Wild buffalo (Indian gaur ) sighted in the forest of Bolangir.;Sudhir Mishra Bolangir;

22^nd September2019.

 Wild buffalo (Indian gaur ) sighted in the forest of Bolangir.

Bolangir; The recent sighting of  a single Indian gaur, locally called as jungli podh or wild buffalo , four days ago on the forest outskirt of Bolangir town has brought cheers among the wildlife lovers here.

Wild buffalo as called by local, is a shy and violent animal. When it gets food water and shelter, it stays there. It is a shy animal. It becomes wild when comes in contact with human being directly, points out a local wild life lover here.

In summer this years a wildlife enthusiast managed to take a single photograph of wild buffalo in the forest of Bolangir.By that time it appears to be a Juvenile wild buffalo. Few months later nearby village people also informed about the movement of wild buffalo to this correspondent ,besides others.

However it is pertinent to mention here that wild buffalo (Indian gaur ) moves in heard, or with a minimum of two. And given this situation, how a single wild buffalo is moving, that remains to watch and needs further monitoring, points another wildlife lover.

Three years ago in the forest of Upparjhar,in Bolangir forest range,  two wild buffalo were sighted. When local forest staff tried to get a glimpse of then they sped away into the forest of Upparjhar within minutes .

Effort to get a comment on this situation from DFO Balangir Sri Sameer Satpathy was not possible as his mobile replied “not reachable” when contracted by this correspondent.

Set up a cancer Hospital at Bolangir; No. of Cancer Patients in Bolangir is rising

Set up  a cancer Hospital at Bolangir.

Bolangir; The mention of Bolangir district, very often reflects a picture of district regularly affected by drought and economically backward district of State of Odisha, from where thousands of people migrates along with their family and children to brick kilns of Telegngana, Andhra Pradesh ,Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other states in search of livelihood only to face torture and exploitation there.

However, even though Bolangir is economically backward district and its economy is predominantly based on agricultureand no industr , yet ,according to reports , the number of Cancer patients is rising in the district.

In 2017-18; 103 people were given chemotheraphy cycle and the number of people given chemotheraphy cycle  in 2018-19 increased to 265. And till September2019 a total of 173 people were given chemotheraphy cycle says District Cancer Nodal officer Dr Abinash Mishra. Besides this around 1000 people have checked in the Outpatient Department, Mishra says further. 

In a related development today, members of JanaMoracha,a social organization, led by Basu Rath and others submitted a memorandum to CM through district collector demanding setting up a cancer hospital at Bolangir.

 We submitted a memorandum for setting up a cancer hospital at Bolangir in view of increasing number of cancer patients in Bolangir district  and poor people of Bolangir and neighbouring district would be able to get treatment here, rather than going to other places and incurring a lot of expenses, says  Prasant Senapthy.

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‘Migrant kids are most invisible & exploited’Monday, 16 September 2019 | SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR

‘Migrant kids are most invisible & exploited’

Monday, 16 September 2019 | SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR

    

A regional-level consultation on protection of rights of migrant children was held here on Friday by the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and Aide et Action, Bhubaneswar.

It was attended by officials of various departments like Labour, Child Development and Education. CDPOs, members of Child Welfare Committee ChildLine, NGOs and civil society organisations from Balangir, Nuapada, Kalhandi and Bargarh districts were present.

According to the Census 2011 reports, there are  453.6 millions migrants in India out of which 46.3 millions are migrating for work and employment. Similarly, 14.6 million people of Odisha are migrants.

As per the UNESCO, children constitute 15 per cent of the total migrants in India.  Child migration, or children in migration  is the movement of children within or outside of the State boundaries, with or without parents or legal guardians.

The children, who largely migrate seasonally with their parents to the inter-State and intra-State destination, are deprived of basic education, child care, immunisation, health nutrition and protection from abuse and child labour. Brick kilns are one such informal sector where infant to adolescent live for 7-8 months as invisible entity and subjected to exclusion, exploitation and abuse.

