Poor Air Quality Grips Six Urban Areas in Odisha, Raises Health Concerns

Bhubaneswar: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has flagged the air quality in six urban areas of Odisha as “very poor”. Cities including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Balasore, Baripada, Keonjhar, and Rairangpur have been categorized under the “very poor” air quality by the CPCB. According to CPCB data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 311 in Bhubaneswar,…

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Rare Pseudo-Melanistic Tigers Captured on Camera in Odisha Forest

Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable discovery, at least four rare pseudo-melanistic tigers were recently spotted in a forest in Odisha. Odisha’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Susanta Nanda, renowned for sharing captivating images and information about wildlife, took to social media to share a video showcasing these extraordinary tigers. Sharing the video on social media,…

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Over 11 Lakh Migratory Birds Flock to Nalabana in Chilika

Bhubaneswar: The annual headcount of migratory birds in and around Chilika Lake for the fiscal year 2023-24 concluded today evening, revealing a remarkable influx of 11,37,759 avian guests representing 187 different species to Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, according to sources from the Forest Department. Conducted across five Forest ranges—Balugaon, Chilika, Tangi, Satapada, and Rambha—in…

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Bhitarkanika National Park to Remain Close for Annual Crocodile Census from Jan 5

Kendrapada: In preparation for the yearly census of saltwater crocodiles, Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Kendrapada district will enforce a nine-day restriction on tourist entry starting this Friday. A dedicated team of 22 enumerators, supported by trained local forest staff and herpetologists, including renowned crocodile researcher Sudhakar Kar, will cover the river system, creeks, water…

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Odisha Launches ‘Plastic Free Picnic’ Campaign to Curb Plastic Pollution at Tourist Spots

Bhubaneswar: Responding to the global challenges posed by the extensive use of single-use plastics and disposable items, the government of Odisha has launched a dedicated awareness initiative, the ‘Plastic Free Picnic’ campaign. The program aims to educate students, youth, and the general public about making major picnic spots across the state free from plastic waste….

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Namdapha Flying Squirrel Emerges After 42-Year Absence in Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar: After an absence of 42 years, the Namdapha flying squirrel (Biswamoyopterus biswasi) has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant wildlife event. Initially documented in 1981 based on a solitary individual found in the Namdapha Tiger Reserve, the elusive mammal had eluded zoologists during subsequent expeditions, leading to speculation about its status. Teams…

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Chief Secretary of Odisha Urges Plastic-Free Picnics for a Greener Tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: As the season for picnics approaches, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena urges the residents of the state to embrace eco-friendly practices by having a plastic-free picnic. To further this initiative, the State Pollution Control Board and the ‘Youth for Water’ social organization are jointly spearheading a comprehensive statewide awareness campaign titled ‘Plastic Free Picnic.’…

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BMC Deploys Gambusia fish to Combat Malaria and Dengue

Bhubaneswar: With reports of dengue cases emerging in various areas of the city, in a proactive measure to curb the proliferation of malaria and dengue, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has released Western Gambusia fish into four significant drains across the capital city. The decision to introduce Gambusia fish into water bodies was carried out…

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Odisha Plans Extensive Palm Tree Plantation to deal Ecological resilience

Bhubaneswar: The Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department of Odisha have devised an extensive Tala Tree plantation initiative along the demarcated forest block perimeters during the upcoming planting seasons of 2024-25 and 2025-26. “Palm trees serve a dual purpose, acting not only as natural lightning arresters but also as protective barriers along the forest block…

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