Displacement Throes Echo In Kalinga Nagar,Talcher In Odisha, To Africa

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Former Chief Minister of Odisha Biju Patnaik laid the foundation stone of Kalinga Nagar Industrial Area in Jajpur district on May 10, 1992 for setting up of the second steel plant in the state after Rourkela Steel Plant. Over 18 steel, cement and chemical industries have been established in Kalinga Nagar making it the largest industrial hub not only in Odisha but in eastern India. Thirty three years have elapsed since late Biju Patnaik laid the foundation stone of Kalinga Nagar,but the legendary figure would be watching from the heaven that his efforts to make Odisha an industrial leader in the country has come to nought as thousands of villagers are yet to be rehabilitated with due compensation who have sacrificed everthing for the development of Odisha as well as the country. The oustees of Tangarsahi, Arasahi, Kacherigaon and Kudumisahi of different panchayats in Jajpur district are still waiting for 33 years to get  compensation.

The people in Kalinga Nagar are not the sole sufferers of industrialization. In Odisha's Sambalpur district, the displaced person following the construction of Hirakud Dam, the largest clay dam in the world, are yet to get their dues. Likewise, the oustees in Rengali and Talcher coalmines in Angul district of the state, are resorting to agitations to get their compensation, but the government has not taken enough measures to provide them even homestead land, let alone jobs for their sustenance. The double-edged sword of development has forced scores of families to lose their home and hearth. The eastern state of Odisha is gifted with natural and mineral resources, but the tribal and marginalized sections of the society have paid a heavy price for development.

Odisha's displacement throes can be compared with and similar global patterns in countries like US, Germany, France and Africa.The Hirakud Dam was constructed in 1950s in Sambalur district and it submerged over 300 villages displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Hirakud is India's first post-Independent mega dam project and a similar dam project like Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in US can be compared with ours in terms of displacement. Over 15000 families were ousted for the construction of hydel power at Hirakud. The construction of such mega projects are always beneficial to national development, but neither Odisha nor the Central government in India cared little about cultural or social costs. While the American government has provided the oustees some relief in the form of housing, education and employment, in the case of Hirakud, neither Odisha nor Indian governments ever took a decision to provide basic facilities to the displaced persons even after several years of completion of the projects.  

The Rengali reservoir was built in 1980s over river Brahmani in Angul district. Over fifty thousand people were displaced as their houses were submerged due to the construction of the dam. They were yet to be rehabilitated with proper compensation. Similar projects in Ghana and Ethiopia in Africa have trigerred displacement issues ousting a great number of people. Reports said Africa's Akosombo project of 1965 had displaced over 80,000 people. They are yet to get compensation.Twelve tribals were killed in police firing in Kalinga Nagar in Odisha during an agitation in 2006 who demanded compensation in the form of housing and employment. There are numerous instances how climate protesters are suppressed with lathis and guns by vested interest groups in government machinery. The use of police is a common method of silencing protesters who urge the governments to look into their grievances.

The Open Cast coal mine in Talcher area resembles an artificial lake at a place where human habitation was once thriving 

Talcher-Africa Case Comparision:

The Talcher case of displacement in Odisha can be compared with with Nigeria where people suffer from the oil curse. Although coal mines are useful for economic development, a large number of people have been rendered homeless due to open cast mines in Talcher in Angul district since 1970s. They are living in hell like situation with pollution all around and contracting asthma and other respiratory ailments. Cobalt and lithium mining activities in Democratic Republic of Congo has left thousands of people displaced. The displaced person are deprived of basic facilities and due compensation like the people in Talcher who have lost everything for the economic development of their country.

Social Impact Assessment:

In US it is mandatory to prepare Social Impact Assessment(SIA) before acquisition. In Germany and France, there are referendums before acquisition issues crop up. But, in Odisha Gram Sabhas and Palli Sabhas which are village level committees of Panchayats, rarely enjoy the power to nullify the decision taken by the government of the day for setting up a project, be it a dam or any power plant. The powers that be are allegedly little concerned about the oustees' problem.    

What Odisha Should Learn?

The government and other agencies in Odisha always treat displacements as a collateral damage to development or industrialization. But, they should understand that people of Odisha can proudly declare that their state has progressed due to rapid industrialization if the displaced families were given due compensation. The companies must stay away from human rights abuses by denying basic facilities to the families after acquiring their home and hearth and other landed property.  It is meaningless if the displaced families do not take pride declaring that they have contributed to the development of the nation by giving their land to the industries or coalmines. The true progress lies with the satisfaction of those who have contributed their land for such projects.The displaced families will love Odisha as their homeland and will no longer curse the governments that they are responsible for their miseries and privation for not providing them compensation they deserve.

