Author: colorsnews.in

Bhubaneswar, Aug 4 (IANS) As floodwaters from overflowing rivers such as Brahmani, Mahanadi and Baitarani spread across several districts in the state, the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department has launched a door-to-door special awareness drive and activated an emergency WhatsApp helpline to prevent human-crocodile conflict in vulnerable areas in Odisha.

According to an official statement issued by the Forest Department, the Luna Jungle Forest Range under the Rajnagar Forest Division has operationalised the WhatsApp helpline 9938914101 for people to report crocodile sightings.

A door-to-door awareness campaign has also been launched in villages located along riverbanks and other flood-prone areas. Officials said the rise in floodwater could force crocodiles to move from rivers into human settlements or near river ghats frequently used by residents.

To minimise the risk of attacks, forest personnel are visiting vulnerable villages and educating people about precautionary measures and safety practices. Residents have been advised to avoid entering rivers, canals and streams during the monsoon unless necessary.

People collecting water, bathing or fishing have been asked to remain extremely cautious. Parents have also been urged not to allow children near water bodies without adult supervision, while livestock owners have been advised to stay alert when grazing animals or taking them to water in crocodile-prone areas.

The department has requested people to immediately report any crocodile sighting in residential areas or nearby water bodies through the WhatsApp helpline so that forest officials can take prompt action. The awareness campaign is being carried out with the active participation of forest staff and local villagers to promote safe coexistence between humans and crocodiles.

The Forest Department has further appealed to residents, especially those living in riverine areas, to remain vigilant, follow the safety guidelines issued by the department and cooperate with forest officials to protect both human lives and wildlife during the monsoon season.

–IANS

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Ahmedabad, Aug 4 (IANS) An unarmed police constable attached to the D-Staff of Vivekanandnagar Police Station in Ahmedabad Rural was caught by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday while allegedly accepting a Rs 6,000 bribe from a complainant after the latter approached the agency alleging an illegal demand.

The accused has been identified as Miturajsinh alias Montubhai Chudasama, an Unarmed Lok Rakshak (Police Constable), posted at Vivekanandnagar Police Station.

According to the ACB, the complainant said that he was not engaged in the business of selling country liquor. However, he would occasionally travel on a scooter with his cousin, Ajay, who is conducting bootlegging activities.

The complainant alleged that the accused police constable assumed that the complainant was also involved in the liquor trade and demanded money from him as well on that basis.

The complainant alleged that the constable demanded a monthly payment of Rs 12,000, claiming that the amount was meant as Rs 4,000 each for himself and two other police personnel in return for allowing unhindered movement through the Vivekanandnagar Police Station jurisdiction.

The complainant stated that he had already paid Rs 6,000 earlier and was asked to pay the remaining Rs 6,000 on August 4.

Unwilling to make the second payment, the complainant approached the Anand Anti-Corruption Bureau Police Station and lodged a complaint.

Acting on the complaint, the ACB organised a trap. During the operation, investigators alleged that the accused engaged in the agreed conversation with the complainant before accepting the remaining Rs 6,000.

He was apprehended immediately after allegedly receiving the money, and the amount was recovered by the ACB.

The alleged offence took place on the public road from Hathijan Circle towards Khatraj village, near the four-road junction at Badodara village in Daskroi taluka of Ahmedabad district.

The ACB has alleged that the constable misused his position as a public servant by demanding and accepting illegal gratification, amounting to criminal misconduct under the applicable anti-corruption laws.

The trap was carried out by R.N. Virani, Police Inspector at Anand ACB Police Station, along with his team.

–IANS

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Bhubaneswar, Aug 4 (IANS) In a significant development, the Odisha Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Department on Tuesday signed ten Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with different organisations, aiming to strengthen healthcare services, medical education, research and infrastructure in the state.

The organisations include Gujarat’s I-HUB, The Antara Foundation (TAF), All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Health Systems Transformation Platform, Centre for Emergency and Trauma Care of AIIMS Delhi, Paediatric Cardiac Care of Amrita Hospital in Kochi, Quality Council of India for NABL accreditations of Medical College and Hospital/District Headquarters Hospital labs, Transaction Advisory Services Agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for scientific drug warehousing network, and Kaivalya Education Foundation for Project SWASTH.

Describing the occasion as a historic day for the Health Department, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the department has entered into ten strategic partnerships aimed at improving various aspects of healthcare delivery in Odisha.

Mahaling said the MoU with AIIMS Delhi’s Centre for Emergency and Trauma Care would facilitate the development of one medical college at a district headquarters as a Centre of Excellence for Trauma Care, significantly strengthening trauma care services across the state.

He added that the collaboration with the All India Institute of Ayurveda would promote Ayurveda-based treatment systems and medicines developed under India’s traditional knowledge system.

He said the partnership with Gujarat’s I-HUB would promote startups, innovation and improved teaching methodologies in medical education.