A study conducted by the International Labour Organisation and Aide et Action in 100 villages of Kalahandi, Balangir and Nuapada districts during 2011-12 revealed that among the brick kiln migrant workers families, children constitute 35 per cent (children below 6 years 13 per cent and 6-14 age group 22 per cent) of the total migrant population.

The migration data from the Labour Department suggest that close to 1,40,000 people are registered under the ISMWA and majority of the workers are from western Odisha. The labour registration data at the districts doesn’t provide any gender and age specific information about the migrants.  Therefore, children always remain invisible and unreached.

Among others, Chairperson, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Sandhyabati Pradhan, district  Collector, Balangir, Arindam Dakua, Director-Migration and Education, Aide et Action, South Asia, Ummi Daniel and Member, SCPCR Harihar Naik deliberated on the issue.

Declare Fani national calamity: Narasingha Friday, 10 May 2019 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR

Declare Fani national calamity: Narasingha

Friday, 10 May 2019 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR

Balangir MLA and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the State Assembly Narasingha Mishra on Thursday demanded that the State Government write to the Centre to declare the Cyclone Fani disaster in Odisha as a national calamity.

Mishra said the cyclone which made its landfall on May 3 has wreaked havoc in as many as 11 districts and affected the lives of more than one crore people.

Even though six days have passed since then, due to the massive destruction caused by the cyclonic storm, the people in the affected districts are still deprived of basic facilities like water, electricity, road communications and telephone and healthcare services, he pointed out.

Mishra said that till date, the State Government is yet to make a detailed assessment of the damages caused by the storm so as to seek assistance from the Centre.

He demanded that the damage assessment efforts be expedited and measures taken to provide relief to the victims and rehabilitate them.

Mishra suggested that the Government take help of the Army for restoring the damaged houses and other infrastructures. 

Bolangir MP Kalikesh Singhdeo joins Energy Policy Research Institute ,#University of Chicago;

Bolangir MP Kalikesh Singhdeo joins Energy Policy Research Institute(EPIC) ,University ofChicago 

MAY 9, 2019
EPIC Welcomes Indian Climate Leader As Distinguished Fellow
Kalikesh Deo, a member of India’s Parliament, joins for the spring quarter.

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Bolangir MP Kalikesh Singhdeo joins Energy Policy Research Institute ,University ofChicago, joins EPIC as a distinguished visiting fellow this spring quarter. 

Kalikesh SinghdeoBolangir MP Kalikesh Singhdeo joins Energy Policy Research Institute(EPIC) ,University ofChicago 

MAY 9, 2019
EPIC Welcomes Indian Climate Leader As Distinguished Fellow
Kalikesh Deo, a member of India’s Parliament, joins for the spring quarter.

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Bolangir MP Kalikesh Singhdeo joins Energy Policu research Institute ,University ofChicago joins EPIC as a distinguished visiting fellow this spring quarter. 

Kalikesh Singhdeo, while at the University will teach a class with Anant Sudarshan, EPIC’s South Asia Director and a lecturer at Harris Public Policy. Through the class, ‘Energy in the Developing World,’ and other activities while on campus, Deo will bring firsthand experience of one of the world’s largest economies to faculty, students and the wider university community.

“Kalikesh is one of the foremost climate leaders in India, advancing an agenda that will make a big impact in reducing emissions while balancing the needs of the growing economy,” says EPIC Director Michael Greenstone, the Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor in Economics, the College and the Harris School. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from his insight and to have him as part of the University of Chicago community.”

Deo is a member of the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Petroleum & Natural Gas. As a champion in confronting climate change and building low-carbon development, he initiated debate on a national clean energy fund in India and introduced one of the first bills on climate change in the Indian Parliament in 2012. Before being elected, he worked in investment banking and with the energy company Enron.

