Tata Steel Gopalpur Industrial Park project gets CRZ nod

The construction work for the much awaited Industrial Park of Tata Steel near Gopalpur in south Odisha is expected to start from the next month as the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has accorded Costal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance to its anchor projects. The ministry has accorded clearance for sea water intake and brine discharge from 1.2 million gallon daily (MGD) desalination plant proposed at the site for the Tata Steel's 4,00,000 tonne per annum (TPA) Rebar Mill and 55,000 TPA High Carbon Ferro-Chrome Plant coming up there. The ministry had granted environment clearance to these projects last year. "Now with the CRZ nod, the project has received almost all the statuary clearances and we will start the construction work next month," said a senior officer of the company. "The preliminary work is already underway and equipments have started arriving," he added.

The steel major, as an anchor investor in the proposed Industrial Park, will invest around Rs 1,000 crore on these projects, which initially will create employment for 1,000 people. Tata Steel has already procured several equipments for its High Carbon Ferro-Chrome Plant. The equipments included heat exchanger, bag filter, and defuser. The orders have been placed for some more equipment for the Ferro-chrome plant, which will be arriving at the site very soon, sources said. Though Tata Steel had acquired around 2800 acres of land in mid 1990s for setting up of a mega steel plant, the company later shelved the project and decided to set up an Industrial Park there. Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik had laid foundation stone for the Industrial Park on August 20, 2010.

Since the entire patch of acquired land has not been transferred in the name of Tata Steel so far, the company will start the anchor projects in around 400 acres. The company has taken advance possession of this patch, sources said. The company would step up efforts to invite other investors to set up projects in the Industrial Park after getting the lands transferred in the name of the company and approval of permanent SEZ (Special Economic Zone) status for the complex, which has already received in-principle approval from the government of India.

The setting up of the anchor projects is expected to boost the investors' confidence and thereby helping in attracting investments to the tune of Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 crore to the Industrial Park. "This will greatly facilitate sustainable economic development in and around Ganjam district," said the Tata Steel official.

Source: Business Standard

Preparatory meeting held for Thakurani Yatra in Berhampur

Source: The Sambad

Gopalpur set to be an all-weather port

BERHAMPUR: Gopalpur port off Ganjam coast in Odisha is now all set to start operation as an all-weather port. Gopalpur Port Limited (GPL) has already notified the opening of the port for commercial traffic after experts from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Chennai, nodal agency appointed by Odisha government to certify its operational readiness, gave a go ahead. "Actual port operation will start within the next fortnight," GPL director M M Moharana said adding the port can now handle around three million tonne cargo annually. Port operation at Gopalpur were suspended during the last two years as the erstwhile seasonal minor port was being converted into a major all-weather port. Around Rs 600 crore has been invested in the project so far, he added. Moharana said the construction of two more berths and jetties was expected to be completed in the next six months raising the capacity of the port to load 10 million tonne cargo.

Source: PTI

DANDA YATRA HELD WITH FERVOUR IN BRAHMAPUR

The famous Danda Yatra of Ganjam is considered to be the most ancient and traditional form of worship. Galleri and Baibelli villages of Ghumsar in Ganjam district around 80 km from Berhampur city are said to have been the original places of the Danda Yatra.

It is a ritual performance held usually in the month Chaitra for 13 to 21 days. 

The participants of Danda Nata are usually called Dandua and the chief of the show is known as Pata Dandua, who moves from village to village to perform the Yatra.

The ritual is dedicated to Lord Siva and Goddess Kali, which is represented by a Danda (stick) or a pole decorated with different coloured clothes.

The Danduas perform Pani Danda, Agni Danda and Dhuli Danda with Dhola Badya (the significant instrument of the Yatra) which are the main attractions of the performance. The closing ceremony is known as Meru Yatra, which is observed on the day of Maha Vishuba Sankranti of Chaitra. Source: The Pioneer