He further stated that through the Quality Council of India, laboratories in district headquarters hospitals and sub-divisional hospitals would receive NABL accreditation, leading to improved quality standards and diagnostic services.

“This is a major step by the government to improve the healthcare system for the people and advance medical education. Similarly, rest houses will be established in six medical colleges and hospitals of the state, and relatives accompanying patients will benefit from a safe and convenient accommodation system,” said Mahaling.

He also said free health camps would be organised in remote areas for screening children with congenital heart diseases (CHD). Under the agreement with Amrita Hospital, Kochi, children in Odisha suffering from congenital heart disease would receive completely free surgeries, interventional cardiac procedures, post-operative treatment and follow-up care.

The Minister further said the agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, would support the development of a state-wide climate-smart drug warehousing network. In addition, MoUs signed with Kaivalya Education Foundation under Project SWASTH are expected to strengthen healthcare services, research and infrastructure in the state.

On the occasion, the Minister also virtually inaugurated upgraded infrastructure for the Tele-MANAS service at the second floor of the Institute of Mental Health building at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.

–IANS

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Amaravati, Aug 4 (IANS) The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday decided to extend subsidised electricity to aqua farmers located in non-aqua zones from this month.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to provide electricity to farmers in non-aqua zones at the same subsidised rate of Rs 1.50 per unit that is currently available in designated aqua zones.

He instructed officials to implement the decision from this month. The move is expected to benefit around 12,500 aqua farmers across the state.

Reviewing challenges in the aqua sector, the Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a special action plan to control shrimp feed prices.

He said the State government is in discussions with the Centre to reduce fish meal exports by 50 per cent and instructed officials to ensure that shrimp feed prices remain stable until the Centre takes a decision.

The Chief Minister reviewed the impact of El Niño, deficient rainfall, crop cultivation and water resources with officials at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

He directed officials and public representatives to reach every farmer in the state with the El Niño Mitigation Action Plan, explaining the government’s initiatives as well as alternative cultivation strategies that farmers should adopt. He instructed officials to launch farmer awareness programmes from August 7.

In view of forecasts indicating below-normal rainfall across the state until October due to El Niño, the Chief Minister stressed the need to encourage farmers to adopt suitable contingency plans.

He directed officials to educate farmers on the opportunities available under the PMDS cultivation system and provide them with clear guidance on managing severe weather conditions such as El Niño.

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to disseminate timely field-level information through the Rythu App. He noted that while rainfall has declined, the cultivated area has increased, and directed departments to align their action plans with these changing ground realities.

He emphasised the effective implementation of the El Niño Effect Mitigation Action Plan and instructed that livestock fodder management should also be integrated with the VBG Ram G programme.

Naidu directed officials to implement a support price of Rs 10 per kilogram for off-style tobacco from Wednesday. He instructed officials to procure 94 million kilograms of off-style tobacco, which is expected to benefit around 44,000 farmers.

He also directed the formation of a five-member committee comprising representatives of the State government, the Tobacco Board and farmers to monitor and review implementation.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that 48.27 million kilograms of FCV tobacco have already been procured. To support tobacco growers further, the Chief Minister instructed officials to launch a scheme providing loans of Rs 50,000 per tobacco curing barn (barrel).

Naidu also directed officials to expedite plans to develop Rayalaseema as a horticulture hub and announced that 201 horticulture clusters would be launched shortly.

–IANS

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Jaipur, Aug 4 (IANS) Rajasthan Minister of State for Forests and Environment (Independent Charge) Sanjay Sharma on Tuesday reviewed preparations for Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit to Alwar on August 16.

During a meeting held at the Saras Dairy auditorium, Sharma assessed the readiness of the venue and issued directions to officials to ensure the successful conduct of the programme.

The minister also inspected the event site and held detailed discussions with district officials regarding logistical arrangements, security measures, traffic management, and inter-departmental coordination.

Stressing the importance of timely execution, Sharma instructed officials to complete all preparations within the stipulated timeframe.

According to Sharma, Amit Shah is scheduled to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several development projects during his visit to Alwar. One of the key projects includes the foundation stone laying for a new three-lakh-litre capacity plant at Saras Dairy, aimed at strengthening the dairy sector and expanding milk processing infrastructure in the region.

Reviewing the proposed programme, Sharma directed officials to work in close coordination to ensure seamless arrangements for the high-profile visit. He emphasised that all departments should maintain regular communication and complete assigned responsibilities well before the scheduled event.

The minister also instructed officials to make comprehensive security arrangements at the venue in accordance with protocols for the visit of the Union Home Minister.

He directed that adequate parking facilities be created at designated locations to accommodate visitors and officials while ensuring that normal traffic movement in and around the venue remains smooth and uninterrupted.

Special emphasis was laid on crowd management, public convenience, and coordination between the police, district administration, and other concerned departments. Sharma said every aspect of the programme should be planned meticulously so that the event is conducted efficiently and without inconvenience to the public.

