak urged to take up the issue with Civil Aviation Ministry
BERHAMPUR: The South Orissa Students' Association (SOSA) has sent a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urging him to take up the matter regarding establishment of a domestic airport near Berhampur with the Civil Aviation Ministry. The association feels the recent growth in aviation sector seems to have bypassed Orissa although it is on the fast track of industrial development. In comparison to other states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, Orissa lacks proper air connectivity. At a time when other states have multiple functional airports, Orissa still depends on the airport in the State capital Bhubaneswar, which is it the only domestic airport. The SOSA activists feel establishment of a domestic airport in Berhampur can serve as a major catalyst for development of ten districts of south Orissa. Berhampur happens to be the greatest urban centre of South Orissa and a hub for business, transport, health and higher education. It is also a major upcoming industrial corridor due to the Gopalpur port, proposed SEZ and industrial park by Tata Steel, IREL etc in its proximity. It also has Army Air Defence College and several major educational institutes. SOSA feels aviation infrastructure can also increase tourism prospects of south Orissa.
It may be noted that an air strip exists at Rangeilunda near Berhampur University campus. Recently a flying training institute has been proposed at the air strip. Added to it a radar surveillance station of Airport Authority of India (AAI) is located near Berhampur. The SOSA members urged the Orissa government to take cue from Madhya Pradesh which is also a poor state like Orissa.
Madhya Pradesh has airports in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Khajuraho. Recently Madhya Pradesh government organised a global investor's summit at Khajuraho, which could be possible only due to the airport. Similarly Rajasthan's multiple airports also help in tapping the tourism prospects. Bihar also has an airport at Gaya apart from the one in Patna. There are also proposals that in Orissa some new airports can be established through private-public participation.
Source: The Hindu

TARANG Parivar Awards- 2010 enthralls Berhampur

BERHAMPUR: The cultural capital of Orissa, Berhampur city, was witness to yet another glittering cultural evening as Tarang Parivar Awards were presented in the city. The cultural evening that accompanied the Awards ceremony received overwhelming response from the city residents. The euphoria of Dusshera celebrations just extended with the Awards ceremony. Not to let down the 20,000 odd jam packed crowd that thronged the historic Barracks stadium in the city the Olywood cine artists and stars of the small screen enthralled the audience with their outstanding performance. As the evening progressed, the excitement, fun and entertainment burgeoned. The spell bound and enchanting audience who were in sync with the moments had a soaking experience. Acknowledging the dedication and talents, mementos along with cash award were bestowed upon the artists in different categories. With the state level drama festival scheduled to begin this week, Berhampur is wearing festive look.

Survey work begins for Mahanadi-Rushikulya River linking project

Source: The Samaja

Deepavali wishes

Panel recommends eco-CRZ clearance for Gopalpur Port

BERHAMPUR: The Expert Appraisal Committee of Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has recommended environmental and CRZ clearance for Gopalpur Port Limited. In its 90th meeting, the committee had invited noted wildlife expert BC Choudhury to examine issues of ecological impact on benthic flora and fauna caused by vessel traffic and issues of erosion. Before that, the GPL had carried out necessary studies through DHI, a reputed company to meet the requirements of MoEF which was submitted for the latter’s consideration. After reviewing the issues, the Committee, which met during August 18-20 recommended necessary environment and CRZ clearance to the project subject to certain conditions. The panel directed the port authority to make regular monitoring of shoreline changes and erosion while Rushikulya nesting beach nourishment is to be carried out on an annual basis under supervision of Orissa Forest Department. It has also been asked to partner with the Forest Department in management of the rookery and contribute to the research and management activities. Oil contingency management plan and mock drills have to be conducted by the port authorities while a marine turtle biologist has to be appointed to monitor Olive Ridley movement patterns. GPL is a special purpose vehicle for development of Gopalpur Port and is promoted by Orissa Stevedores Ltd - as the lead partner - and Sara International Ltd. Concession agreement with the Orissa Government was signed in 2006 after international bidding process conducted by RITES on behalf of the government. Financial closure for the port project has been over since April 28 and the company is now waiting for the formal communication from the Ministry for implementation.

Source: New Indian Express

Berhampur B-school ties up with IDBI bank for training

BERHAMPUR: Presidency College, a city based B-school, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai based IDBI Bank to train its students in management. The bank personnel will impart training to the Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) and Master in Business Administration (MBA) students of the college for six weeks. After completion of training, the bank will provide the certificate, which will help the students in their placement, said Srinibash Mohapatra, chairman of the college. The MoU document was handed over to the director of the college on Monday, while the college celebrated its thirteen annual day function. The training programme will start from February next year. Several B-schools in the country have entered into similar agreements with IDBI Bank. Presidency College is the second B-school in the state after KIIT to tie up with the bank", Mohapatra said. He said, Presidency College was the first business school to start the BBA course in Orissa in 1998. Over the years, it has added other streams like engineering and general studies in the undergraduate courses. Addressing the function, Vice Chancellor, Berhampur University, JK Mohapatra and registrar Bhabani Prasad Rath stressed on the value addition in the general subjects, which has demand in the job market. The VC gave away the prizes to the students who excelled in the university examinations last year. Among others, the Global Head (Human Resources) of Mumbai based Patni Computer System, Anil Mishra, Director (Commercial), INTELSAT, Washington, DC, USA Sachidanand Padhy addressed the meeting.

Source: Business Standard