Berhampur University to introduce course in radiation biology with BARC support

The facility of Gamma radiation Chamber established on Berhampur University campus  would now be the catalyst for introduction of a new one year PG diploma course on radiation biology and applications from the next academic session. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Jayant Kumar Mohapatra has initiated process for start of this course which would be self financing in nature. Berhampur University authorities are also contemplating to extend the irradiation facility on the campus to researchers from other universities and institutions to encourage and promote research and education in radiation biology in Odisha as well as eastern region.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai and Berhampur University for collaborative research on ionising radiation, particularly on radiation biology has been renewed. It may be noted that the BARC had entered into an MoU with the Berhampur University in 2010 for this project. The BARC had donated a Gamma Irradiation Chamber, GC-5000 having cobalt sixty radiation source, worth Rs. 40 lakh free of cost to the university. The equipment has been installed in the specially constructed Gamma House at the botanical garden on Berhampur University campus. Recently, scientists from BARC inspected the facility at Berhampur University and renewed the MoU, till the end of 2014 with enhancement of the project cost to Rs. 75 lakh, informed B.B.Panda, professor of Botany Department of the university attached to the project.

Source: The Hindu

Remembering Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their martyrdom day

Abhayanjan Temple and one of the tallest Hanuman Statues at Ramlingam Tank Road in Berhampur

Abhayanjan Temple at Ramlingam Tank Road in Berhampur (Odisha)

Unitary University tag for Khallikote College to become reality soon

Unitary University status for Khallikote College in Berhampur is under active consideration of the State Government and will become a reality soon. This was informed by the Higher Education Minister Badri Narayan Patra in the assembly on Wednesday. The Minister informed the Assembly that the state government is taking steps to give Unitary University status to three premier autonomous colleges in the state. They are Khallikote College, Berhampur, Gangadhar Meher College, Sambalpur, Rama Devi Women's College, Bhubaneswar, informed the Minister.  Replying to a debate, the minister said three colleges are being considered for the status in the first phase and subsequently more would be added to the list. At present Ravenshaw university, is the lone unitary university in the state.

Patro said the department had asked principals of three colleges to submit detailed status of their respective institutes. He said 50 acres of land would be soon transferred to the Khallikote College to make it eligibility for the status. The status would help the institute avail more financial assistance from the UGC as well as provide broader scope for teaching and research, he said. Members cutting across party lines participated in the discussion urging the government to accord the status soon. 

Source: Times of India & Dharitri.com

State Govt shows utter callousness for PMEC, Berhampur

Source: The Sambad

Centre chips in to upgrade cancer treatment at MKCG

Source: MKCG.in

BERHAMPUR: The radiotherapy department of MKCG Medical College and Hospital here will soon procure modern equipment to upgrade its cancer treatment facilities. The Centre has sanctioned Rs 4.23 crore for the purpose. A central government team had recently visited the medical college to inspect the infrastructure facilities.

The medical college plans to procure instruments for brachytherapy, also known as internal radiotherapy, which helps to locate the exact position of a tumour in the body and facilitate treatment. "We are still not sure whether the Centre will sanction us the equipment or provide funds for the purpose," said MKCG principal Arun Kumar Dandapat. The instruments will come handy while treating cancer patients and for administering radiotherapy to internal parts, he said, adding that the facility is currently available at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

The hospital receives nearly 1,200 new cancer patients every year, with 70 to 90 of them being administered external radiotherapy daily. "Once the hospital procure the modern instruments, patients no longer have to rush to Cuttack or other private hospitals in and outside the state for internal radiotherapy," Dandapat said. The medical college has adequate infrastructure to install and handle the machines. It has a separate building for the department, which has been approved by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The technicians will be trained to handle the equipment after it reaches the college, the principal said. The medical college authorities are also planning to increase the number of beds in the department from 20 to 30 once the instruments are installed, he added.

Source: Times of India & www.MKCG.in

Berhampur Thakurani Yatra to be held in April

Source: The Sambad

Second marine police station in Ganjam district at Pati Sonepur

To strengthen security along the coast in Ganjam district, a second marine police station will soon be set up at Pati Sonepur, about 20 km form Berhampur city. The other police station in the district is currently functioning at Arjeepalli, near Chhatrapur. "The state government has approved plans for the new marine police station and it will initially operate from a private building," said inspector general (law and order) in-charge of coastal security Binayanand Jha. He along with DIG (southern range) Amitav Thakur and SP (Berhampur) Prateek Mohanty visited Pati Sonepur on Sunday.

The land for the proposed marine police station has already been identified. "The land acquisition process has begun and it is expected to be completed by next week," said Thakur. The jetty of the fishery department will be put to use till police set up their own. "Two boats, including an interceptor, will be stationed at the new police station for the costal patrolling," said Mohanty.