Officials from the district administration and other departments were present during the review meeting and inspection. They briefed the minister on the progress of preparations and assured him that all necessary arrangements would be completed on schedule ahead of the proposed visit.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 4 (IANS) The Lakhpati Didi scheme, operating under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to help women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is yielding significant results in Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch, as many are becoming part of the welfare scheme.

Many women, who joined the SHGs have engaged themselves in wide range of ventures, ranging from grocery and general stores to flour mills, poultry farms, RO plants, ‘Didi Cafes’, and fair-price shops.

According to official estimates, about 3,850 women have become latest members of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative.

Lakhpati Didi initiative is a central scheme, being implemented in the states and Union Territories with the objective to improving the livelihoods of poor rural households.

It focusses on individual SHG women and empowers them by engaging them with SHGs, village Organisations (VOs) and other institutions.

As more and more women in Neemuch take the path to self-reliance, the success stories are unfolding for all to see, as they take to various ventures and turn them into source of livelihood.

Rajendra Kumar Chauhan, Development Block Manager of Neemuch said, “So far, 1,287 Self-Help Groups (SHGs), 118 Village Organisations, and 12 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) have been formed in the Neemuch development block. Through bank linkages, these groups have been provided loans of Rs 1.50 lakh in the first phase, Rs 3 lakh in the second phase, and up to Rs 6 lakh in the third phase. Additionally, support is being extended to these groups through the Revolving Fund (RF) and Community Investment Fund (CIF) to help them initiate economic activities.”

He also added that when the benefits of government schemes reach women, the impact extends beyond mere financial aid, it becomes a catalyst for transforming the economic landscape of their families and society.

Krishna Keer from Ugran village shared that after joining the ‘Jai Bhawani Self-Help Group’ in 2021, she received financial assistance which enabled her to open a general merchandise shop.

She began stocking the shop with items such as sarees, children’s ready-made clothing, general store goods, and footwear.

In 2023, she was given the opportunity to operate a PDS (Public Distribution System) shop. Today, the income generated from both the shop and the PDS outlet has completely transformed her financial situation.

From being a homemaker, she is earning in thousands every month. She encourages more women to join Self-Help Groups and avail themselves of the benefits offered by these schemes.

Annu Bairwa from Dunglawada village told IANS that she began her journey by joining the Shri Ganesh Self-Help Group.

Under the Cash Credit Limit (CCL) scheme, she received loans of Rs 1.50 lakh, followed by Rs 3 lakh, and subsequently Rs 6 lakh.

With this financial support, she started a grocery store and improved her family’s financial standing.

By saving from her earnings, Annu also helped her husband set up a welding and lathe machine business. Today, the couple works together to increase the family income and provide a better education for their children.

Sharda Bai from Changera village said that she is a member of the Jai Maa Vaishnavi Self-Help Group. She started a small shop using a loan obtained from the group and from being a homemaker, she has now become a job-giver.

–IANS

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Kolkata, Aug 4 (IANS) State Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Tuesday said that an app-based parking system will soon be launched in Kolkata to stop the menace of illegal parking and unauthorised cash transactions.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is taking this initiative to bring transparency to the entire issue, said the minister.

She made it clear that no kind of parking irregularities will be tolerated. Cars should be parked in specific parking spaces identified by the municipal corporation, and parking anywhere else will not be allowed.

“Kolkata Police has identified about 15,000 parking spaces under the municipal corporation area. Out of these, 10,000 have already been listed. The rest will be reviewed and added to the list. Cars or bikes should be parked in the listed parking spaces,” said the minister.

Paul also said that the municipal corporation will introduce an app-based system to maintain transparency and eliminate complications in parking. She informed that Kolkata Police is developing the app.

According to the minister, parking fees will be collected through the app to discourage cash transactions. “There will be a list of parking fees at each identified parking space. The list will also mention how much money will be paid per hour for a given car. There will be specific staff at the parking lot,” she said.

Each staff member must wear specific clothing and have a photo ID. At the same time, cars and bikes cannot be parked on the sidewalk.

Earlier in December 2023, then Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim announced the launch of a new app to solve the problem of illegal parking. He had said that the Transport Department, Kolkata Police and KMC would be simultaneously involved in the new technology.

The Transport Department would be able to know if the app detected car parking anywhere in Kolkata. That information would also go to the KMC and the police. A message mentioning any fine would be sent to the car owner’s mobile phone based on the car number.

At that time, Hakim had said that the owner of the vehicle concerned would have to deposit the illegal parking fine within seven days. If the car owner did not deposit the fine, the fine amount for that vehicle would increase. If the fine was not deposited within a year, it would also create obstacles in getting the vehicle’s clearance certificate at the end of the year. However, the initiative did not start for various reasons.

–IANS

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