“I’m excited to be spending time at the University of Chicago and EPIC, where the mission is not just to conduct robust, data-driven research, but to ensure that research informs policy discussions around the world,” says Deo. “I have already learned so much from my time interacting with the faculty here and look forward to further sharing my experience and insight with the faculty and students.”

In his class, students will explore the pervasive energy poverty of poor countries and its impact on the local economy, as well as the need to balance increasing energy access with efforts to reduce pollution and confront climate change. During his time on campus, Deo will also participate in workshops and public discussions, as well as serve as a resource for students and faculty more broadly.  will teach a class with Anant Sudarshan, EPIC’s South Asia Director and a lecturer at Harris Public Policy. Through the class, ‘Energy in the Developing World,’ and other activities while on campus, Deo will bring firsthand experience of one of the world’s largest economies to faculty, students and the wider university community.

“Kalikesh is one of the foremost climate leaders in India, advancing an agenda that will make a big impact in reducing emissions while balancing the needs of the growing economy,” says EPIC Director Michael Greenstone, the Milton Friedman Distinguished Service Professor in Economics, the College and the Harris School. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from his insight and to have him as part of the University of Chicago community.”

Deo is a member of the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Petroleum & Natural Gas. As a champion in confronting climate change and building low-carbon development, he initiated debate on a national clean energy fund in India and introduced one of the first bills on climate change in the Indian Parliament in 2012. Before being elected, he worked in investment banking and with the energy company Enron.

“I’m excited to be spending time at the University of Chicago and EPIC, where the mission is not just to conduct robust, data-driven research, but to ensure that research informs policy discussions around the world,” says Deo. “I have already learned so much from my time interacting with the faculty here and look forward to further sharing my experience and insight with the faculty and students.”

In his class, students will explore the pervasive energy poverty of poor countries and its impact on the local economy, as well as the need to balance increasing energy access with efforts to reduce pollution and confront climate change. During his time on campus, Deo will also participate in workshops and public discussions, as well as serve as a resource for students and faculty more broadly.

Kalikesh Singhdeo is the Biju Janata Dal Member of Parliament(LokSabha )  from Bolangir since 2009.

Maoists murder youth in B’ngir Tuesday, 30 April 2019 | PNS | BALANGIR

Maoists murder youth in B’ngir

Tuesday, 30 April 2019 | PNS | BALANGIR

    

A group of Maoists murdered a youth at Khuripani village in the Khaprakhol area of Balangir district on Sunday night. The deceased was identified as Trilochan Taria.

The Red rebels belonging to the Bargarh-Balangir-Mahasamund Division of the CPI(Maoist) killed Taria on suspicion that he was a police informer about their movements.

 According to reports, around 20 armed Maoists arrived at the village, called out Taria from his house and shot him dead on road.

The Maoists left several posters at the spot before fleeing from the place. Police later seized the posters and started investigation into the incident.

Close fight among Narasingha, Arkesh, Ananta Saturday, 13 April 2019 | SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR

Close fight among Narasingha, Arkesh, Ananta

Saturday, 13 April 2019 | SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR

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With the second-phase polling on April 18 nearing, candidates for the Balangir Assembly constituency have intensified their campaigning to woo voters.

A close fight is expected among candidates of the BJD, the Congress and the BJP.

Sitting MLA Narasingha Mishra of Congress, in the fray this time also, has stepped up his door-to-door campaign in villages assuring voters to provide free houses to all landless people, paddy MSP of Rs 2,650 per quintal, increase old age and widow pensions and complete the Lower Suktel and other projects at the earliest.

However, the Congress has suffered a setback as nine party leaders, including Laxman Meher, resigned recently.

Political observers feel Meher has sizeable votes in Deogaon block and could bring troubles for Mishra. But Mishra said Meher’s exit would not affect his winning prospects as many other leaders have come to his support.