Pollution Responsible For Kidney Disease In Sambalpur, Angul Districts Of Odisha

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Highly industrial districts like Sambalpur, Angul and Dhenkanal in Odisha have become hotspots for kidney ailments. The Veer Surendra Sai Institute Of Medical Sciences And Research(VIMSAR) in Sambalpur, which is catering to the healthcare facility of Western Odisha along with Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, has come out with a report that the number of patients suffering from kidney disease is on the rise. Such patients from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are also making a beeline to Sambalpur to get treatment at VIMSAR due its proximity with their states. According to VIMSAR, the dialysis of patients suffering from kidney complications, has recorded a three fold increase during 2020–2024. While statistics pointed out that one in twenty adults aged over 40 in Angul district suffered from chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2024, the groundwater of nearly forty percent of the villages situated close to industrial concerns in Dhenkanal district is contaminated that triggers kidney related diseases. This statistics have been revealed by the public health department (PHD) recently.

The above mentioned districts of Sambalpur, Angul and Dhenkanal are mineral-rich with huge coal deposits and regarded as the power house of India generating electricity and supplying power to a number of states in India. The power behemoth National Thermal Power Corporations(NTPC) situated in Kaniha in Angul district is generating power from coal. The coalmines in Talcher, Kaniha and Chhendipada regions ensure raw material to the thermal power project. In addition to this, these districts houses National Aluminium Company(NALCO), Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) and a number of ancillary industries. The smoke belching chimneys of power plants have contaminated air and water of the region apart from producing high decibel sound inimical for human health. The Directorate of Health Services report of Odisha said that out of 5957 patients registered in the state in 2024, Sambalpur district alone has alone has a share of 1134, the highest in the state, followed by 1077 in Cuttack and 377 in Koraput districts. The report said Gajapati district has recorded 57 kidney patients,  the lowest in Odisha. According to the report of Regional Research Laboratory in Bhubaneswar, the Mahanadi River basin area is known for being associated with kidney ailments with a large number of patients coming from Cuttack district. But, Sambalpur district has surpassed Cuttack recently, the report added.

Environmental Pollution:

The thermal power plants, aluminium smelters, steel factories and coal mines in Angul and Dhenkanal and Sambalpur districts contribute to contamination of air and water following emission of effluents which contain radioactive elements dangerous for human health. The waste materials in the form of heavy metals, fly ash and other chemicals pollute air, water as well as soil. The Odisha State Pollution Control Board report in 2023 said groundwater samples collected from industrial regions like Talcher and Jharsuguda showed the presence of dangerous substances like lead, cadmium and other chemicals.

Ignorance

VIMSAR sources said villagers have little knowledge about the dreaded disease. They come to hospitals very late with most of them already reaching stage four or five. They ignore symptoms like fatigue and swelling and by time they consult doctors, it is too late for treatment. The physicians at VIMSAR emphasized that the priority should be given to awareness programmes mostly in rural regions of Odisha and particularly in Sambalpur-Angul-Dhenkanal belt to bring home the point that early detection can be beneficial and negligence will be fatal.  

Global Trends:

The Central American states have been reporting Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) among sugarcane workers who work in comparatively hot and humid conditions. Exposure to pesticides and heat stress are often the contributory factors for such disease. We can compare this scenario with Odisha in its rural regions where field workers toil under similar climatic conditions. As Odisha’s industrial regions suffers from dumping of effluents and there is little effective management of coal ash and other pollution prevention regimen, the people in Ghana and Nigeria are also exposed to the similar environment where contamination of water in slums is horrible. Countries like France and Germany have the lowest CKD due to early detection. Medical practitioners in France are given incentives for conducting regular kidney function tests at different centres for those who are affected with diabetes and hypertension. Germany has strictest environmental laws where coal plants are required to recycle most part of their fly ash to get a zero liquid discharge certificate by the government.

 Indian Govt's Initiative:

The Central Government's initiative under the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme for conduct of health camps and setting up of dialysis units in different regions have shown results. But, shortage of nephrologists, lack of early CKD detection and lack of awareness among people, particularly among rural populace, has put hindrances on the noble initiative, health experts maintained.

