‘Udyan Fresh’ outlets to be opened in Berhampur soon

‘Udyan Fresh’ vegetable outlets would be opened up in Berhampur city soon, said director of Odisha horticulture department, Sanjiv Kumar Chaddha. Mr. Chaddha was in the city to inaugurate the two-day exhibition of produces of vegetable and flower growers of Ganjam district at the premises of new flower market and training centre for floriculture. According to him, Berhampur would be the second urban centre in the State after Bhubaneswar to have ‘Udyan Fresh’ vegetable outlets. The other townships where ‘Udyan Fresh’ outlets are to come up were Sambalpur and Rourkela.

Through the ‘Udyan Fresh’ project the State horticulture directorate has decided to set up vegetable vending kiosks to ensure better income for local vegetable growers through eradication of middlemen. Apart from it this project would also ensure that consumers get fresh vegetables directly from farmers at a fair price. This project has been taken up in public private partnership mode. According to Mr. Chaddha process was on to register around 10,000 vegetable growers of Ganjam district for the ‘Udyan Fresh’ outlets in Berhampur.

A training programme for floriculture was also inaugurated. Around 120 farmers attended this training programme. 307 vegetable growers and 42 flower growers had participated in this two-day exhibition. According to Sridhar Verma, secretary of Ganjam District Flower Growers’ Association (GDFGA), they had displayed all the common as well as exotic flowers that were being grown in the district on commercial basis. The GDFGA members repeated their demand that activation of cooling chamber and auctioning facility would help in proper marketing of flowers and help in enhancement of floriculture in the area. Visitors were astonished by a huge yam that weighed 52 kilograms and a large pumpkin which weighed over 26 kg.

Source: The Hindu

Beach cleaning system for Gopalpur

The state government has decided to introduce integrated beach cleaning (IBC) system at Gopalpur-on-Sea and its nearby tourist spots such as PatiSonepur and Dhabaleswara. The tourism department has sanctioned funds for this purpose, a tourism officer said. The tender will be floated for this purpose very soon, said Ganjam district culture officer and in-charge tourist officer K C Nishank. A separate tender will also be floated for the cleanliness drive at Tampara, another tourist spot near Chhatrapur, sources said. At present, the Gopalpur beach is cleaned by Gopalpur NAC, which has limited resources. But Pati Sonepur, Dhabaleswar and Tampara tourist places are not cleaned at all though a large number of tourists visit the area. "Many tourists, particularly foreigners, will flock to the tourist resorts if the beaches are cleaned. Beach tourism will get a boost then," said MLA (Gopalpur) Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi. Under the new beach cleaning initiative, the contractor has to engage sweepers to clean the beach manually. "No machines will be used as these will destroy the fragile eco-system of the beach," he added. It was also decided that a committee of local people will be formed to ensure that complete cleanness is maintained. "The committee will supervise and advise the contractors, if they find any lacunae," said a tourist officer. The district administration has also planning to impose the ban on use of polythene bags on Gopalpur beach. "We will ask the NAC of Gopalpur to strictly implement the polythene ban on the beach," said a government officer.

Source: Times of India

Khallikote college takes possession of OSRTC land

Two years after the government handed over around two acres of land of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) to the Khallikote Autonomous College here for expansion, administration of the educational institution finally took possession of it this week. The college authorities could not take possession of the land after it was handed over to them as the plan for extension works of the institution was not ready. Recently, the plan for an additional college building on the two acres of OSRTC land was prepared by them which was approved by the State Government. Funds of Rs 3.5 crore was earmarked for the construction work and the authorities would begin work on a new boundary wall on the land soon. “Boundary wall construction will be completed first and then work on the college building will begin,” said principal of the college Gouranga Charan Tripathy. It may be noted that for the past many years the demand for the land transfer, adjacent to the college, was taken up by students and citizens of the city, cutting across party affiliations, for development of the college. Instead, the land was sold to Reliance for a mega shopping complex. The deal had to be shelved following frequent agitations by the college students.