BJD candidate Arkesh Narayan Singh Deo has been in the public service for the last five years. He played a vital role in fetching the university status to the Rajendra College, establishment of a Rs 10-crore auditorium and a new bus terminus at Balangir.

“The Naveen Patnaik Government has taken a number of steps for upliftment of poor people; and I will strive for development of Balangir further,” said young Singh Deo.

The recent joining of BJP leader Basu Pati, who has sizeable voters in the Sibtala area of Balangir block, in the BJD is an added factor to the winning prospects of Singh Deo. Meher and his supports recently decided to vote for BJD.

Arkesh, his father AU Singh Deo and his wife Adrija Manjari are moving in different wards of town and villages seeking votes for him and for BJD MP candidate and Arkesh’s elder brother Kalikesh Singh  Deo.

BJP candidate Annata Das has also expedited his campaigning with high hopes of winning the seat.

“The politics in Balangir has to be free from the two families (Mishra and Singh Deo), who are more concerned to protect their own interests. I have come from a humble family and I am more competent than others to ensure development in Balangir by completing the incomplete projects like Lower Suktel and reopening of the sugar mill at Deogaon,” said Das while campaigning with his actress-wife Bidusmita.

Total number of Voters in Bolangir Parliamentray constituency in 2019 election

Triangular contest is on cards for Bolangir Parliamentary constituency.

Triangular contest is on cards for Bolangir Parliamentary constituency.

BJD,BJP and Congress are major Political parties inBolangir

By

Sudhir Mishra/Bolangir;

10thMarch2019;Sunday.

Even though barely a few hours  are left for the Election Commission to announce the election schedule for forthcoming General Election for Parliament, in Bolangir ,given by the indication and activities by political parties and their aspiring candidates, it is once again going to be a triangular contest election to Lok Sabha.,after  2014

In 2014 election, Kalikesh Narayan Singhdeo of Biju Janta Dal (BJD) won from Bolangir Lok Sabha seat by defeating the BJP Candidate Sangeeeta Singhdeo. And the Congress candidate Sri Sarat Pattnaik finished third.

 The Bolangir Parliamentary constituency comprises of seven assembly constituency namely Bolangir,Patnagarh,Titiligarh,Loisingha and Kantabanji  in Bolangir district and BirmaharajPur and Sonepur Assembly constituency in Sonepur district.

As per the prevailing situation in Bolangir  ,the BJD has one and only candidate for MP seat, Kalikesh Singhdeo.  His trump card is the pro poor welfare scheme and development work undertaken by Naveen Pattnaik government in the constituencyand the BJD party symbol.

However, according to reports, reports of dissidence, anti incumbency factor in the party  could bring troubles for the candidate , unless tackled properly.

Besides the BJD, all eyes on ,who will the BJP MP candidate from Bolangir this time. Although everybody refers to Sangeeta Singhdeo  ,who lost in 2014 election ,is gearing up herself as the only BJP candidate and seen actively BJP meetings in the district. However the movement of Balram Singh Yadav  in entire Bolangir Parliamentary Constituency has created ripples in political circle here.

Balram singh Yadav is the chairman of Western Odisha Yadav Developmental Council.I have been working for upliftment of Yadav and OBC. In Bolangir Parliamentary constituency the total Yadav votes is 6.83lakhs.Once united they could be potential force and a game changer. I have been striving to bring more people to BJP and to strengthen the concept EK Bharat and Shrestha Bharat ,Balram singhYadav..

Political observers feel that Balram singhYadav has blessing of top brass of BJP  and hence moving every nuke and corner of the district since last one and half year and is likely to be BJP candidate from Bolangir  Parliamentary Constituency.

The Orissa Pradesh Congress Committee ,has sent two names namely Samarendra Mishra and Sri LaxmanMeher   to All India Congress Committee New Delhi to finalized as its candidate for Bolangir Lok Sabha seat.