Call For Action:

Government must conduct water testing programmes in highly industrial regions in Odisha along with mobile health units for early CKD detection in rural areas where awareness level about the ailment is low. As part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the industries in Angul-Talcher-Dhenkanal and Sambalpur region must provide clean drinking water facilities to the people and conduct nephrology camps at regular intervals for early detection of the disease and subsequent medication. The services of Accredited Social Health Activists(ASHAs) in India, who are female community health workers acting as a bridge between community and public health system, and the school teachers, should be roped in for conducting awareness campaigns in the affected regions giving them proper advise to deal with the disease and early detection of the ailment for possible treatment.

Odisha must learn from France and Germany with the emphasis on early detection of the ailment and stricter pollution control measures. The services of NGOs and other community based institutions in the country should be roped in to tackle such a menace. The NGOs must be encouraged to conduct nephrology camps to effectively control the spread of the disease.

Environmentalists in Angul and Dhenkanal districts are of the opinion that the spread of kidney related complications is not only a health crisis, but an ecological and human rights issue. They maintained that building medical colleges in Odisha will not solve the crisis, rather the government of the day must enforce strictest regulation for banishing environmental pollution. The environmentalists said the kidney crisis in Odisha needs urgent attention and this problem must be nipped in the bud before it poses a greater challenge to the administration and takes the form of a health disaster in a few years.

The patients suffering from kidney diseases should know that Dialysis is not a cure, but the patients will remain alive till a kidney transplant is done. The waste products are removed through Dialysis as the kidneys are no longer able to function properly and dialysis acting as an artificial replacement for lost kidneys.

Why Nobel Laureate Yunus Has Failed To Establish Democracy In Bangladesh?

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

International observers, especially of south Asian countries, believed that Bangladesh will be back in track following the exit of Sheikh Hasina from power and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus heading the interim government as advisor. But, Bangladesh is still in the grip of turmoil and anti-India, anti-Hindu violence has become an everyday happening. The establishment of a liberal government in Bangladesh seems to be a far cry and Yunus has belied all the hopes for materializing the goal. 

Allegations are rife and critics also argue that Yunus is trying to cling to anti-India and anti-Hindu stance and allegedly hobnobbing with pro-Pakistani elements like Jamaat-e-Islami to stay in power. His attitude has become evident after he was on record threatening India with a war and indulging in India bashing whenever the opportunity comes. Ever since Yunus took over as the advisor to the interim government in Bangladesh, the one thing to which he has given topmost attention is his foreign jaunts. He has already visited ten countries in the nine months and it will not be surprising if he embarks on more foreign visits to garner support from Western nations to cling to power.The Awami League leders of Bangladesh have leveled serious charges against Yunus who has been enjoying Western connections and particularly with leaders of US Demoratic party. They are of the opinion that Yunus is consistently pursuing his links with Western leaders to protect him from corruption charges and subsequent investigations by governments in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Army Chief Wakrul Jamal has gone on record expressing his dissatisfaction over the functioning of the caretaker government. The Army Chief has asked the government to conduct general election at the earliest but Yunus is currently busy on foreign trips grossly undermining the pressing issues relating to social, economic and political spheres in the country. The military is believed to be upset over the caretaker government's decision to dole out the Martin Island in Bangladesh to US for serving its interest. The economy is in a shambles with high inflation rate, the growth down from five percent to 3.5 and employment sector in crisis. Observers in Bangladesh see Jamal's displeasure as a bad omen for the country, given its past record of military coups. Critics who have a fair knowledge of Bangladesh affairs maintained that given the ongoing street violence and unrest in country, it will not be surprising if there will be reemergence of the situation that occurred way back in 1970, when the student strike had laid the path to birth of a new nation. Previously Bangladesh was known as east Pakistan.

Given the state of affairs through which Bangladesh going presently and the attitude of interim government headed by Yunus, it will not be surprising if the general elections are postponed till the middle of 2026 and Bagladesh might go for elections in December 2025 as demanded by political parties as well as the military. Bangladesh's Awami League members have alleged that Yunus is shying away from taking action against anti-Hindu and anti-India factions by maintaining silence on Hindu baiting.This has encouraged attacks on Hindu minority in Bangladesh. Their houses were attacked,properties gutted and family member being lynched in public, but the interim government headed by Yunus is doing precious little to save them from the disaster. This is quite unbecoming of a person who is a Nobel laureate, intellectual and a global icon, maintaining silence on anti-India and anti-Hindu violence and hesitate to come forward to condemn the act.

Who Is Muhammad Yunus?