Source: New IndianExpress

Kanak TV debate on South Odisha development and leadership

Kanak TV Bitarka Mahasamara Dakhina Odisha Ra Neta Agua Anchala Pachua (Part-1, Part-2, Part-3, Part-4, Part-5, Part-6, Part-7)

Tributes to Indian Icon Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his 116th birth anniversary today

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose visited Berhampur (Odisha) in 1935 during the freedom movement and addressed a massive gathering at the historic Barracks ground in the city

NIST-Berhampur among the top five Engineering colleges in Eastern India; ranked 31st nationally by DataQuest

Source: dqindia.com

Odisha's Ganjam district becoming a graveyard for elephants; Govt should consider the demand for Mahurikalua Zoological Park near Berhampur

Eastern Ghats at Mahuri-Kalua near Berhampur

Altogether 18 elephants were killed in Ganjam district alone over the past year raising questions about the wild life protection measures of the Government. The latest death of an elephant at Palur after the tragic accident that happened at Sabalaya under Khallikote forest range where six elephants were killed after being hit by the speeding Coromondal train has exposed the hallow wild life protection measures of the government.  Of the 18 elephants killed, nine were females, four males and five calves. The deaths were reported from the forest ranges of Muzagada, Khallikote, Buguda, Gallery and Tarsingi, official sources said. While seven were killed on railway tracks, six died of electrocution and the others to disease or old age, they said.  A female elephant and its two-month-old calf died of electrocution at Kanakhai forests in Khallikote forest range on October 7. Another female elephant and its male calf died after coming into contact with electric wires laid by poachers at Karadabani forests under Gallery range in Ghumusar (North) division on October 6. A tusker died of electrocution at Karchuli jungle in Buguda range on September 26.

Environmental protection and conservation of rare species of animals and birds have received attention across the country while attempts in this regard leave a lot to be desired in Odisha. Ganjam District and the southern region of the State are home to some unique species of animals and birds which are getting extinct over time. Be it the Black Bucks of Bhetanai, peacocks in Pakidi, Olive Ridley turtles found in Rushikulya River mouth, Dolphins of Chilika Lake, wild animals like bears, elephants and leopards of Ganjam, Koraput and Kandhamal etc., all face the danger of extinction, if better protection measures are not put in place.

Mahuri-Kalua, on the outskirts of Berhampur city is an attractive tourist destination in the Eastern-Ghat range with huge tracts of reserved forest and this is home to some wild animals as well. Located on the Berhampur – Koraput State Highway, it has some tribal habitations as well. The local communities in Ganjam are known for protection of rare animals and this has been appreciated by organizations like the United Nations in the past. Therefore the Zoological Park at Mahurikalua will be give an impetus for wild-life protection measures of the government and in saving the lives of the elephants from getting crushed under the train wheels and high-tension electric poles. It is time the State Government gave a serious thought to the demand for declaring Mahuri-Kalua as a zoological Park on the lines of Nandankanan and ensure the protection of the rich wildlife treasure of Ganjam and south Odisha. 

Source: Deccan Herald & weekenddestinations.info

Naveen inaugurates several infrastructure projects in Ganjam

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during his tour to Ganjam district on Friday inaugurated the long awaited new high level bridge across Badanadi River near Ghumusar Nuagaon village in Bhanjanagar. The Chief Minister visited areas of Bhanjanagar, Belaguntha and Polasara blocks of Ganjam district during his visit. The bridge near Ghumusar Nuagaon was a long standing village. It may be noted that Ghumusar Nuagaon also happens to be the ancestral village of family of Mr. Patnaik. He had laid the foundation stone for this new bridge in November 2008. This new bridge on the river was constructed at a cost around Rs. 10 crore. There existed a bridge over the Badanadi River on this road near Ghumusar Nuagaon village. But the bridge was of low height due to which it was getting submerged during heavy rains. According to locals road communication was getting snapped due to submergence of this bridge for at least 10 to 12 times every year. Continuous rain for over 24 hours in Bhanjanagar area was sufficient to submerge this bridge.  Mr. Patnaik also laid foundation stone of a 15-km. long canal of Nuagaon distributory of Rushikulya system. This NABARD funded project would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 24 crore. The CM had used a helicopter to reach the district and take part in a series of inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremonies. He inaugurated new building of a high school at Belaguntha and addressed a public meeting. In his speech he elaborated the pro-poor projects taken up by his government. He informed that more check dams would be built up throughout the State to enhance irrigation facility for farmers. He also inaugurated a children’s park at Bhanjanagar and addressed a public meeting. In this public meeting he highlighted the women empowerment programmes taken up by the State government adding that in all developmental schemes women were given preference. Before returning back he also visited Polasra block to attend several functions.

