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Civil Society Dialogue on labour migration held at Bolangir:MOU with Andhra Pradresh and Telengana should be signed for betterment of Migrant workers.

Civil Society Dialogue on labour migration held at Bolangir:MOU with Andhra Pradresh and Telengana should be signed for betterment of Migrant workers.

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SudhirMishra/Bolangir

Bolangir. Oct 27, 2017.

Closely on the heel of Government taking stock of the progress made of its special package to check migration in 30GPs of Bolangir and Nuapada, now comes the reports  of members of Civil society holding a dialogue on labour migration of Western Odisha on 26th and 27thOctober at Bolangir.

Organized Jointly by GAATW,SEWA,Aaina, and Aide et Action Bhubneshwar, and attended by grassroots organizations working on migration and bonded labour in Bolangir, Bargarh, Nuapada,Kalhandi and Sonepur district, the meet deliberated on different aspect of Labour migration from these districts  and how to streamline it by strengthening the existing mechanism like proper Implementation of MGNREGS, Inter-State Migrant Worksman Act of 1979,strengthing of vigilance committee at District level, proper and effective registration of migrants worker at Panchyat level, monitoring of skilled women workers working in outside state ,creation of corpus fund to deal away with problem  of payment of MGNREG workers.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with erstwhile Andhra Pradesh for betterment of migrants labourers while in Andhra Pradesh is defunct now. A new MOU with both Andhra Pradesh and Telengana state should be signed for better monitor ing of migrants workers there,opined UMi Daniel of Aide et Bhubneshwar.

Daniel also opined for effective preparation and Implementation of Intensive participatory planning and providing the job as per the results of planning exercise to improve the condition of poor people and for success of MGNREGS.

Among others Lalita Missal(NAWO)Nalini (SEWA)Sneha Mishra(AAINA) Saroj Barik of Aide et Action, Bhubneshwar, besides representatives from civil society organizations of Bolangir, Nuapada, Kalhandi, Bargarh attended and deliberated on this issue.

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DROUGHT: 3.15L HA IN 70 BLOCKS OF 15 DISTS HIT,CM ANNOUNCES DROUGHT RELIEF PACKAGE Thursday, 26 October 2017 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR | in Bhubaneswar

DROUGHT: 3.15L HA IN 70 BLOCKS OF 15 DISTS HIT

Wednesday, 25 October 2017 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR | in Bhubaneswar

    

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More than 3.15 lakh hectares of land in 70 blocks of 15 districts across the State are affected by drought. Of the 15 districts, Balangir, Bargarh, Dhenkanal, Boudh and Nuapada are the worst-affected with Balangir in  top of  the list with 14 blocks followed by Bargarh with 10 blocks, said  Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management Maheswar Mohanty here on Tuesday.

“This was estimated by a field survey. The concerned line departments’ officials will again meet on October 27, following which a final report will be submitted to the Chief Minister. Subsequently, a drought assistance package for the affected districts will be announced,” the Minister said.

Mohanty further said the Government would declare the drought package earlier than previous years. “Without waiting for the crop cutting report, the State Government will announce assistance much earlier on the basis filed by the survey,” he added.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi said the Government has received drought reports from the district Collectors and is examining the reports, following which it would declare the drought-hit areas by October 30.

“The reports are being analysed. Nothing has been finalised yet. The deadline for announcing drought-affected areas is October 30,” Sethi stated.

Earlier, a team of representatives led by the SRC had visited Nuapada and Balangir districts to review the drought situation resulting in massive crop damage.

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CM ANNOUNCES DROUGHT RELIEF PACKAGE

Thursday, 26 October 2017 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR | in Bhubaneswar

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Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a drought assistance package at the State Secretariat here on Wednesday for the farmers facing crop loss of 33 per cent and above during the current Kharif season in 15 districts.

“Agriculture input subsidy will be provided to the small and marginal farmers who have sustained crop loss of 33 per cent and above at Rs 6,800 per hectares of land in rain-fed or non-irrigated areas and Rs 13,500 per hectares of land in areas under assured irrigation,” Patnaik said.

Agriculture input subsidy would also be provided to farmers other than small and marginal farmers at the same rates subject to a ceiling of two hectares per farmer. The assistance would be provided to the actual cultivators, he said.

Farmers affected by drought in Kharif would be provided fresh finance for Rabi cultivation, which has commenced from October 1, the Chief Minister said.

He further said, “Short-term Kharif loans advanced in the affected areas during Kharif having crop loss of 33 per cent and above shall be converted into medium-term (conversion) loans.”