Samrendra Mishra is AICC member and spokespersonfor OPCC and tipped to congress candidate fromBolangir.He has toured different areas of constituency, a member of Congress Manifesto Committee.He criticizes  the performance of Naveen Pattanik government for rising unemployment, betrayal of farmers ,distress migration in Bolangir district and besides other issues.

Sri Laxman Meher ,who is the president of Bolangir district Central Cooperative bank ,is an old congress worker and activist. During the BJD government tenure, the closed industrial unit, the Sugar mill at Deogaon could not be open till today, affecting farmers. Lower Suktel irrigation project also remain incomplete and a majority area district continues to remain without assured irrigation, leaving farmers to suffer crop loss and consequent distress migration in the district.

The other party like Aam Adami party has no recognized leader. Ajaya Das who was with AAM Admi party, in the meanwhile has joined BJD and is an aspirant for Kantabanji Assembly seat.

As the date of announcement of election schedule coming closer, aspiring candidates are trying their best to get ticket from their respective parties to fight election in 2019LokSabha Election. Who are going to be candidate of which party, time will say;Let us wait and watch.

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Odisha Unable to utilise DMF fot Tribals;Modi in his speech during visit to Bolangir on 15thJan2019

Felling of trees for PM visit triggers row Monday, 14 January 2019 | PNS | BALANGIR

Felling of trees for PM visit triggers row

Monday, 14 January 2019 | PNS | BALANGIR 

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Balangir on Tuesday, hundreds of trees have been cut down for creation of a helipad near the railway station in the town.

Following the hue and cry, the Balangir DFO on Sunday ordered for a probe into the matter.

As per the Forest Department, around 30,000 saplings had been planted in the town in 2015-16 and 2016-17 under the Urban Plantation programme at a cost of Rs 10 lakh. Out of the total saplings, 3,500 were planted near the railway station.

Balangir DFO Sameer Satpathy said nearly 1,000 to 1,200 trees have been felled to make a temporary helipad near the PM’s meeting venue.

“When our staffs tried to stop cutting of trees, the site in-charge said that there have been strict instructions from ‘higher authorities’ to make space for the helipad. The value of the trees which have been cut down would be nearly Rs 2.5 lakh,” Satpathy said.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party State president Rabi Behera has petitioned the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against the felling of the trees.

In the petition, Behera said the PWD and the Railways felled 3,500 trees for construction of the helipad for the PM’s visit to Balangir without the permission of the Forest and Environment Department and the local administration.

He alleged that the action is illegal and detrimental to the local environment. He urged the NGT to inquire into the matter and punish the guilty officials.

However in reaction to the controversy, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said those who have become jittery due to the PM’s visit are spreading false propaganda through the DFO.

Pradhan said the local administration takes decision on where the PM’s helicopter would land. Is the DFO complaining against the district Collector and SP, he questioned.

The State Government had felled thousands of trees for a beer factory in Dhenkanal district sacrificing the interest of people. But alarmed with the PM’s visit, “these people” are spreading canards, Pradhan alleged.

Railway station name change resented

Railway station name change resented

Thursday, 10 January 2019 | PNS | BALANGIR

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The change of name of the Bhainsapali railway station to Bichhupali railway station on the Khurda-Bolangir route, while bringing cheers among villagers of Jharbalangir and Bichhupali, has trigged resentment among Bhainsapali locals.

A villager of Bhainsapali said, “We will oppose the name change and stage demonstrations on this issue demanding to restore the old name.”

Notably, Prime Minister Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Balangir on January 15 to inaugurate a train from Balangir to Bichhupali and address a public meeting.

DRM Sambalpur Jaideep Gupta and Patnagarh MLA KV Singh Deo and his supporters on Wednesday visited the Balangir railway station and nearby areas to take stock of the situation before Modi’s visit.