Source: The Hindu

Kanak TV debate on South Odisha development and leadership

Source: The Sambad

Interesting Articles/Blogs/Travelogues on Berhampur

• Berhampur: Sour,Sweet and smooth as Silk! By Sourav Panda (thebrokenscooter.com)
• From Berhampur to Brahmapur!  (svcberhampur.blogspot.in)
• Drifting Into a Side-Stream! By Hendrik Erasmus
• Gopalpur-on-Sea: An unforgettable memory; By Sugata Sen
• Kashmir of Orissa - Daringbari (avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.in)
• Weekend Drive to Ganjam; ByPriyadarshini Sur (www.boloji.com)
• Kolakata to Gopalpur-on-Sea : a Long Weekend; By DriveTrain BHPian (http://www.team-bhp.com)
• SilkCity, Berhampur- The Abode of Serenity and Bewildering Beauty (thesereneland.blogspot.in)
• AJourney: Tara Tarini, Orissa, India (Cont.) (prasanta-travel.blogspot.in)
• Weekend Destinations near Kolkata (weekenddestinations.info)

Berhampur Places: Taptapani (Bounty of Nature)

CNN IBN-India Positive: Sports reform Berhampur into 'Game City'

Tasty Tasty foods of Berhampur city (OTV)

Click here to watch the You Tube Video on Berhampuri food- Part III

Click here to watch the You Tube Video on Berhampuri food- Part IV

Source:OTv

Berhampur to be made child-friendly city

A pilot project named ‘making Berhampur a child-friendly city’ will be launched in 15 slums of the city. The project will be taken up by Youth for Social Development (YSD), a social research and development organisation, with the support of Bernard van Leer Foundation (BvLF). According to Bibhu Prasad Sahu of YSD, the project is basically aimed at improving physical environment of children living in urban poverty in slums of Berhampur through increased sensitisation, participation, empowerment and involvement of local municipal corporation and other service providers to promote enhancement of physical environment in which the children live. The YSD has also joined hands with the ‘Humara Bachpan Campaign’ to spread the message among the masses to promote improvement of physical environment of children from poor families of the city. Mr. Sahu of YSD and Anant Prasad of ‘Humara Bachpan Campaign’ said it was high time for the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) to prioritise improvement of physical environment of children living in slums of the city. As per them, child-friendly physical environment in urban slums involved access to affordable basic health facilities, adequate sanitation, availability of clean drinking water, proper implementation of urban development policies as well as opportunity for children to have education and recreation.

The YSD activists felt the children living in slums of Berhampur are devoid of proper environment for their proper physical and mental growth. According to a study of the YSD, the city has 135 slums in which a population of around 1,17,541 live. The study also hinted that the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) did not have any specific policies or programmes for children living in these slums. There is also no budgetary provision of the BMC for the purpose. The BMC has not formed any ward committees to take public opinion regarding implementation of developmental schemes. Lack of participation meant that the urban poor did not have a choice or hold in determining their own development needs and priorities.

Source: The Hindu

Makers of modern Odisha: Ramachandra Mardaraj Deo of Khallikote

Source: Dharitri

Berhampur charts silk route to recognition

BERHAMPUR: Four products of Ganjam district - the Berhampuri patta saree, joda or silk dhoti, kewda flower and kewda flower rooh or essence - have been registered under the Geographical Indications (GI) of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act. Union minister of state for commerce and industry S Jagathrakshakan intimated Rajya Sabha member from the state Renubala Pradhan about the GI tag for the products recently. Pradhan had urged the government to ensure GI status for the famous Berhampuri patta (silk saree) and had written a letter to the concerned minister regarding it. "I thanked the ministry for giving reorganization to the Berhampur silk saree. I also thanked the officials of the textile department and the state government for taking initiation to ensure such a prestigious recognition for the product," Pradhan said.

GI sign is used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities essentially attributed to the place of origin. It confers legal protection to the product and prevents its unauthorized use or manufacture by others. Weavers are upbeat about the GI registration of their product. "One will not imitate our designs any more," said weaver T Gopi. The Berhampuri silk saree is unique due to its typical Odissi style of weaving and kumbha, particularly phoda, temple type design. "The zari work border design is different from others," said a Berhampuri patta weaver. The weaving technique is said to have originated over 200 years ago. The finely woven sarees were known to be exported to southeast Asian and other countries through the Gopalpur port in the days of yore. The sarees also adorn the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra at the Jagannath temple in Puri.