Patnaik also directed the district administrations to keep an eye on moneylenders causing financial hardship to the farmers and directed the police to initiate stringent action against such elements under the Odisha Money Lenders Act and various Sections of the CrPC.

“The SPs will have the responsibility to proactively deal with this. The DIGs will review the matter,” he said.

“Five thousand pump sets would be provided with 50 per cent subsidy limited to Rs 15, 000 to the farmers. Besides, availability of pump sets in different Agro Service Centres shall be published to enable the farmer to hire the same to save their standing crops,” the CM said.

The Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation (OLIC) would take immediate steps to repair the lift irrigation points (LI Points) in all the affected villages on a priority basis. Steps would be taken to operate all LI Points during Rabi season. A total of 1.25 lakh pulse mini kits, 0.5 lakh oilseed minikits and 0.25 lakh vegetable minikits will be supplied to the farmers for the Rabi programme in the affected villages,” he said.

MGNREGA works would be undertaken by the Panchayati Raj Department to establish water harvesting structures or de-silting of field channels and diversion weirs, ‘’Our Government will provide 50 days of additional work in drought hit areas,’’ Patnaik said.

Landless, marginal and small farmers in the drought-affected GPs of 70 blocks would be provided livelihood support in terms of backyard poultry, he informed.

 “Fifty per cent remission in respect of cess on land revenue will be given to the farmers where the crop loss is 33 per cent or more,” the Chief Minister added. 

MIGRATION: REGIONAL-LEVEL MEET HELD IN BALANGIR Thursday, 26 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

MIGRATION: REGIONAL-LEVEL MEET HELD IN BALANGIR

Thursday, 26 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

    

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With a view to checking illegal migration in the western districts Odisha and to streamline the process of labour migration and prevent child labour, a regional-level conference of the district Collector and SP and the Labour Commissioner was held here.

Among others, it was attended by representatives from the Unicef Bhubaneswar specialist LN Nanda and Chairman of Labour Welfare Board Subash Singh and Balangir Collector Ashis Thakre.

Inaugurating the regional level meeting, Labour Minister Sushanta Singh hoped that with united effort, distress migration and child labour problem can be sorted out.

To end distress migration, the Tata Trust is going to implement its project in 30 GPs in Balangir and Nuapada districts, it was revealed.

The meet among others discussed on various aspects on distress labour migration from the region which include enforcement of the Interstate Migrant Works Man Act 1979, the State Action Plan for the safety and welfare of migrants, progress work of Tata Trust to check distress migration, functioning of seasonal hostel and rescue and rehabilitation of child labour, etc

NO SCHOOL BUILDING DESPITE FUNDS IN B’NGIR Tuesday, 24 October 2017 | PNS | BALAGIR | in Bhubaneswar

NO SCHOOL BUILDING DESPITE FUNDS IN B’NGIR

Tuesday, 24 October 2017 | PNS | BALAGIR | in Bhubaneswar

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The members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Ajaya Das staged a demonstration before the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan office demanding action against the teacher responsible for an incomplete school building in Biaspur Baoudiapali village in Dhandamunda panchayat in Deogaon block.

Even though Rs 8.20 lakh was sanctioned for construction of the school building in that village, till today only lintel level construction has been completed, they charged. As such, the students are reading under the open sky.

The work order has been issued in the name of Dinesh Nag of Gambharimal School. And the teacher has withdrawn Rs 6 lakh for nconstruction of roof of school building six months ago. However till

today it is lintel stage up to which the construction has gone and the students are reading in open space. “We demand action against the teacher and early completion of school building,” said Ajaya Das of AAP.

302 MIGRANT WORKERS RESCUED Saturday, 21 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR

302 MIGRANT WORKERS RESCUED

Saturday, 21 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

    

Acting on a tipoff, a team of special police squad from Balangir along with their Kantababji counterparts conducted raid in a bushy forest and rescued 302 labourers.

These labourers were being taken to the brick kilns of Hyderabad and Telangana. The rescued migrant labourers belong to Balangir, Subarnapur and Nuapada districts. Three persons were arrested for taking the workers there.

This was announced by Balangir SP K Siva Subramani here. The Kantabanji police have registered a case under Sections 374/420/34IPC and Section 25 of Inter State Migrant Workman Act 1979.

“So far we have rescued 462 migrant labourers and arrested 18 in the district,” said the SP further. 

