Latest news with #Koraput-based
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Time of India
Call to implement plastic ban in Gupteswar, a biodiversity site
Koraput: Gupteswar in Koraput district's Boipariguda block, a notified biodiversity heritage site, is getting littered with banned plastic items, locals and environmental activists said. From carry bags to styrofoam plates and cutlery, plastic waste is found, especially around the Gupteswar cave shrine, raising concerns ahead of the Kanwar Yatra. Residents alleged plastic waste often piles up along the banks of the Saberi river, with some of it entering the water, endangering aquatic life and leading to contamination. "It's disheartening to see plastic litter choking the biodiversity zone. The forest and river are sacred to us, but they're being degraded due to negligence. We need immediate action and awareness drives, especially during Shravan," said Malati Nayak, member of the Gupteswari Mahila Mahasangha, Ramgiri. In Dec 2016, National Green Tribunal (NGT) had directed state authorities to declare the area from Saberi embankment to Gupteswar Temple a 'plastic-free zone'. Fines of Rs 1,000 for first-time violators and Rs 2,000 for repeat offences were recommended. Odisha State Pollution Control Board was asked to submit a compliance report within three months. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo But the directives are yet to be implemented, sources said. "We urge the authorities concerned to implement the NGT's order in letter and spirit. If eco-friendly products like bamboo baskets and leaf plates are promoted, it can also create jobs for the tribal communities," said Dhanapati Khila of Boipariguda Gram Sabha Mahasangha. Environmentalists also raised concerns ahead of Kanwar Yatra. "With thousands of devotees likely to arrive from Odisha and Chhattisgarh, enforcement squads must be deployed, banned plastic items seized and alternatives like earthen pots made available," said a Koraput-based environmentalist Bidyut Mohanty. Authorities, however, claimed preventive measures are being taken. "People have been urged not to carry holy water in plastic bottles for offering to Lord Shiva. We've also placed adequate number of dustbins along the route," said Chittranjan Patnaik, endowment officer, Jeypore. "Efforts are also underway to create mass awareness against single-use plastic in and around the shrine area," he added.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Staff shortage in DICs hits promotion of MSME schemes
1 2 Koraput: Staff shortage in the District Industries Centre (DIC), Koraput, is affecting the implementation of govt schemes and outreach activities meant to boost entrepreneurship among unemployed youth. Official data revealed that 10 out of 14 sanctioned posts of assistant industries officers (AIOs) are vacant, severely limiting operations. Ideally, every block is supposed to have at least one AIO to raise awareness about various govt schemes aimed at promoting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). However, only four posts are filled currently, with one officer managing multiple blocks simultaneously. Most of their time is spent at the district office occupied with official work. The shortage has hampered field-level engagement and awareness drives. The impact of the administrative vacuum shows as only two persons applied for capital subsidies under MSME schemes this year — an alarmingly low number that experts attributed to poor information dissemination and lack of guidance from field officials. "This is in stark contrast to the govt's emphasis on promoting self-employment and MSMEs among youth in tribal and rural belts like Koraput. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo AIOs are key personnel in promoting and implementing the govt schemes. But with most of the posts lying vacant, the efforts are falling short," said Ajit Pata, a Koraput-based activist. Two posts of assistant managers are also lying vacant in the DIC, creating bottlenecks in the implementation and monitoring of schemes. "There is certainly a shortage of staff, and it has affected scheme implementation to some extent," said general manager of DIC (Koraput), Chinmayee Parida. "However, we are doing our best with the limited resources. We are hopeful that additional staff will be recruited by Oct," he added. "Unless the vacancies are urgently filled, many potential entrepreneurs may continue to miss out on vital govt support. The gap between policy intent and ground-level execution has to be resolved soon to strengthen the DIC's field presence," said Bhabani Mishra, another activist.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
Monsoon weaves its magic over Koraput
Koraput: When the monsoon sets in, Koraput doesn't just get drenched, it transforms. With clouds settling on its hilltops and waterfalls in full song, the district becomes a living, breathing canvas of green and grey, echoing with the rhythms of nature. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now At nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, this tribal heartland of southern Odisha turns mystical as the rains arrive. The roaring Duduma waterfall, the serene Gupteswar cave temple, the sweeping views from Deomali — the highest peak in Odisha and the mirror-still Kolab reservoir all come alive. "Monsoon is when Koraput truly comes alive. The rains enhance the natural beauty of the district — be it the misty hills, vibrant forests, or majestic waterfalls," said collector (Koraput) Keerthi Vasan V. The administration is working on sustainable tourism strategies to ensure that more people can experience this serene charm while also empowering local communities. The district's beauty, however, isn't confined to landmarks. Curvy ghat roads disappear into dense forests, vehicles ascend mist-wrapped hills, and trains journey through tunnels carved into rocky ridges, offering glimpses of dramatic valleys and rolling greenery. For tourists like Deepa Roy from Bengaluru, the experience is unforgettable. "I never imagined Koraput could look this magical in rain. The fog-draped mountains and the rhythmic sound of raindrops made my trip truly special," she said. Santosh Patra, another tourist was equally awed. "The entire region feels alive in monsoon — the waterfalls gush with force, the hills shimmer with freshness. It's a dream destination for nature lovers," he said. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Despite its monsoon allure, many believe the district remains under-marketed. Indeed, Koraput in the rains is more than a destination-it's an emotion. "A place where clouds descend to meet the earth and nature writes poetry with every drop of rain, yet it doesn't get the attention it deserves. Initiatives like guided rain walks or monsoon treks through forested paths, valleys and coffee plantations can attract eco-conscious travellers," said Koraput-based environmentalist Bidyut Mohanty.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
OFDC faces flak over afforestation, blames funding gaps
Koraput: Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC), Jeypore division, is facing criticism over its compensatory afforestation drive, with data revealing a glaring gap between trees felled for infrastructure projects and those replanted. Between 2015 and 2025, over 30,348 trees were felled for widening National Highways and PWD roads across the Jeypore and Malkangiri forest divisions. But OFDC planted only 33,585 saplings — well short of the mandated 60,696, which is double the number of trees cut. Major felling included 10,285 trees for PWD roads, 9,195 for the NH-326 stretch, and 10,701 under the Bharatmala project. Despite receiving over Rs 10.56 crore from govt departments for tree felling and transportation, replantation and post-plantation care mandated under compensatory afforestation norms appear grossly inadequate, sources alleged. OFDC divisional manager Soubhagya Anand acknowledged the shortfall, stating that many departments had failed to deposit the required funds for plantation. "We are continuously following up. Recently, the PWD Jeypore division deposited funds for 10,000 saplings, and plantation work will begin shortly," Anand said. He added that the divisional forest office (DFO) is responsible for inspecting compensatory plantations and that the issue has been formally communicated to the concerned DFO. Jeypore DFO Pratap Kumar Behara confirmed that departments are required to deposit funds both for felling and compensatory plantation. "Strict instructions are in place to ensure plantation funds are secured before any felling begins," Behara said. Environmentalists warn that the govt's inadequate response is undermining efforts to restore green cover lost to infrastructure development. "It is unfortunate that century-old trees are being felled for road expansion, but no adequate compensation is being made. This has a direct negative impact on the region's climate," said Bidyut Mohanty, a Koraput-based environmentalist.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong neta Pangi reiterates demand for separate ‘Dandakaranya' state
1 2 Koraput: Senior Congress member and former Koraput MP Jayaram Pangi has reiterated his demand for the creation of a separate state, 'Dandakaranya', comprising parts of southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh. The proposed state would include the Odisha districts of Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri, as well as Alluri Sitharama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts of Andhra, he suggested. Speaking to TOI, the 69-year-old tribal leader expressed frustration over what he termed as prolonged inaction by both state govts and the Centre in resolving the six-decade-old inter-state dispute over ownership of 21 villages under Kotia panchayat. "While the BJP is in power in Odisha and at the Centre, and is also a coalition partner in the TDP-led govt in Andhra Pradesh, the party has shown no commitment to settle the Kotia dispute . If this continues, we will have no option but to demand a separate state," Pangi said. A native of Thuria village under Kotia panchayat and a four-time Pottangi MLA, Pangi has consistently advocated for regional autonomy. In 2021, he formed the Dandakaranya Parbatmala Vikash Parishad, aiming to address the development concerns of tribal-dominated areas across Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "Kotia is just one of several unresolved inter-state border issues. Similar disputes exist in Malkangiri, Rayagada and Gajapati districts. A separate state is the only way to ensure proper governance and development," he said. Pangi pointed out that nearly 80% of the population in the Andhra districts proposed to be included in 'Dandakaranya' belong to the Kondha and Paraja tribes, who he claims feel marginalised and under-represented. When questioned about his earlier proposal for a Union Territory named 'Dandakaranya', Pangi clarified, "That idea was rejected by several core committee members because a UT would remain under the Centre's control. We now believe that an independent state is the only solution." Political observers viewed Pangi's demand with scepticism. "Pangi appears to be trying to regain political relevance after being sidelined within the Congress," said a Koraput-based political analyst. Pangi, however, refuted such claims. "Congress has always respected me. I currently serve as chairman of the state tribal cell and remain active in party affairs," he said. Asked whether his statehood campaign could conflict with his role in the Congress, Pangi said, "If I face obstacles in pursuing this goal while in the party, I may consider other options in the future." Claiming Pangi's demand as a political stunt to grab attention, senior BJP member Goutam Samantaray said Kotia is an integral part of Odisha and the state govt has taken several measures to strengthen infrastructure in the panchayat. "The matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court and govt is monitoring the situation," he said.