The kewda flower and its rooh, produced after processing the flowers, is also unique to the region. The flower grows in at least four coastal blocks of the district - Chhatrapur, Rangeilunda, Ganjam and Chikiti. The kewda oil is extracted by processing the flowers in distilleries. Around 250 processing units, locally known as bhatis, were engaged in processing the flowers. The oil of the thorny flower is used in preparing gutka across the country, apart from its use in the perfume industry. After the ban on manufacture and sale of gutka in several states, including Odisha, most of the processing units have stopped operations. "The gutka ban has hit kewda farmers hard," said BJP yuva morcha president Bibhuti Jena. Around 50,000 people were dependent on the kewda essence industry for their livelihood. As many as 14 products of the state have earned the GI tag so far. Kotapada handloom fabrics, Odisha ikta, Konark stone carving, pattachitra, Pipili applique, Khandua saree and fabric, Gopalpur tussar, Dhalapathara Panda and fabric, Sambalapuri bandh saree and fabric, Bomkai saree and fabric and Habaspuri saree and fabric have got the recognition apart from the latest additions.

Source: Times of India

Gopalpur-On-Sea (Berhampur) offers Sunday fun

BERHAMPUR: Sundays at the enchanting Gopalpur-on-sea will be all the more exhilarating from now on with the Ganjam district administration deciding to start a new weekly programme at the sea beach every Sunday. Local artistes will perform traditional folk dance and music on the beach every weekend to woo tourists. The year-long extravaganza, christened "Sunday at Gopalpur", will start from January 13. "The programme is aimed at giving exposure to traditional artistes of the district, and to make Gopalpur one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the country," said district collector Krishan Kumar. The programme is an initiative of the District Council of Culture (DCC), Odisha tourism and Notified Area Council (NAC), Gopalpur. "Initially, DCC funds will be used for the programme. In future, we will look for sponsorship or funds from the government to continue the initiative," Gopalpur MLA Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi said. "It's a unique programme where we can promote both tourism and the rich cultural heritage of the state," Panigrahi added.

District cultural officer K C Nisanko corroborated Panigrahi's views and said the administration wanted to cash in on the heavy footfall of tourists at the beach town on Sundays. All popular folk dance and music forms of the district, including Jodi Shankha, animal mask dance, Ranapa, Dasakathia, Palla, Ghanta Murdunga, Bagha Nata, Dhumpa Badya, will find place on the programme schedule. Besides, famous folk plays like Prahallad Natak, Bharat Lilla, Rama Lilla, Krushan Lilla, Radha Prema Lilla will also be performed, the culture officer added.

Source: Times of India

Berhampur Mahotsav opened

The fifth Berhampur Mahotsav, a week-long trade cum cultural festival was inaugurated at Khallikote Autonomous College stadium in the city on Saturday. This festival was organised by 'Mahan Sangha' to promote history, tradition, cultural heritage of Ganjam district. So, every evening of this fest would have sessions of intellectual discussions along with cultural shows by local talent. Former Union Minister Chandra Sekhar Sahu, city MLA RCC Patnaik, and mayor of Berhampur Siba Shankar Dash were guests in the inauguration ceremony of Berhampur Mahotsav. A rally to mark 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda also moved round the city and concluded at the venue of this festival before the inauguration ceremony. Youths and cititizens of all walks of life took part in this rally.

The trade fair was highlight of the festival. Around 100 stalls have been opened for display and to sell consumer products of reputed brands, including automobiles as part of this trade fair. As per the organisers folk dance troupes from different parts of the state were also to perform during this festival to make its evenings colourful. The performances would include Gotipua, Sambalpuri, Bihu, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Odissi and Ghumura dances. Modern and classical dance troupes of Ganjam district would also show up their skills on the stage of the Mahotsav. Different cultural groups of the city would have their troupes performing in this festival. To add glamour to the show cine stars and reputed vocalists of Odisha were also to perform during the cultural shows in the evening.

Source: The Hindu

Greater Berhampur city bus service to be extended to Hinjili; SPV to be formed within a month

(Click here to read the full document)

The Principal Secretary of the H&UD Department, Government of Odisha took stock of the progress of the proposed City Bus service for Greater Berhampur in a meeting held this week. It was decided to include Hinjili NAC in the proposed City Bus network and to raise the fleet size accordingly. The meeting also decided about the timeline for the incorporation of the SPV to be named as Ganjam Urban Transport Services Limited (GUTSL). However, some Berhampur based organizations have suggested that the proposed SPV to execute the City Bus project be named as Greater Berhampur Transport Services Limited (GBTSL) with a bigger fleet size and with necessary infrastructure. 

Swami Vivekananda: The fiery monk who continues to inspire every Indian

Teach yourself, teach everyone his/her real nature,

 call upon the sleeping soul and see how it awakes. 

