THE TRUTH ABOUT: 38 - Caught on Camera

Human-reptile conflict in Odisha: when crocodiles attack

In Odisha's Kendrapara district, six people have been killed by estuarine crocodiles in two and a half months. The reptile is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the population in Bhitarkanika National Park is stable. But overcrowding has caused increased human-crocodile conflict, with people losing their connection to…

The Hindu · Sep 7, 2023

Resentment brewing in Odisha’s Rayagada over bauxite mining proposals

Resentment brews in Rayagada, Odisha over bauxite mining projects. Villagers, activists up in arms against proposals; nine arrested under UAPA. Goldman Prize winner Prafulla Samantara whisked away by police.

The Hindu · Sep 7, 2023

Row over GI tag for Kala Jeera rice in Odisha’s Koraput district

MSSRF raises an objection to GI tag for Koraput's Kala Jeera Rice, claiming it could exclude local farmers from benefits; JSFPC counters, saying it is an organisation of farmers and granting of GI tag will benefit the entire community.

The Hindu · Sep 7, 2023

Odisha announces plan to rehabilitate those displaced by construction of the Hirakud dam

The Odisha government on Saturday announced a plan for giving land rights to 1,749 families in Jharsuguda district, who had lost their land amid the construction of the Hirakud dam over the Mahanadi River in the 1950s. Record of rights will reportedly be given on 3,231 acres of land to…

The Hindu · Sep 2, 2023

Balasore train accident: CBI files charge sheet against three arrested railway officials

BHUBANESWAR: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday filed charge sheet against the three railway officials who were arrested after the deadly train accident in Odisha's Balasore that claimed the lives of 292 passengers.

The Times of India · Sep 2, 2023

NHRC seeks ATR for vasectomy allegedly performed on tribal youth having speech disorder

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Odisha government for an alleged vasectomy performed on an unmarried tribal youth who suffers from speech disorders. Human right lawyer Radhakant Tripathy had moved the NHRC, alleging that the sterilisation surgery was performed for the sake of…

The Hindu · Sep 2, 2023

Orissa HC expresses shock over continuation of ragging on medical college campuses

The Orissa High Court has expressed deep concerns over continuation of ragging activities on campuses of Odisha’s medical colleges despite the Medical Council of India (Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging in Medical Colleges/Institutions) Regulations, 2009) declaring ragging a punishable offence.

The Hindu · Sep 2, 2023

Not worried over ‘One Nation, One Election’: Biju Janata Dal

With the Centre forming a panel to explore the possibility of ‘One Nation, One Election’, the ruling Biju Janata Dal in Odisha on Friday welcomed the idea of a law for holding Lok Sabha and State Assembly polls simultaneously. Former Minister and senior BJD MP Badrinarayan Patra said the party…

The Hindu · Sep 1, 2023

Orissa High Court issues notices over absence of grama sabha role in implementation of Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha

Orissa High Court orders DM Balasore to respond to plea alleging non-involvement of grama sabhas in AONO scheme; Odisha Congress criticises govt for ignoring role of panchayats; 73 amendment says no project can be implemented without approval of grama sabha.

The Hindu · Sep 1, 2023

Venkatesh’s family members blame Forest Dept. officials for his death

Family blames Forest Dept. negligence for death of 67-yr-old Venkatesh, an expert in firing tranquillizer darts in elephant capture operations. Son Mohith filed complaint against officers, questioning their negligence. He recalled his father was taken to Ramanagara & Odisha for operations. Alur Police registered complaint under Section 304 A of…

The Hindu · Sep 1, 2023