MEET HELD TO PREVENT JUMBO ELECTROCUTION IN B’NGIR Thursday, 19 October 2017 | PNS

MEET HELD TO PREVENT JUMBO ELECTROCUTION IN B’NGIR

Thursday, 19 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

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As a precautionary measure to avoid electrocution of elephants on railway line, a joint coordination meeting of the Forest officials of Bolangir and Sonepur Divisions, Executive Engineer, Wesco, Balangir and railway officials was held on Tuesday here. The forest officials team comprising DFO Sameer Kumar Satpathy,Honourary Wildlife Warden Sudhir Kumar Mishra, ACF NK Jaisingh, RangeOfficer BC Roul, Naveen Das, Ajit Nath, RK Naik, Dinabandhu Meher attended. Similarly ACF from Sonepur Division Bimal Mishra, and Executive Engineer Wesco Ashutosh Ghosh participated in the discussion. They pointed out different areas of Bolangir, Deogaon, Loisingha, Patnagarh and Harishankar where elephant movement was reported and steps to ward off the mishaps.

 After deliberation, it was decided to take a survey of electricity line in those area areas where elephant movement is reported and to assess what preventive measures could be taken.

A joint survey by Forest and electricity officials would be completedby October 30 and a report would be prepared by the first week of November.

The Forest officials held another round of discussion with Assistant Divisional Engineer, East Coast Railway, Bolangir Hiralal later on the day.  The speed control issue figured for discussion. The railway officials urged the forest officials for regular inputs on elephant movements.

A joint forest and railway team would visit the Khaliapali-Negipali section line to assess visibility and other aspects there as elephants usually cross the railway line. Moreover, it was also decided to generate awareness among local people.

MEET ON CHILDREN POLICY HELD IN B’NGIR Thursday, 19 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

MEET ON CHILDREN POLICY HELD IN B’NGIR

Thursday, 19 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

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A regional consultation on Odisha State Draft Policy for Children 2017 with the special focus on vulnerability, rights and protection of migrant children was held here on Tuesday.

Organised by the State Commission for Protection of Child Right (OSCPCR), the consultation was attended by OSCPCR Chairperson Kasturi Mohapatra, Aide et action, Bhubaneswar’s Umi Daniel and Saroj Barik, Unicef Child Protection Specialist Unit, Bhubaneshwar’s Laxmi Narayan Nanda besides other civil society organisations from Balangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Nuapada district, SSA officials and others deliberated on it.

The meet, besides deliberating on different issues relating to Draft Policy for Children, opined for opening of more seasonal hostels in districts where migration is reported and the inclusion of physically challenged people in the residential care centre for migrant children

BHIMPAHAD MAHOTSAV IN B’NGIR FROM OCTOBER 20

Wednesday, 18 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

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The 3rd Bhimpahad Mahotsav, organised by the Bhimpahad Mahotsav Committee, would be held from October 20 to 22.

The festival would be held at the foothills of Bhimpahad located in Mukundpur panchayat in Deogaon block and the aim is to generate awareness among masses about the 64 caves and historical background of the Bhimpahad mountain.

This was announced to media persons on Tuesday by Bolangir District Central Cooperative Bank president Laxman Meher.

Bhimpahad is spread over 32,267 hectares in both Bolangir and Sonepur district. So far, we have found 64 caves in the Bhimpahad. More research required to know its historical background, added founder member of the Mahotsav Committee Kunu Bohidar. 
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W ODISHA FARMERS’ RALLY IN STATE CAPITAL ON OCT 30 Saturday, 14 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

W ODISHA FARMERS’ RALLY IN STATE CAPITAL ON OCT 30

Saturday, 14 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

With a view to appraising the Government about the problems of farmers, a State-level farmers’ convention called the Krushak Adhikar Chetababni Samabesh will be held at Bhubaneswar on October 30.

The farmers would demand fulfilment of an 8-point charter of demands. This was announced to mediapersons at Balangir on Friday morning jointly by Convener of Paschim Odisha Krushak Sangathan Samannwaya Samiti Ashok Pradhan.

The demands include implementation of MS Swaminathan Committee recommendations for hike in MSP of agricultural products, early declaration of drought affected Panchyats, making available labour intensive work, a permanent solution for recurring drought, construction of barrage over Mahanadi, review of Pradhan Mantri Krisi Bima Yojana, simplified procedure to assess crop loss, construction of cold storage, godown and Mandi, besides enactment of law for sharecroppers’ benefit.

The Government of Odisha which has adopted a resolution in the State Assembly to fix minimum support price of paddy at Rs 2,930 per quintal  should give a bonus of Rs 500 to the farmers, demanded Samiti convenor Lingraj.