Power will come, glory will come, goodness will come, purity will come and everything that is excellent will come when this sleeping soul is roused to self-conscious activity........... (Swami Vivekananda- The patriot saint of modern India and an inspirer of her dormant national consciousness)

Naveen Patnaik writes to PM and Railway Minister seeking National Project status for Berhampur-Sambalpur (via Phulbani) and Gopalpur-Rayagada railway lines; demands speedy implementation of railway wagon factory in Ganjam

Berhampur Railway Station, Odisha

Demanding justice and proper share to Odisha in the 2013-2014 Railway budget, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written a letter to the Prime Minister mentioning the needs of the State in view of investment flow, economic growth and industrialisation. Pointing at the apathetic attitude of the Rail Ministry in spite of huge revenue collection from Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has said that 'the railway route length and all rail density in the state is much below the national average as also substantially lower than that in neighbouring States. In contrast, the gross earnings from various stations in the State of Odisha is estimated to be in excess of 14000 Crore during the year 2012-2013.' Chief Minister has requested the Prime Minister of India, in his letter, to ensure allocation of sizeable part of the revenues generated from Odisha within the State to strengthen and expand rail network.

Citing that the State needs to look for new virgin areas for development and industrialisation as many of the present industrial clusters have attained a stage of saturation in terms of availability of land, water and, also, due to environmental concerns, Naveen has demanded speedy execution of projects such as, Bhadrachalam Road – Talcher Rail Link via Malkangiri, Jeypore, Lanjigarh; Berhampur- Sambalpur new Rail Link via Phulbani; Rayagada – Gopalpur Rail Link via Bhismagiri. Requesting the PM to advise the Ministry of Railways to execute these projects on priority basis, Naveen has also urged that these projects should be treated as “National Projects”. The Chief Minister has demanded the Prime Minister in his letter to expedite the setting up of the Wagon Factory at Sitalapali in Ganjam which was declared in Budget for the year 2011-12 and also take steps to establish a railway apprentice training centre in the backward KBK region to support the skills development and increase employability of the people of this region.

Alleging that the union ministry has bypassed Odisha while implementing ambitious projects like the dedicated freight corridor aligned with mega industrial hubs, national road expressways and high speed train projects, Naveen has demanded that the eastern dedicated freight corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni should be extended to Vishakhapatnam so as to ensure seamless movement of freight between the ports and the vast northern and central hinterlands of the country. On poor or no rail network in the backward regions of Odisha, the Chief Minister said that lack of infrastructure has been one of the major reasons of impeding socio-economic growth of this region. Mentioning that expansion of rail network in these areas would help minimising the impact of left wing extremism, Naveen adds in his letter to the Prime Minister that ‘delivering rail services in the naxal affected regions is one of the best means to channelise development therein and provide counter active force.’

Source: Hotnhitnews.com & Orissa Diary

IFC supported Berhampur solid waste management project on fast track

Source: The Sambad

Berhampur to make helmets compulsory

Annapurna Market, Berhampur

BERHAMPUR: Use of helmets will be made compulsory for two-wheeler riders in Berhampur city from February 15. Berhampur superintendent of police Prateek Mahanty said vehicular traffic was increasing in the city and it was time that people should wear helmets. “Authorities are contemplating to make helmets compulsory for the two-wheeler riders from February 15. What is required is a mindset and we have given sufficient time, more than one month, to the two-wheeler riders to buy helmets,” said Mahanty. “We would organise awareness programmes involving students, social activists and general public on the use of helmets for the two-wheeler riders and are working out a mechanism to enforce the regulation. This would be in accordance with the Motor Vehicle’s Act,” he said.

Head of the department of the surgery unit of MKCG Medical College and Hospital Rasananda Mangual said: “I personally don’t think there is any situation where a helmet could make you less safe. But, I am quite sure head injuries will be worse without helmets.” “In the past eight months, we have received 1,200 cases of accidents at MKCG involving motorcycles and most of them are head injuries. Use of helmets will help reduce the injuries. I further request the Berhampur superintendent of police to impose an order for the two-wheeler riders to limit their speed to 20km in the city,” Mangual said. In another development, a group of students of City High School, Govt Girls’ High School and volunteers of the Prerana organised a road safety awareness campaign rally at Ramlingam Tank Road here on January 5. Hundreds of students took part in the rally with banners carrying message on road safety and importance of helmets.