Decision to set up a marine police station at Pati Sonepur assumes significance with large number of tourists flocking to the coastal areas and a new port proposed near the site. Besides the sea areas, some nearby panchayats would also fall under the jurisdiction of the new police station, the SP added.

Source: Times of India

Gopalpur Port likely to start cargo handling from March 31

The proposed all-weather Gopalpur port is expected to start cargo handling from March 31. According to Gopalpur Ports Limited (GPL) sources, one berth of the port would be completely ready to accept ships by then. Work on other two berths of this port is also continuing. Work on next two berths with all mechanisation was expected to be completed by end of December this year. The formal inauguration of the port was expected to be held after all the three berths of the port were ready for cargo handling.

The GPL was expected to send a formal request to the State government on March 18 to start cargo handling. After it the GPL authorities would start making contacts with old users of the Gopalpur seasonal port, other shipping users and stevedores to take advantage of this new port that has come up between ports of Paradeep and Visakhapatnam. The shipping companies would surely be interested in this port there would be less waiting time at Gopalpur port as it would have less crowd of ships which means less waiting charge for the shipping companies. It may be noted that the Gopalpur all weather port managed by the GPL would replace the old seasonal anchorage port. Since 2011 the GPL authorities had stopped cargo handling at this seasonal anchorage port to facilitate construction work for the all weather port.

The GPL had entered into an MOU with the Odisha government to take over the Gopalpur port and develop it into a major all-weather port on Build-Operate-Own-Share-Transfer (BOOST) basis. According to authorities of the GPL infrastructure development and construction work of the port was progressing as per the schedule. The breakwater to the south of the port had to be of 2170 metres long. Its 1700 metres was complete. The work of intermediate breakwater has been completed. The GPL is also constructing 11 groynes as part of its corporate social responsibility. Almost 80 per cent of the work of these groynes has been complete. As per the estimates of the GPL authorities this year they may handle around 2.40 million tonnes of cargo. The cargo handling capacity of the port would increase to around 25 million tonnes per annum in 2018. By end of this year the GPL was expected to invest Rs. 1,800 crore on this project.

Source: The Hindu

Silk City gearing up for Thakurani Yatra

Source: The Sambad

Odisha government’s move to shift women weightlifters’ hostel in Berhampur opposed

The proposed shifting of sports hostel for girls of weightlifting from Berhampur to Bhubaneswar has been opposed by Ganjam District Sports Lovers’ Association (GDSLA).

Cradle of weightlifting

Berhampur is considered cradle of weightlifting especially women weightlifting in the State. It has produced several national-level women weightlifters.

Speaking during a press meet called up in the city on Monday, GDSLA president Kishor Patra said that the sports hostel or training centre for girls interested in weightlifting was opened on the campus of Berhampur stadium in July 2012. “Efforts of Berhampur MLA R.C.C. Patnaik and promise of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during felicitation ceremony of Commonwealth Games gold medal winner K. Ravi Kumar had led to establishment of the centre,” said Mr. Patra. Twelve girls were staying in this weightlifting sports hostel for girls. Former weightlifter and member of GDSLA Kaviraj Gouda said it was an irony that the centre was being shifted to Bhubaneswar while the government claimed that every effort was being made for promotion of weightlifting in the city. It may be noted that Berhampur has produced several international weightlifters, including two Arjun award winners -- Ravi Kumar and Bijay Kumar Satpathy. A sports hostel for boys of weightlifting continues on Berhampur stadium campus.

Academy promised

As per the sports lovers, the State government has announced to promote weightlifting in the region through proposal for establishment of a weightlifting academy at Gopalpur. A sum of Rs. 2 crore was sanctioned for the purpose, Mr. Gouda said. “If there was lack of infrastructure at Berhampur stadum, the authorities could have improved infrastructure rather than shifting the sports hostel for women weightlifters from the city,” Mr Patra said.