Muhammad Yunus, born in 1940, shot into limelight for his Grameen Bank concept of microcredit through which he introduced poverty alleviation programmes that benefited scrores of people living in Bangladesh in utter poverty. Yunus was awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2006.The ruling Awami League has treated Yunus with suspicion as he harbours political ambitions and once tried to form a political party with military backing a year after he got the Nobel Prize.

The relationship between Yunus and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government was sour after the former's sacking as managing director of Grameen Bank in 2011. Although supporters of Yunus alleged that it was political vendetta, Bangladesh government denied accusation thoroughly. The Sheikh Hasina government even alleged that Yunus had prevailed upon the Western players including US and the World Bank to deny funding for some projects in the country. The government labeled Yunus as someone who is against the development of Bangladesh using his stature as a Nobel laureate. Although Yunus is acclaimed internationally for his microfinance and poverty alleviation programmes, his standing in Bangladesh has always remained fluid. He has been accused of undermining the interest of the country and encouraging foreign elements to play a role in Bangladesh affairs and distancing itself from India, its traditional friend.

Impact On Indo-Bangla Ties:

The Indian government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ties with Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh is always cordial as she has contained the Islamic extremism and cross-border terrorism against India. But, critics alleged that Yunus is following an ambiguous policy and allegedly not tring to contain anti-India and anti-Hindu stance by pro-Pakistani elements in Bangladesh. They argued that it is a known fact that although Yunus has little role in curating policies for Bangladesh, he is globally acclaimed as an intellectual and therefore seems to be in a position to influence the foreign actors. It has always been India's priority to have a good neighbourly relationship with Bangladesh and India would never want the formation of another Pakistan in the eastern sector that will be inimical to its interest. India is already fed up with Pakistan and has been praying the price in the form of terrorism since division in 1947. Whatever be the situation, the allegations that Yunus has a dubious personality, has created diplomatic discomfort for India.

The Indian leaders, especially the ruling clique, seem to be worried about the Nobel laureate's hobnobbing with pro-Pakistani parties in Bangladesh, and not buying the idea of the Yunus defenders that there were not enough inkling that he has an anti-India stance. His defenders argued that as Yunus is not holding public office, influencing state policy on different matters including communal or diplomatic is not tenable and for this reason, he should not be held accountable for which he is remotely concerned.

They argued that Yunus has promoted economic empowerment of many Hindus and minorities benefiting from Grameen Bank ’s microcredit programs for poverty alleviation. How a person can be termed as communal when he has dedicated his entire career for banishing poverty and hunger? they argued. His supporters further argued that Yunus has become an eyesore for his world wide acclaimation, intellectual standing and criticism of governance. India's foremost interest has always been to ensure stability in Bangladesh. Because, India has already acquired a sparring partner, Pakistan,to its misfortune, which is indulging in cross border terrorism by  killing hundreds of innocent people every year. And, it never wants Bangladesh to go in Pak way. The recent incident in Pehelgam in Kashmir was barbaric as Pak trained terrorists killed innocent people in broad daylight on the basis of religion.

 

Will US Trade Threats Dampen India's Viswa Guru Vision?

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The tariff strategy by the Trump administration has received a jolt after a trade court in US has ruled that the US President has gone out of his way to impose taxes on countries including India which is beyond his authority. The court said President Donald Trump has overstepped his authority by using his emergency powers in the name of economy.

Trumps's aggressive economic policy and trade war with China has become a cause for concern among the international community and of late India has also been targeted by Trump himself despite his announcement that PM Modi is one of his best friends. It is worthwhile to mention here that during his earlier presidency (2016–2020), events like Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump in US and India were sufficient enough to sent message across the world about the level, quality and weight of the friendship Modi and Trump had nutrured. True, Indians were enamoured that Modi's friendship with Trump, the most powerful ruler of the world, will bring in efflorescence to the country economically and militarily.

But, the US role after the events following the cold-blooded killings of innocent people in Pehalgam in Kashmir by Pak trained terrorists and India's airstrikes at selected terror hideouts in Pakistan is unfathomable. India continued its military operations against the terrorists in Pakistan for four days relentlessly, but the abrupt ceasefire when India had the upper hand, at the behest of American President, was not easily digested by Indians. Before India could declare the ceasefire, President Trump in his X Post(Twitter) said his administration had burnt the midnight oil for days for brokering a truce, took all Indians by surprise. In fact, most Indians and the world came to know about the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after going through President Trump's X Post which was on the air a few hours before Indian government actually declared the ceasefire.