Source: The Telegraph

Saraf Agencies to invest Rs 5,000 cr on titanium park SEZ at Chatrapur in Ganjam

Even as the row between Kolkata-based Saraf Agencies and Russian promoters over the jinxed titanium project is yet to settle, the Indian promoter has reaffirmed its commitment on the project. Saraf Agencies has unveiled Rs 5,000-cr investment plan that will also include a titanium park besides the titanium dioxide plant, a project proposed at Chhatrapur in south Odisha's Ganjam district that has hitherto remained a non-starter.

"Presently, we have got 260 acres of land at the project site. We have sought additional 250 acres of land for developing a titanium park. Our total investment on the titanium dioxide plant and titanium park will be Rs 5,000 crore,” SM Shroff, chairman, Saraf Agencies told the media after meeting chief secretary BK Patnaik. On the titanium dioxide plant, he said, “We are going to perform the ground breaking ceremony on January 17. Production of titanium slag is expected to commence by April 2014 while titanium dioxide production is set to start within 20 months of the ground breaking ceremony.” Shroff said his company would set up the titanium plant on its own without any joint venture partner.

Saraf Agencies will build the titanium plant with the help of Chinese technology. The company claimed to have placed advances of Rs 15 crore to Chinese equipment suppliers. When asked about the ongoing dispute with the Russian promoters, he said, “In compliance with the order given by the department of industrial policy and promotion, the land for the titanium project was transferred to the joint venture (JV) company. But the Russian promoters announced that they are not keen on implementing the project. The matter is now under arbitration.” Chief secretary BK Patnaik said, “Saraf Agencies is interested to set up the titanium project on the acquired land. We have to examine whether it is permissible or not.”

The titanium project proposed to be set up at Chhatrapur in south Odisha's Ganjam district has had a tortuous journey for over four years. Initially conceived as an Indo-Russian joint venture, the project grounded to a halt after its Indian promoter- Saraf Agencies walked out of the project following intractable differences with the Russian proponents. Of late, Saraf Agencies had revived its interest in the project as land was in its possession. The company had communicated its intent to the state government, stating that it was keen to implement the titanium plant on its own. Saraf Agencies has also submitted its proposal to the Ganjam district administration and Land Losers' Welfare Association, seeking their cooperation for implementing the project even as the company is embroiled in a legal battle with its erstwhile partner. The two partners had sparred over the controversial manner of allotment of land by Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco). Idco had allotted land for the titanium project to Saraf Agencies at Chhatrapur but the Russian promoters had opposed it, demanding land allocation in the name of Titanium Products Private Limited (TPPL), a special purpose vehicle formed for the project on January 29, 2008. As per the original scheme of things, the Russian partners- State Property Management Agency had 51% stake in the JV and Tekhnokhim Holding 4% stake.

Source: Business Standard

Fire power demo by Army Air Defence College at Golabandha near Berhampur

Army Air Defence College in Gopalpur conducted a firepower demonstration with weapons ranging from medium and short-range missile systems to guns. As many as 330 student officers, including 30 from abroad, witnessed the exercise. Lieutenant general B.V. Nair, who is the commandant of Defence Services Staff College, and chief instructors from the air force and navy attended the event. The missile systems that were fired included the OSA-AK weapon system, Strella 10-m missile and Igla-1M shoulder fired missile. The anti aircraft guns demonstrated included the Schilka weapon system, L/70 gun and ZU-23mm twin barrel gun, which play a major role in the air defence of the Indian Army. The state-of-the-art Inter Services Pilotless Target Aircraft, Lakshya, produced indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, provided the aerial target support. The officers were taken around the military station and shown various training facilities and the set-up at the host college. Commandant of the college, lieutenant general Vijay Kumar Saxena, said: “A similar demonstration will be conducted on January 12 for another 250 officers of Defence Services Staff College.”

Senior dignitaries and officers of DSSC witnessed this fire power demonstration. They were in the AADC on a study tour. Lieutenant General B. V. Nair, the commandant of DSSC was also present along with chief instructors from Air Force and Navy. A total of 330 student officers witnessed this fire power demonstration. They included 30 officers from friendly foreign countries. The visiting officers were also taken round the AADC and were shown the state of the art training and infrastructure in this military establishment. Commandant of AADC, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Saxena also addressed the visiting officers. A similar fire power demonstration will be held at AADC on Jan. 12 for 250 officers of Defence Staff College.