When the farmers are going through a deep crisis and this year there is widespread drought, why all the agricultural loans of farmers be not waived? asked activist Saroj. He said that the agricultural loans of farmers stands at Rs 12 lakh crore. When the Government is lenient enough to waive loans of the industries running into lakhs of crores of rupees, why the same gesture be not shown to the farmers, he asked further.

Meanwhile, the Samiti has flagged off the Krushak Adhikar Chetana Jatra from October 8 from Sambalpur which would cover eight districts of western Odisha and conclude at Bargarh on October 16. Among others Arun Mishra and Laxman Hota spoke.

RAIL ROKO IN B’NGIR FOR RLY LINE CONSTRUCTION Sunday, 15 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

RAIL ROKO IN B’NGIR FOR RLY LINE CONSTRUCTION

Sunday, 15 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

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A large number of people under the banner of the Citizens’ Forum of Patnagarh led by Darpaganjan Pattnaik, Niranjan Bisi, BJP district president Bhaktabandhu Nayak and Bajrang Lal Jain staged a Rail Roko at the Balangir railway station on Saturday demanding commencement of construction of a railway line which would benefit the region.

The agitators stopped a goods train and the Sambalpur-Rayagada Tapaswini Express and another passenger train for a while. Forum convenor Darpaganjan Pattnaik said the survey work of the Balangir-Nuapada railway line via Hardatal-Patnagarh-Khaprakhol-Lathor has-been completed since 2014. “We demand inclusion of this railway line in Budget and financial provision and an early commencement this line.”

The Government should give priority to commencement of construction of the railway line which would ensure development in the backward area of Patnagarh, failing which tribals would resort to agitation, said Paschim Odisha Adivasi Kalyan Sangha secretary general Niranjan Bisi.

“It is the genuine demand of people of Patnagarh. Hence, we are supporting the agitation; and we would also take up the case with higher authorities, said BJP district president Bhaktabandhu Nayak.

Later the agitators submitted their .memorandum to General Manager East Coast Railway ,through the Division al Commercial Manager KN Sahu ,who was deputed by Railway authority to receive the memorandum.

Mountain,clouds and green paddy field;By Sudhir Mishra/Bolangir

Wild boar meat ,other parts seizedin Bolangir :Two arrested

Bolangir.14th October 2017.

Acting on a tip up,a team of forest official led by Bolangir forest range Officer, BCRoul and others today morning raided a house in village Barkani and seized 10 kg flesh of wild boar and other parts include Both hind legs and forelegs and an axe and weighing machines .

According to sources wild boar was causing damage to paddy crop and to kill ,the boar, two persons of the village with others attacked the wild boar in the night and killed him.After killing they brought the wild boar to the village and were sharing the meat with villagers.

Two people of the village Barkani Satyaban Bhoi and Madhu Bhoi were arrested in this connection. We have registered a case under section 9,and50of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and punishable under section 51 of Wildlife Protection Act 1972 says Bolangir Range Officer BCRoul.

Rock python rescued in Balangir town

INBRIEF

Thursday, 12 October 2017 | PNS | in Bhubaneswar

Rock python rescued in Balangir town

Blangir: A rock python around 8.5 feet long was rescued by members of the Balangir Snake Helpline led by MS Tandi (Suru) from near the RTO office here on Tuesday evening. Later, the snake was released into the Chandali reserve forest.

Athlete selection camp launched at B’ngir

Balangir: An eight-day athlete coaching-cum-selection camp was formally launched by District Sports Officer Rajendra Prasad Badei at the Centurion University here on Wednesday. JITM Balangir director Pradeep Sarangi and Fencing Association of India coach Prabin Kumar Banwari were present, among others. The camp would continue till October 18 and those athletes who would be selected will attend another coaching camp at Bhubaneswar before moving to Bangalore and Aurangabad to participate in a tournament, said organiser Sumit Ranjan Purohit. 

JUMBOS DAMAGE PADDY CROP IN BALANGIR Tuesday, 10 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

JUMBOS DAMAGE PADDY CROP IN BALANGIR

Tuesday, 10 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

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In an unexpected development, a herd of about 10 elephants has extensively damaged paddy crop at Nimursingha village of Ghuna panchayat under the Deogaon Forest Range, 60 km from here.

The elephants are believed to have come from Kalahandi district and staying in the Sikerpaat Reserve Forest which has a lot of bamboo trees. Bamboo is the cherished food of elephants. Forest officials are keeping a watch on the movement of the elephants.