After his X Post in which he mentioned that he mediated over Kashmir issue, President Trump even did not stop and go on saying that trade threat to both India and Pakistan worked well. During his Saudi visit, President Trump even went on the record saying Vice President Vance and foreign secretary actually brokered the deal between India and Pakistan and trade threat was at the top.

This is known to all that the US President's 'America First' policy which he has been pursuing from the first tenure during his presidency (2016–2020) has resulted in the flaunting of sheer highhandedness ignoring the interest of other nations especially India. It is hard to believe what sort of friendship is flourishing between Trump and Modi when Indians are sent back home handcuffed and stuffed in an airplane for hours allegedly without basic arrangements.

Recently, Trump has bluntly asked Apple's CEO Tim Cook not to carry out its operations in India. He virtually ordered Apple that it must not build its products in India and if it disobeys the diktat then be prepared to face the music. Although Apple is yet to abide by his instructions, it is widely believed that Trump has a clear intention of connecting his broader trade or tariff war with India also.

The iPhone market in India is already on the upsurge and the American Tech giant Apple has already stepped up its production with a view to manufacture around 25% of global iPhones in the country.

 The Wall Street Journal report said Trump administration is considering temporary tariffs of up to 15% on various global goods for 150 days after the initial setback by a federal court asking the President to act within the limit and stay away from abusing emergency powers. But, the report is yet to be confirmed.

The Wall Street Journal report said Trump administration is pursuing a backup plan to continue its tariff policy following the adverse decision by the trade court. It is believed that Trump’s team has started exploring alternative approach to carry on their tariff war and the trade agenda.

The aggressive tariff policies by US in the name of America First and economic nationalism has sparked trade wars with China and this action has a potential blowback on India also. The high tariff has not only alarmed global markets, but also has given an unexpected twist to US-India relationship following President Trump's orders to Apple to wind up its business in India.

Trump started his America First policy during his first presidency (2016–2020) imposing heavy tariffs on Chinese goods with a view to whittle down US trade deficit and create more jobs for the Americans in the manufacturing sector. If we analyze his 2025 tariff policy, then he has already proposed a 10 per cent duty on all imports and more imposition of sixty to one hundred percent on Chinese products.

Will India Suffer?

It is believed that India is not directly targeted by Trump administration, but caught between US-China trade war. The global tech company, Apple, has deserted China and is currently working with Indian manufacturers in Chennai. This will create a huge upsurge in job market bringing billions in Foreign Direct Investment. But, Trump's decision to close down operations in India has severely jeopardized the prospects.

If Apple pulls out of India, then this will destroy India’s manufacturing ecosystem severely hitting country's employment markets in southern Indian states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This will demolish India's export front which is hoping to become a global export hub for electronics in the years to come. The proposed high tariffs will make Indian products less competitive in US market.

In the light of Trump's trade war, it is high time that India, especially the Modi government, should take measures to pursue diplomacy with both Republican and Democratic circles in Washington. The Indian government must tie-up with US corporate sector for expansion of operations in the country. Therefore, a clear FDI policy will do well to attract the US corporates.

Options For India:

India should learn from this threat. Countries are increasingly using economic power as a geopolitical weapon for pursuing their big brotherly attitude. This is a warning, but opportunities are hidden within if properly understood. Indian policy makers must understand this possibility. The Modi dispensation in Delhi has been trumpeting for years that India will become a Viswa Guru( World Leader)in future, but this will remain as an wishful thinking if India fails to retain investors' confidence through expansion of multilateral trade.

Covid Returns To Odisha, State On High Alert

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Covid has returned to the state nearly after three years with six persons being affected with the dreaded disease. Health officials in the Odisha are a worried lot as resurgence of the disease has occurred at a time when the production of lifesaving vaccines like Covishield and Covaxin has been stopped since 2021 and 2022 respectively.

The Covishield was manufactured under licence from AstraZeneca by Serum Institute of India and country's first indigenous Covid vaccine was developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research. Indian health ministry said people should not panic as there is enough stockpile of vaccines. It may be recalled that nearly one billion people were vaccinated with either Covishield or Covaxin following outbreak of Coronavirus.The health experts,however, maintained that there is nothing to fear as those who have already got vaccinated in the past year might retain some degree of protection against illness. They are of the views that the rentention will work even if they are newly contracted. Reports said nearly 1000  active cases were recorded from cities like Lucknow, Mumbai, Varanasi and states like Karnataka and Arunachal Pradesh. India is witnessing surge in COVID cases, a total of 1,010 actives cases as on May 27, 2025. The situation in Karnataka is alarming as the state records 40 positive cases. Reports said though the situation in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Odisha has worried health officials of these states to certain extent, the preparedness to tackle the upsurge of Covid is satisfactory.