Spread over more than 2,700 acres by the Bay of Bengal, Army Air Defence College is a training institution. It dates back to the pre-Independence era, when the School of Artillery was located at Quetta and the anti-aircraft wing, at Karachi. But after Independence, both were shifted to Deolali in Nasik. In 1955, it was decided to relocate the air defence wing. Eight years on, the state government offered 3,000 acres at Gopalpur-on–sea along with seaward firing range, which was accepted in 1968. The Centre sanctioned the establishment of Air Defence and Guided Missile School and Centre here and it was finally shifted to Gopalpur in 1989, redesignated as Army Air Defence College in November 1998.

Sources: The Telegraph, The Hindu

Odisha mulls second hotel management institute at Khallikote in Ganjam

College of Art and Crafts, Khallikote, Ganjam

To bridge the demand supply gap in human resources for the hospitality sector, the state government proses to set up a second State Institute for Hotel Management (SIHM) at Khallikote in Ganjam district after Bolangir. For establishing the institute, the planning and coordination department has asked the tourism department to provide detailed project report including availability of land, courses to be imparted with durations, intake capacity for different courses, total financial implications for the project, staffing pattern etc by observing the guide lines of Government of India (GoI). “The Director of Tourism has asked the Principal, Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneswar to draw the DPR while the Director of Culture has been asked to earmark about five acre of land around the government college of art and craft, Khallikote,” said an official in the tourism department. He said, after the finalization of the DPR, the proposal will be forwarded to the Centre for approval.

At present, the government runs two institutes in the state with intake of capacity of 593 students while there are about 13 private colleges providing courses in the hotel management. Similarly, the state government is mulling to start three year Bachelor Degree Courses in Hotel and Hospitality management at SIHM, Bolangir and is likely to send a proposal soon to the Centre in this regard. Opening of more institutes in the sector assume significance as many premium category hotels like Taj Group of Hotel and ITC hotels have lined up investment plans in Odisha while Roots Corporation Limited (RCL) - a subsidiary of Indian Hotel Company Limited that runs Ginger hotels in the economy category are on expansion mode. Mayfair Hotels & Resorts and Trident are the only two hotels in Odisha operating in the five star deluxe brackets with total room strength of 164. Industry experts say, the annual average occupancy of these two five star hotels is expected to be around 70 per cent. In 2010-11, approximately 53,212 foreign tourists visited the state, while the number has increased to 62,816 in 2011-12.

Source: Business Standard

City BJP reiterates demand for railway passenger halt near Industrial Estate in Berhampur

Source: The Hindu & The Sambad

The demand for a passenger halt near the Industrial Estate in Berhampur city has remained unfulfilled despite repeated promises to that effect by the East Coast Railway authorities. In November 1998 at a meeting of the railway coordination committee recommendation was made for establishment of a passenger halt in industrial estate area. In 2010, East Coast Railway authorities had agreed in principle to establishment of this halt near industrial estate. A delegation of railway engineers had also made a spot visit in the past to prepare a feasibility report. But the passenger halt has not materialized yet. 

The apathetic approach of the railway authorities has led to public anger with political parties planning for another round of agitation. With the expansion of the city and rise of population in the area a passenger halt at Industrial Estate has become necessary. Infact, a passenger halt with the name Lanjipalli Passenger Halt was recorded in the railway timetable in 1946. But for some reason this passenger halt which was near present Industrial Estate was closed down later. A citizens' delegation had recently met the General Manager of East Coast Railway with the demand to reopen the passenger halt in industrial estate area of Berhampur. The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), southern division had also in the past recommended the establishment of this passenger halt. However, a small and genuine demand such as this has fallen victim to the red-tape of the callous East Coast Railway authorities who don't want to look beyond the four corners of the Zonal office. It is time they are made to understand the real problems faced by the public through agitations as this probably the only language they understand. 

Terminal remedy to traffic mess in Berhampur city

Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) has identified the required land at Haldiapadar on the city outskirts to build a new bus terminal for Berhampur. “A high-level meeting has approved the site and we are in the process of selecting a consultant for the project,” Kishen Kumar, Ganjam collector and vice-chairman of the Berhampur Development Authority, said. Bus terminal at Haldiapadar is expected to tackle traffic congestion in the city. Long-route buses will not be allowed to enter the city and passengers can avail themselves of city or town buses. The development authority is optimistic about this project, he said.