Public awareness

To create public awareness about this issue, the GDSLA has decided to hold a rally  in the city. It will also send a memorandum to the State government regarding the matter on that day. Source: The Hindu

Berhampur celebrates Maha Shivaratri

कर्पूरगौरं करुणावतारं संसारसारं भुजगेन्द्रहारम् ।

सदा बसन्तं हृदयारबिन्दे भबं भवानीसहितं नमामि ॥

Source: The Sambad

Museum proposed in honour of Biju Patnaik in his ancestral village in Ganjam

Berhampur: Residents of G Nuagaon in Odisha’s Ganjam district have urged the government to set up a museum as a mark of honour to legendary Biju Patnaik in his ancestral house in the village located near Bhanjanagar, about 80 km from Berhampur city. 

The proposal has been mooted on the occasion of the 97th birth anniversary of the former chief minister. Some of the articles, which were used by the legendary leader, are still intact. 

They include a cot, a chair, a wrist watch and some photographs including those of his father Laxmi Narayan Patnaik. “Biju Babu frequently visisted the house and spent several nights at the village. A room was reserved in the house for him. 

Some of his belongings, including his photos, are stored in the room,” said his 50-year-old nephew Pramod Patnaik. Residents are very proud that Biju Patnaik belonged to this village. They will be happy if the government sets up a museum to display of his memorabilia, said Nihar Pradhan, a village youth. 

“A proposal in this regard will be submitted to the government soon. We think the government will take it seriously”, said former sarpanch Subash Khandual. 

Biju’s nephew also supported the proposal. “If a museum on Biju Babu is set up, we will be extremely happy,” said Pramod. There is a library in the village named after Laxmi Narayan.

Source: OdishaReporter.in

Standing Committee on Home recommends Police Commissionerate system in Greater Berhampur

Source: The Sambad

Attend free SU JOK camp at Utkala Asram, Berhampur

Su-Jok: The Korean Healing Therapy is now in Odisha

More than a decade, Dr. Ratindra Prasad Sahu has been practising as well as implementing the therapy on scores of pain- ridden persons in Brahmapur of Southern Odisha. Finance management is his chosen career but health service has become his destiny. Dr. Sahu, a Su-Jok therapist, provides this alternative treatment to the people with any ailment. An informal meeting with him during his New Delhi visit helped us to explore more about the therapy, his association and vision.

He strives to see an Odisha free from diseases. There are poor people to whom modern medicines are a day-dream. A treatment that can be affordable and effective with a limited time period is the need of the hour. Elaborating about Su-Jok, he said that the word “SU-JOK” was two Korean words meaning hand and foot respectively. The name speaks all about the therapy. Anybody who wishes to learn the basics of Su-Jok would do so in a matter of minutes; such is the simplicity, beauty and power of this new therapy. Su-Jok is based on the principle of continuous flow of bio-energy in all the living beings. This energy flows in a very systematic, uniform and methodical manner. Su-Jok is aimed at harmonizing the imbalance energy in the body, tissues, cells and organs. Advanced Su- Jok uses needles to balance the energy by a method known as six-Ki and tri-Origin acupuncture treatment. This treatment harmonises energy on the Physical, Emotional and even on the Chakra plane.

In Su-Jok, all points are simplified, and located in the hands and feet. In fact, Su-Jok acupressure is so effective that often the need for needles does not arise as simply applying pressure to corresponding points on hand and foot, takes care of the health problems.

Know more Link: http://odishapride.com/sujok-korean-healing-therapy-in-odisha/

Source: http://odishapride.com/

Berhampur Places: Historic town of Bhanjanagar emerging as a major tourist destination of Odisha

Source: The Sambad

Bhanjanagar Park (Panoramia, By Baburam Nayak)

Bhanjanagar by night

Shiridi Sai Dham, Bhanjanagar (Ganjam, Odisha)

Berhampur News

Source: The Sambad

Source: The Sambad

Claims of Berhampur Municipal Corporation: Myth or Reality??