Odisha Situation:

The state has reported six new cases this month and first case is of a 75-year-old man. His case was detected in a private hospital in Bhubaneswar. Places like Khurda and the capital city Bhubaneswar also reported Covid cases. Director of Public Health, Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, has said that there is nothing to panic and added that the affected persons are being treated effectively.

According to Health Director Bijay Mohapatra, the infrastructure is fully geared up to meet the eventuality and added that the healthcare system is at the right place do deliver the goods.Free healthcare services launched by the government through erstwhile Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) card, now renamed as Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY), by present BJP dispensation in Bhubaneswar has come as a boon to nealy 70 lakh families in the state. The scheme offers annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakhs per family and the female members of the family entitled to get Rs 7 lakh.

Reports said the state health wing is geared up to handle coronavirus cases by conducting mock drills to prepare for the eventuality. All the hospitals across the state have been asked to keep ready and in  working condition of all the oxygen lines and ventilation systems along with essential kits like personal protective equipment and medications.

Awareness Initiatives By Odisha:

The government has already embarked upon awareness drives in different regions across the state to educate citizens to wear masks and keep themselves at safe distance from affected persons. The senior citizens and children are advised not to visit crowded areas and never hesitate to take early medication if they feel uneasy anytime. The government has further advised the general public to avoid huge gatherings such as public functions or celebrations where there are too much huddling. Odisha health officials said the situation is under control even though new subvariants of Covid in the country has kept them in high alert. They emphasized on the strict adherence to Covid protocol and cooperation of the communities across the state for better management of the resurgence of the dreaded disease. It is the prime duty of the general public to remain neat and clean and stay indoor if necessary to keep the Corona at bay, they added.The health officials said the state has enough stockpile of vaccines and other equipments to tackle the situation and exhorted the general public to stay safe with all precautions.

Genesis Of COVID-19:

It all began in the Chinese city of Wuhan, located in the central region, in December 2019. Corona was initially dected as a pneumonia-like illness. It was believed that the Chinese wet markets are primarily responsible for the spread of Corona as many patients were taken ill after eating meat and other seafood. This phenomenon established the fact that Corona could spread from animal to human.

After a hue and cry worldover, China reluctantly notified World Health Organisation (WHO) on December 3, 2019 about the dreaded disease. Although China closed its wet markets and started disinfection, January 2020 saw the beginning of the spread of the dreaded virus to different contries forcing the governments to take lockdown measures.The first death linked to Coronavirus was reported from China by January 11, 2020 and withing a few day the virus created havoc in the central Chinese city of Wuhan and other nearby regions of the Communist-ruled country. Health experts by mid-January established the fact that the dreaded virus could spread from animal to human. Although several theories were advanced on the outbreak of the dreaded disease, scientists believed that the virus originated from bats.It was widely believed that the virus might have leaked from the Wuhan Institute of Virology that was studying coronaviruses. This theory gained momentum as the laboratory was located in Wuhan.

The Chinese city Wuhan was brought under lockdown on January 23, 2020 after more than 11 million people were affected and WHO declared Covid as a pandemic afterwards. The virus spread to different countries of the world by mid-2020. A high level delegation led by WHO visited Wuhan in 2021, the epicenter of Covid, and tried to investigate the origin of the virus. Although there were reports of non-cooperation by the Chinese officials for an impartial investigation into the spread of the killer disease, they later agreed for greatere transperancy after WHO and countries like US exerted pressure on China to give in for the cause of humanity. Although several theories are still doing the round, the actual origin of Coronavirus still remains a mystery even years after it surfaced. Virologists believed that it originated in Wuhan as some early cases being linked to wet markets but laboratory leaks are yet to be confirmed.

Precautions To Follow:

1.Pursue the habit of wearing a mask as was the wont during the outbreak of Coronavirus four years ago. This is a must while travelling in crowded vehicles and attending functions or marriage parties.

2. Thoroughly wash hands with soaps, handwashes and leave the foam for atleast for few minutes. Ensure that the sanitizer contain atleast sixty percent alchohol. One should wash hands as frequently as possible.

3. Social distancing is a must, stay safe from affected persons.

4. Always try to avoid touching face, eyes, nose and mouth as these are believed to be the entry points for the dreaded Coronavirus.

5.Try to disinfect your latches of doors, mobile phones and other electronic appliances of daily use.