There are currently two bus stands in Berhampur. However, the Odisha State Road Transport Company has ceased to operate from the Old Bus Stand at Barracks, and now, taxis and auto rickshaws are using the space. Company and the private buses are operating from the New Bus Stand.  “We would use the New Bus Stand as the City Bus Terminus,” Kumar said. “We are in the process of introducing the city bus service between Berhampur and Chhatrapur and Gopalpur before August. The state government has decided to procure 28 buses. However, the management will be in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode like that in Bhubaneswar and Puri,” he said. The development authority is also undertaking two bus terminuses at Chhatrapur and Gopalpur, and a Mumbai-based company Crisil has been appointed as the transaction advisor. It has already done preliminary study, he said. Source: The Telegraph

Year 2013

Berhampur places: GandaHathi waterfall (Gajapati)

Source: Dharitri

Technology expo for handloom weavers begins in Berhampur

An ‘appropriate technology exhibition’ for weavers of Ganjam district was inaugurated at Ganjam Kala Parishad premises in Berhampur. This exhibition has been organised by the Development Commissioner for Handlooms of Central government and it would continue till December 8. Berhampur is hosting such an exhibition for the first time. The aim of this exhibition was to make the traditional weavers know about the recent technical developments that can enhance their skill and production. The stalls setup in this exhibition showcase machineries and technical know how that could be adapted by the local weavers. Surendra Kumar Patra, the assistant director of weaver service centre said in a phased manner weavers from all parts of Ganjam district would be brought to this exhibition.

Source: The Sambad

On the inaugural day, silk weavers of Berhampur city attended the exhibition. It may be noted that silk pattu sarees produced in Berhampur give it the name ‘silk city’. Around 1,200 weaver families live in different parts of Ganjam district. Out of them around 250 live in Berhampur. There were two handloom clusters in Ganjam district, one in Berhampur and other at Aska.

Among the displays for weavers there were innovative machines designed for handloom sector in recent past. Dipak Bharali from Assam had come over with his newly designed machine that reduces time and labour for making designs through weaving. Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Salem also displayed its new cost effective innovative machines for handloom weavers. Central Silk Board opened up a stall to educate weavers regarding silk yarn and its handling while preparing textile. Dye manufacturers from Kolkata and Mumbai also attended this exhibition to provide latest techniques in dyeing. A youth of Nuapatna area of Odisha, Antaryami Tosh who has designed and patented four spindle domestic bobbin winding machine was also a major attraction of this exhibition.

The inaugural function of the exhibition was attended by several experts and officials of handloom sector. They included Sunder Lal, zonal director of Weavers’ Service Centre, Guwahati, S.K.Ghosh, assistant director of Central Silk Board, Kolakata, senior scientist of Central Silk Board, Cuttack, B.K.Soni, Upendra Kumar Debata, assistant director of textiles etc. Source: The Hindu

Rs 5 crore sanctioned for city bus service in Greater Berhampur

Source: Government of Odisha

Badabazar wholesale market likely to be shifted to city outskirts

Few centuries old wholesale market at Badabazar area of Berhampur city has been proposed to be shifted to outskirts of Berhampur. It may be noted that this wholesale market which deals with grocery, vegetables as well as cloth material happens to be a major crux of this major trading city of south Odisha. But with time the area has become too congested. Passage of trucks to the area through narrow roads has become too tiresome for the traffic flow.

The amount of transaction and goods handling at this wholesale market has also increased many folds during past few decades. According to president of Ganjam Chamber of Commerce, C. Ravindranath, every day around 100 trucks carrying grocery items and other food materials cater to this market. Trucks carrying other materials also add up to this number.

Speaking to newsmen recently Ganjam district Collector, Krishen Kumar had informed that plans had been mooted to shift this major wholesale market to Haldiapadar area on the outskirts of the city. According to him this new wholesale market was to being planned to be made operational in next three to four years. The new wholesale market at Haldiapadar would be established on a patch of around 10 acres of land. There would also be a truck terminal on five acres of land near the wholesale market, the Collector said. This new wholesale market would reduce entry of loaded trucks inside the city limits. As per the plans this proposed wholesale market was to be managed by Digapahandi Regulated Market Committee (RMC).

When contacted the president of Ganjam Chamber of Commerce said till now administration had not made any detailed discussion with the traders regarding shifting of the Badabazar wholesale market to Haldiapadar area. Mr. Ravindranath demanded the administration to take traders into confidence before initiating the project. “We the traders want proper security, infrastructure and communication facility at the proposed wholesale market”, Mr. Ravindranath said. Without these facilities no trader would agree to shift to the new location, he added. The local traders wanted their involvement during the planning for the establishment of the proposed new wholesale market for the city.

Source: The Hindu