Hundreds of animals sacrificed at Sulia Yatra Wednesday, 09 January 2019 | PNS | BALANGIR

Hundreds of animals sacrificed at Sulia Yatra

Wednesday, 09 January 2019 | PNS | BALANGIR

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Much to the dismay of animal lovers, killing of hundreds of animals once again continued at the Sulia Yatra at Khairguda village in the district this year on Tuesday. Buffaloes, sheep, goats, hens and birds were sacrificed by the tribal devotees.

Notably, to propitiate the presiding deity, the devotees throng the Khairguda village of Kultapada panchayat under the Tusura police station of the district on the second Tuesday of Pousa month every year with hens and goats for sacrifice.

The devotees believe that offering blood of animals and birds to Sulia, their traditional deity, brings good harvest resulting in prosperity and happiness to their families and the community as a whole, said a tribal leader  Satyanaryan Bhoi.

“This year as the administration has put on no restrictions on killing of animals, people and devotees from the district and outside offered hens, goat, sheep and even buffaloes to the Goddess,” added Bhoi.

“We were suffering from various diseases. We prayed to goddess Sulia and recovered from it and hence I am taking a buffalo to offer it to the Goddess, said a devotee J Meher of Athagaon village.

“Five platoons of police were deployed to maintain land order at Sulia Yatra. Moreover, we are also took steps to curb the incident of pick pocketing and other untoward incidents during the occasion,” said Balangir SDPO KS Naik.

Private insurance firms are cheating farmers;7thJanuary2019;Bolangir News in English daily the Pioneer

Congress promises free education for girls.Bolangir7thJanuary2019

Modi’s Odisha visit rescheduled to January 15Monday, 07 January 2019 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR

Modi’s Odisha visit rescheduled to January 15

Monday, 07 January 2019 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Odisha on January 16 has been advanced by a day.

BJP Legislature Party Leader KV Singh Deo informed media on Sunday that the Prime Minister would visit the western Odisha district of Balangir on January 15.

Modi would address a public meeting and attend official programmes during the day, Singh Deo said.

Notably, this would be the Prime Minister’s third visit to Odisha in less than a month’s time, after Khordha on December 24 and Baripada on January 5.

Guv underscores importance of cow;Sunday, 30 December 2018 | PNS | BALANGIR

Modi to visit Balangir on Jan 16

Saturday, 29 December 2018 | PNS | BHUBANESWAR

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Balangir to attend a mega public rally, Swabhiman Samabesh, on January 16, informed BJP State general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan here on Friday.

This would be his second visit to Odisha in the month of January. Prior to his Balangir programme, Modi is scheduled to visit Baripada on January 5 to attend a rally there.

Notably, Modi came to Odisha on December 24 to launch a basket of projects including a new campus of the IIT Bhubaneswar and foundation-stone laying of the IISER Brahmapur besides addressing a Swabhiman Samabesh at Khordha.

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Youth dies in B’ngir road mishap

Sunday, 30 December 2018 | PNS | BALANGIR

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A youth, Gopal Mishra, of Gandhinagar Pada was killedc after being hit by a speeding truck near Mahadev Mandir Square here on Friday night while he was returning home.

After the incident, irate locals held road blockades at several places and set ablaze two trucks and damaged some other others trucks.

Police and Fire Services officials along with the Balangir Sub-Collector reached the spots and held discussions with the agitating people, following which the blockades were called off.

Notably, before 10 pm, many trucks wait outside the town because of a no-entry rule and once they start plying, they move with great speed.

The present incident clearly shows the traffic congestion is increasing in the town and construction of a Balangir bypass is very much necessary to minimise the traffic rush and reduce accidents, said Balangir Action Committee member Gopalji Panigrahi.

The committee has been demanding construction of a bypass since 2013 but to no avail, he added.

Notably, the Balangir bypass project has been held up as the Central Government has asked for clarification from the State Government on the inflated rates quoted for compensation for acquisition of land.

Guv underscores importance of cow

Sunday, 30 December 2018 | PNS | BALANGIR

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Governor Prof Ganesh Lal on Saturday inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Prithiraj Goshala in Balangir.