Source: The Sambad

Air traffic potential study of Gopalpur Airport in Berhampur to be take up soon

The Airport authority of India (AAI) has has proposed the Odisha Government to prepare a state-based civil aviation plan to develop regional airports in the State at Gopalpur, Jharsuguda, and Jeypore which will be developed for the purpose. “We have asked the State Government to hand over the required land for the Jharsuguda project which is in advanced stage. Once the Government hands over the land we will start the work to develop the airstrip since our plan is ready”, said the Chairman of Airport authority of India (AAI), V P Agarwal, who was in Odisha to inaugurate the modern passenger terminal at Bhubaneswar Airport. Once developed, the airport will handle large flights though initially it was considered to handle small flights. The AAI requires 190 acres of land to develop the airstrip at Jharsuguda with an investment of Rs 143 crore. The airport could handle 70-80 passenger aircrafts including ATR-72 like flights, he added. Mr.Agrawal also informed that there was also a proposal to develop the airstrips at Jeypore and Gopalpur, which are under the disposal of the State government. The traffic potential study of the Jeypore airstrip has already been carried out and study for Gopalpur is to be taken up soon. The AAI is all set to explore revival of dormant airstrips in the State in a bid to establish all inclusive connectivity within the region. “We are working with the State Government to prepare a State Perspective Civil Aviation Plan for reviving the non-operational airstrips and upgrading them into proper airports wherever there is potential. There are 19 airstrips owned by the Odisha Government. The Government has proposed revival of the airstrips at Jeypore and Gopalpur initially. We are going to start a potential study for both the regions”, AAI Planning member S Raheja said.

Source: Tathya.in, New Indian Express

Ambitious Ring Road project mooted for Berhampur city

In a bid to ease traffic problem in the town, Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) has proposed construction of a ring road, a bypass and an internal bypass in different locations. The decision was taken at the development authority meeting held here on Friday. The proposed 52-km ring road will cover Ragunathpur, Ratanapur, Digapahandi Road, Chikiti Road, Haladiapadar, National Highway 5, Korapalli, University Road, Golabandh Gate and Ragunathpur. Similarly 13-km bypass will be from Alakapur to Ratanpur and the internal bypass road will connect First Gate and Jagannathpur. The cost of the projects will be estimated after preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs), said chairman of the development authority Kailash Rana. "When these road projects will be completed, traffic congestion in the town will be solved," he said. The urban body has also approved construction of three bus stands at Haladiapadar, on the outskirts of the town, Chhatrapur and Gopalpur. It has also decided to construct over 120 houses under different categories at Bibeka Bihar, Rana informed.

Source: Times of India

Khallikote Art college makeover work moves at snail's pace

Though five years have elapsed since the state government declared the Government Art and Crafts College at Khallikote in Ganjam district as a 'Centre of Excellence', the three-storey building for the purpose is yet to see the light of day. The slow pace of work has irked the staff and students alike, who are demanding early completion of the building. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik had sanctioned Rs 2 crore for the building in 2007 and Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) was entrusted with the work on the 17-acre sprawling campus. The building was proposed to have two departments - crafts and sculpture, an art gallery, a museum to display the antiques and sculptures, a storeroom and office rooms. "There are no activities on the ground for the last three to four months for reasons unknown," said college principal P K Dash. IDCO general manager (Berhampur) Sushant Mohapatra admitted to the delay and said several notices have been issued to the contractor over slow progress in work. "We will be forced to replace the contractor and are consulting the head office to expedite the work. The building will be ready in the next two years," he said. Part of the 200-year-old palace of the erstwhile king of Khallikote, Ramchandra Mardharaj Deo, the college initially began as an art school. Later, it was elevated to its present status. It is the only residential art college in the state. Source: Times of India

Rayagada-Gopalpur railway line: A profitable project shown red signal

The Railway Ministry’s penchant for slighting Odisha is not new. Despite tall claims that the Railway Budget has been fair to the State, what fails to betray the step-motherly attitude of the Centre is its complete ignorance to projects that could actually boost the economic activity in the State and benefit the Railways.

A case in the point is the Rayagada-Gopalpur Broad Gauge line which has been completely ignored by the Railway Ministry in this year’s Budget. The 258-km project was estimated at a total cost of Rs 1,392 crore and the Planning Commission had given its “in principle” approval in June last year.

But the Railway Budget has not made any allocation for the project at all. The line that passes through Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada would have played a significant role in development of the Naxal-affected areas and suited the interest of the Odisha Government, but it too failed to make a projection in its demands.

Currently, 21 surveys for new projects are going on and in addition, four new surveys have been included in this Budget for the coming year. But why the lucrative project, with an estimated Rate of Return (RoR) of more than 15 per cent, has been completely glossed over has surprised all.

