News from Bhubaneswar

Odisha Press Accreditation Committee (OPAC) has remained non-functional for 19 years, leaving thousands of working journalists without official access to government information and spaces. Despite rules mandating biennial renewal, no committee has formed since 2004. This vacuum has led to alleged irregularities, blocking deserving reporters, threatening press freedom and transparency in Odisha.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, September 17, the Odisha government will distribute 50,000 work orders for houses under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana. Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik announced this as part of a larger rural housing drive. Additionally, PM Awas Yojana work orders will begin rolling out in November after eligibility verification is complete.

Odisha faces its third flood in three months as the Baitarani River crosses danger levels at Akhuapada in Bhadrak due to a low-pressure system and heavy rainfall. While other rivers like the Mahanadi and Subarnarekha remain stable, officials remain on high alert. Authorities have opened Hirakud Dam sluice gates to manage water, anticipating further low-pressure-induced rain and rainwater inflow.

The Odisha government has launched an extensive drive to reclaim the vast land properties of Lord Jagannath, spread not only across the state but also in different parts of the country.

Bhubaneswar witnessed high drama late on Wednesday night after three young women created a ruckus near a hotel, eventually landing in trouble with the police. The incident unfolded in the Nayapalli area, where the women were reportedly found driving under the influence of alcohol and causing a disturbance in a public place.

The four-day deadline issued to non-students occupying hostels of Utkal University expired on Thursday, raising concerns over whether the directive will be fully implemented.

Ahead of the festive season, the Odisha government has set a September 20 deadline to complete repair works on major roads across cities and towns. Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced a high-level meeting on September 6 to review progress. The initiative aims to improve travel conditions during puja celebrations, focusing on damaged stretches, water-logging zones, and high-traffic areas.

To restore order and academic focus, Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has directed Utkal University to ban non-students from entering Vani Vihar campus. The move follows unrest at Gopabandhu Hostel and growing concerns over unauthorised individuals disrupting campus life. Authorities have been instructed to enforce the directive strictly, ensuring student safety and discipline.

A youth died under suspicious circumstances at a de-addiction centre in Bharatpur area in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday evening, triggering outrage and demands for a thorough probe. The deceased has been identified as Suryakant Mohapatra, a resident of Singhanathpur under Banki police station limits in Cuttack district. He had reportedly been admitted to the centre on August 29 for treatment.

Gold prices are witnessing a sharp and steady surge, leaving jewellers anxious and customers cautious. The upward trend in the precious metal has impacted jewellery markets across Odisha, with many buyers postponing their purchases.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of widespread rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning across Odisha on Wednesday. The wet spell is expected to continue till September 6.

The Northern Railway has announced the cancellation of 68 incoming and outgoing trains from Jammu and Katra stations till September 30, while 24 trains are scheduled to resume, officials said.

Odisha is set to enhance its weather forecasting capabilities with the installation of a Doppler Radar System in Bhubaneswar, as confirmed by Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari. With systems in Balasore and Sambalpur nearing activation, this move marks a major step in disaster preparedness. The radar network will significantly improve cyclone, storm, and heavy rainfall prediction across the State.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Red and Orange alerts for several Odisha districts due to a low-pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours, triggering widespread flooding and disruptions. Residents are advised to remain alert as the situation may intensify with continued rainfall.

The Water Resources Department on Tuesday confirmed that there is no flood situation in any of the rivers in Odisha. Engineer in chief Chandrasekhar Padhi said that while water levels are rising in some rivers due to recent rainfall, the situation remains under control.