The Prithiraj Goshala was set up by former Maharaja of the Patna State Prithiraj Singh Deo in 1919 and the land was given in 1918, informed an organiser.

Appreciating the steps taken by people at the Gosala, the Governor informed that in Haryana there are 416 Goshalas. He said cow is the backbone of Indian economy, narrating the role cow played in earlier times. Even if a cow doesn't give milk yet it can provide economic benefits of Rs 40,000 through its urine and cow dung, Lal told.

Lal donated Rs 1 lakh to the Goshala. He also visited the Budhabahal village and interacted with SHG members. Earlier, the Governor worshipped in the temple inside the Goshala and fed a cow.

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Balangir farmers set afire paddy plants Monday, 29 October 2018 | SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR

Balangir farmers set afire paddy plants

Monday, 29 October 2018 | SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR

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Farmers set on fire pest-affected paddy plants in several acres of land in some villages in Balangir district on Saturday evening.

According to information, Anil Hota of Sahajbahal village set ablaze paddy plants on two acres of land as the crops were destroyed ‘Chakada Poka’ (Brown Plant Hopper) attack.

Similarly, Ashok Pradhan, a famer of Jhareibahali village, set afire paddy plants on 10 decimal area for the same reason.

Deputy Director of Agriculture, Balangir, Sridhar Das, admitting such incidents, said a team of agriculture officials has been sent to assess the situation in the two villages.

“We would appeal to farmers not to burnt the paddy plants as it will create problem in making crop loss assessment for insurance claims. Besides, plant burnings will destroy micro nutrients present in the soil,” said he.

Notably, a Central team and the Deputy Director of Agriculture had visited the pest-affected paddy field and advised some measures, including use of insecticides, for pest control.

According to sources, Kharif paddy in a total of 4,000 hectares of land has been affected due to pest attack in Balangir. Of the damaged crops, loss in 1026 hectares crossed the Economic Threshold Limit (ETL).

Interestingly, there was also incident of pest attack last year but farmers didn’t get any relief as they were supplied substandard pesticide only.

Even as insecticide samples were collected and tested in Haryana, no results were known yet.

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Balangir farmers torch damaged crops

Saturday, 04 November 2017 | PNS | BALANGIR / JHARSUGUDA/ BRAHMAPUR

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Close on the heels of farmers of several other parts of the State torching their paddy crops due to damage caused by pest attack, farmers in Balangir district also burnt their paddy crop due to damage.

According to reports, a farmer of Khapraphol in Balangir, Brundaban Barik, on Thursday set fire to his paddy crops after it was

affected due to Chakada or Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) pest attack.

Barik has a total of eight acres of land, out of which three acres are having irrigation facility and rest five acres are non-irrigated.

He had appraised the district administration about his problems. Agriculture Department officials had advised him to spray insecticide.

But although the crop condition was good, the unseasonal rainfall, hot and humid conditions accelerated the pest attack, sources said.

Normally, the BPH pest occurs in the summer paddy crop. But the rainfall after Durga Puja and hot and humid conditions led to BPH pest attack in the Kharif paddy crop. Due to this pest attack at the roots of plants, the nutrition and other supplies to the plants are cut off, resulting in death of the plants, said Balangir Deputy Director of Agriculture Sridhar Das.

Asked to comment on substandard insecticide being sold in the market and provided to farmers, Das said, “We have collected samples of the insecticide and sent them to the State laboratory for test.”

“We have got reports of the pest attack from Gudvella, loisingha and Khapraphol blocks and a report is being prepared for submission to the Government, he added.

In Jharsuguda district, farmers in Siriapalli village set fire to their crops after attack by pests. Reports said more than 50 farmers set their damaged crops ablaze on Friday.

Besides, in Rampa village of Chikiti block of Ganjam district, a farmer set on fire his damaged crops. 

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