6. Keep away from the affected persons at home and try to arrange a separate lavatory for use.

7. Take booster doses for extra safety

8. Regularly keep track of Coronavirus symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat and respiratory complications.

9. Confine yourself at home if affected.

10. Adhere to all the guidelines announced by the administration or government from time to time.

  

Why Odisha Is Vulnerable To Frequent Lightning Strikes?

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

The eastern Indian state, Odisha, which is prone to cyclones, is also vulnerable to lightning strikes due its tropical features.  As Odisha's climate is hot and humid, thunderstorms occur frequently during monsoon. This has acquired the status of a natural disaster equivalenet to cyclones in the state which has been ravaged a number of cylonic storms like Phailin, fani and a Super Cyclone in 1999. Statistics show that most of the deaths have occurred in the state due to lightning in the recent years. The farmers and daily laborers who work in the open air are the obvious victims.

Despite tragic loss of lives, the state government is yet to come out with a plan of action to deal with the situation. The government machinery has allegedly failed to live upto the preparedness to tackle the menace and successfully conduct awareness campaigns to put across the message to the public that thunderstorms are deadly most of the time. They should, therefore, take precautionary measures before going out for work during lightning strikes.

A large part of Odisha is now experiencing lightning strikes during monsoon like it did during hailstorms in the summer. There has been ever increasing threat to the populace and particularly that section of the community who are agricultural workers or peasants toiling day in and day out in open paddy fields.  During thundershowers it is virually impossible for the farmers to hide themselves in a safe place to escape from the wrath of lightning. Their immediate choice is a nearby mango orchard or big trees with huge canopies to save them from lashing rain and thunder. But, little do they know that they invite danger for themselves while taking shelter beneath the trees. Poor farmers do not have the idea that lightning usually hits the tallest in the area surrounded by paddy fields. The tall trees are prone to thunderbolts. The farmers become direct victim of the lightning as they have taken shelter under trees during thundershowers.

Despite a large number of deaths due to lightning strikes in Odisha, the government has allegedly failed to take up awareness measures to educate the agrarian community for taking precautionary steps to keep them safe during monsoon and summer seasons when there regions experience torrential rain accompanied by thunders.

The industrial districts of Angul and Dhenkanal in Odisha have bore the brunt of thunderbolts as 100 lives were lost in the past five years. This trend is likely to increase, voluntary workers who work in the forest ranges of theses districts said and added that lack of awareness campaigns by the district administrations has further exposed the people to danger.

Palm trees are ecofriendly and acts as natural shields to lightning strikes

Divisional Forest Officer, Dhenkanal, Sumit Kar said as many as eighty thousand palm trees have been planted around reserved forest areas which will act as natural shield for the people from lightning strikes living close to the forest locations. He said palm trees are equally beneficial for the the people and the environment. The palm trees protect people from being hit by lightning and reserve forests get natural fence, Kar said and added that ripe palms are favourite food for the jumbos. The elephants move to villages and human habitations due to shortage of food in the forest. The palm trees will solve the problem to a great extent, the forest officer said.

Although palm trees act as natural shields for the people from thunderbolts, timber mafias are on the prowl in these districts who chop down these trees overnight to smuggle the logs outside the state. The mafias earn huge profit by selling the logs and planks to buyers and firms outside the state. Villagers in Bedasasan, Basala and Sabalbhanga in Angul district said that outside agents who secretly land in villages where large number of palm trees are available. They choose the dark of the night discuss and settle deals with the owners of the palm trees at a good price. The timber mafia engaged cutters to chop down the trees and smuggle the product out of the villages at the dead of night to evade interception by forest staff.

Like Dhenkanal forest division, Angul forest division officials have also started awareness campaigns in different part of the district to advise people not to chop down or destroy palm trees in the region as these trees are ecofriendly and acts as natural shields to lightning strikes.  

Lightning Vs Climate Change:

It has now been established that global warming has something to do with lightning. According to scientific studies as the temperatures go up unexpectedly, this system increases the atmospheric moisture and this syndrome is associated with the climate change. Scientific studies further says that this is responsible for gailstorms that create lightning activities in the atmposhphere. The tropical condition of Odisha with heat, humidity and good part of its population working the fields during most of the seasons, are obviously exposed to this calamity. Recently reports said that Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand experience heavy lightning strikes during monsoon. And, the experts said this phenomenon is directly linked to climate change.Experts said even the Arctic regions are experiencing thunderbolts due to the change in climatic conditions.