It would be pertinent to mention that there were no such elephant movements in last two years in this block. Most of the elephant movements are usually noticed in the Loisinga, Balangir and Damkipali beats of the Patnagarh Forest Range.

Damkipali village is located close to the border of Bargarh district. The elephants stayed near this village and caused damages to paddy crop in the Gaisillet area of Bargarh district. Sometimes, the elephants also move to the areas adjoining Balangir district.

B’NGIR PRI MEMBERS PROTEST ENGINEER TRANSFER Tuesday, 10 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

STATE EDITIONS

B’NGIR PRI MEMBERS PROTEST ENGINEER TRANSFER

Tuesday, 10 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

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Elected Panchyati Raj representatives of Balangir block led by block Chairman Golap Bag, Ghasiram Behera and Satya Bhoi on Monday staged a dharna before Balangir block office protesting against the sudden transfer of the Assistant Engineer and immediate relieving of his duty from Balangir block.

A month ago, the Assistant Engineer had been posted here without the arrival of the reliever Assistant Engineer. This is in violation of rules for the KBK area. Not only this, many crucial posts including s permanent head clerk and clerks are lying vacant.

Although the panchayat has been given power to instal LED lights, no tender has been invited. So, LED electrification of the panchyat has not been possible. “Although we have brought it to the notice of the district Collector, nothing has been done,” said Golap Bag.

The agitators raised slogans against the Collector, the RDRDA PD and the BDO holding them responsible for this situation.

BALANGIR KIDS CROSS RIVER TO ATTEND SCHOOL

BALANGIR KIDS CROSS RIVER TO ATTEND SCHOOL Q

Sunday, 08 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

Despite tall claims of provision of infrastructure for better living in rural areas, children of this district have to cross a river daily to attend their school.

According to reports, around 20 children from Kumiapali village go to their high school located at Garjan village crossing the Suktel riverdaily.

Villages Kumiapali and Garjan are located on both sides of river.

Besides, the villagers have to ferry the river for any work at Bolangir, Chudapali and Bhsinsa. However, even the ferry service available is precarious and the authorities are careful about safe travel of the villagers.

The boat service in the ferry ghat is not functioning. I had raised this problem in the disaster preparedness meeting, says RTI activist Bysadev Thanapati.

The villagers of Kumiapali demanded resumption of safe boat service here for smooth communication.

Wildlife Week held at Balangir village.Sunday, 08 October 2017 | PNS | in Bhubaneswar

INBRIEF

Sunday, 08 October 2017 | PNS | in Bhubaneswar

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Wildlife Week held at Balangir village  (Pix)

Balangir: To generate awareness among masses, especially rural people, about protection of wildlife and forest, the Wildlife Week was observed at village Sirabahal, 15 km from here, on Friday. Balangir DFO Samir Kumar Satpathy, Honourary Wildlife Warden Sudhir Kumar Mishra, ACFs Goutam Naik and NK Jaisingh and Range Officer BC Roul spoke on the growing threat to wild animals due to poaching, destruction of their habitat and loss of forest cover and the need for protection of wild animals and preservation of forest. An interactive session was also held on villagers’ query on how to get compensation for damage caused by wild animal

DECLARE BALANGIR DIST DROUGHT-HIT: BALGOPAL Friday, 06 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

DECLARE BALANGIR DIST DROUGHT-HIT: BALGOPAL

Friday, 06 October 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR | in Bhubaneswar

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This year, Balangir district is facing another worst drought in recent years, thanks to inadequate rainfall coupled with the apathy of the administration and lack of political will. “We demand that the entire Balangir district be declared as drought-affected,” said former Balangir MP Balgopal Mishra on Thursday.

Mishra told this correspondent that the district Collectorate would be gheraoed on October 7 pressing for fulfilments of a 12-point charter of demands in this regard.

The demands include declaration of Balangir and other districts of Odisha, which have received deficit rainfalls, as drought-hit, waiving of all farm loans; free supply of seeds to farmers for Rabi  cultivation, payment of crop insurance money to farmers by January 1, 2018, ensuring the minimum support price for paddy per quintal as adopted in a resolution in the State Assembly, ensuring irrigation to at least 20 per cent of land of Balangir district, waiving of electricity bills for farmers on the pattern of the Punjab and Haryana Governments’ decisions and a contingency plan to ensure availability of water in summer season in the district and ensuring uninterrupted supply of electricity to farmers covered under the Jalnidhi-1 and Jalnidhi-2 schemes. 

Clean bolangir;Green Bolangir launched in Bolangir

News in English daily The Pioneer