“In general, Railways consider projects profitable which have RoR of more than 14 per cent. A project with 15 per cent RoR is called a Coffee Table Line and the Rayagada-Gopalpur Broad Gauge was one such project. It is baffling why it was ignored,” said top sources in the East Coast Railway (ECoR).

According to the Reconnaissance Engineering-cum-Traffic (RET) Survey, the line mainly passes through Rayagada, Gajapati and Ganjam and also Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. It also touches the Gunupur station of Naupada-Gunupur line connecting existing Gunupur station to Rayagada-Vizianagaram line.

Since Gopalpur Port is seen as a major source of traffic, the survey had projected that a huge traffic of about 49.5 million tonne is likely to traverse over this proposed new line once it is commissioned.

It did not take into account the outward traffic of 7.4 million tonne of thermal coal from Gopalpur Port as the destinations are closer to Ib Coal Reserve.

The average cost for the route was projected at Rs 6.24 crore while average cost for the track per km was estimated at Rs  5.79 crore. With 52 major and 350 minor bridges, the project would require 800 hectare land. Its gestation period was projected at seven years with an RoR of 15.04 per cent.

Source: New Indian Express

Trauma care centre at MKCG a non-starter

Source: The Sambad

BDA moots 52 km ring road project, 3 bus terminals and city bus service for Greater Berhampur

City Bus Stand, Berhampur

The much awaited city bus service for Berhampur, Chatrapur and Gopalpur was expected to start from May. Apart from it the Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) has also come up with a plan for 52 km. long ring road around the city limits. Fourteen issues including these two were discussed and decided at the meeting of the Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) held on Friday. This meeting was attended by chairman of the BDA Kailash Rana, its vice–chairman, the Ganjam Collector Krishen Kumar, MLAs of Berhampur, Chatrapur, Gopalpur, town planner etc. Speaking to newsmen regarding the decisions taken at this meeting, Mr. Rana said the city bus service would connect parts of Berhampur as well as adjoining areas like Chatrapur, Gopalpur and Hinjli. Forty per cent of cost of this project would be borne by the BDA, another 40 per cent would be of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the rest investment would be equally divided among Notified Authorities (NAC) of Chatrapur, Gopalpur, Hinjli and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation.

This city bus project would be started with an initial grant of Rs. 5 crore. Twenty eight buses including three air conditioned coaches would be procured with this fund. The management board of this project would have Collector of Ganjam as its chairman. The Commissioner of the BMC would be the CEO of the city bus service system. Operation and maintenance of this city bus service would be made through a private body, Mr. Rana said. Regarding the proposed ring road around the city, Mr. Rana said a 13 km. stretch of this proposed ring road between Raghunathpur and Ratanpur had already been sent to the government for approval by the National Highway authorities. This 13 km. long bypass would ease traffic on NH59 that passes through the city. The BDA authorities have decided connect Ratanpur to Digaphandi road, Chikiti road, Haldiapadar, Karapalli and Berhampur University area.

Source: The Hindu

Source: The Sambad

Road in Berhampur to be named after Saheed Laxman Nayak

Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to name a road in the city after tribal freedom fighter from South Odisha Saheed Laxman Nayak. The road to be named after this tribal martyr who had been hanged till death in Berhampur circle jail during British era connects Kamapalli square with the Kolkata-Chennai National Highway passing by the city. The Berhampur circle jail is also located by the side of this road. The decision to name this road after Saheed Laxman Nayak was taken at the BMC meeting held to discuss its annual budget. Apart from it a children’s park near first gate area would be named after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

As per the budget of the BMC for the year 2013-14, Rs.119.59 crore would be spent on various developmental works of the urban body. Out of this amount the BMC would be able to generate Rs. 12.16 crore as its own revenue. The rest amount would be received by it as various grants from government. During this BMC meeting the issue of illegal land encroachment in municipal corporation area was also discussed. It has been found that over 333 acres of land in BMC area was under illegal possession of 578 encroachers. The BMC has decided to take legal and administrative action to get back this encroached prime land. The BMC has allocated funds for development of four major funeral grounds in the city. According to the BMC authorities around Rs. 54 lakh had been sanctioned for them.

Source: The Hindu

Students demand Unitary University status for Khallikote College

Source: The Sambad

Barracks Stadium renovation work begins in Berhampur

Source: The Sambad