Safety Measures To Escape From Lightning Strikes:

In this digital age one has to act smartly to stay away from danger. It is advised to stay updated on the latest weather report living in a particular area before going outside to the field or any work where there is little chance of being moved to a safe place if thundershowers occur. Almost everyone is equipped with mobile phones through which one can stay updated with the messages forwarded by government agencies from weather bureaus on the climating condition of a particular area on a daily basis. This should be the practice during monsoon. It is better to put off the work, if not pressing, to a future date if the weather report one receives through mobile devices, TVs, YouTube or any digital outlets that thundershowers are likely to occur in a particular area. One can safely avoid the unforeseen disaster by undertaking such simple measures. Don't think that you are safe at home. Even if you are inside a room, be sure not to use wired electronic devices. It is highly advisable to stay away from water taps, ponds, tall trees in the premises as these are carriers of lightning shocks and can be harmful most of the time if struck by thunderbolts.  Doors and windows in a room are also vulnerable to lightning strikes, therefore, ensure to maintain a safe distance from these things. Avoid metal objectis which are kept inside the room. If one is on the road in a moving vehicle, then stop it and stay inside till the lightning strikes are over.

Do This If No Shelter Found:

Always keep in mind that never lie down on the ground to avoid being hit by lightning. It is a popular belief that lying down on the ground will keep you safe. But, this is a myth as this increases the risk of ground current injury. It is always better to squat or crouch down with your feet together to avoid being hit by lightning.

Awareness:

It is the responsibility of local administration, government and media outlets to spread awareness among the public on the topic. The government agencies should take measures for installation of early warning systems for forecast of such threat in a particular area. Volunteers should be trained to handle disasters in vulnerable areas and emergency services must be ensured to minimize the disaster. We must understand that lightning strikes are a natural phenomenon and the loss of life could be prevented with precautions.  

The simple explanation is that if there is more heat, then discharge of more energy will result in the rise of tempearature. Scientific study says the more the air is warmer, the more it holds moisture and increases the chance of generation of stronger thunderbolts. Scientific studies say that the increase of electrical charge separation in clouds result in more frequent lightning strikes.

Odisha Embarks On Biodiversity Protection To Halt Climate Change

By SANTOSH MOHANTY

Odisha's forest, environment and climate change ministry has embarked upon to stave off the impacts of climate change by taking a number of measures for protection of biodiversity. As many as 7256 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) have been formed under State Biodiversity Boards(SSBs) to involve all the stakeholders in the state to work for protection of environment and conservation of flora and fauna.

The BMCs have been formed in the state in accordance with the regimen of the Biodiversity Law as amended in 2023.  The sole duty of the BMCs is to carry out documentation and protection of biodiversity in village levels. Odisha has 57, 160 sqkm of forest cover which accounts for nearly 36.71 percent of its total geographical area.

This amendment has ensured that in order to protect and preserve biodiversity, there must be a balance  between conservation, commercial use and the rights of community. The earlier laws relating to Biodiversity in 2002 and 2004 have either been scrapped or changed to match present requirements relating to  biotechnology, traditional medicine and environmental conservation. The amendment of 2023 has taken enough safeguards to protect the biodiversity without unmindful exploitation in the name of research. The community based  knowledge systems in the villages have been given due importance for protection of the rich biodiversity of the state.

The main thrust of the Biodiversity Law 2023(Amendment) is that it put emphasis protection of the rights of local communities who are virtual reservoirs of traditional knowledge for saving habitats from contamination and environmental pollution. The people who live in close proximity to forest know how to get the benefit from mother earth. The law prohibits Indian pharmaceutical companies and research organizations not to exploit precious forest resources in the name of experimentation. It also encourages use of biological resources for research and commercial purposes as long as the whole exercise is undertaken in a fair manner.    

Ayurveda has been given due importance and this is quite encouraging for companies to undertake research and innovations in this sector.

The Biodiversity Law 2023 has ensures that there will be little exploitation of  country's rich biodiversity as well as the traditional knowledge system as followed by the communities living in the remote villages who  are thriving in nature's bounty. The State Biodiversity Board has said that Odisha is a home to 5174 plants and species including coral reefs and mangroves. There are 19 species found in the state who live in land and water. There are nearly 110 species of reptiles including crocodiles, 473 species of birds and 86 species of mammals that thrive in the natural habitats in the state.

The state is also enjoying the nature's bounty in different biodiversity regions such as Mandasaru, Mahendragiri, Gandhamardhan, Gupteswar, Similipal and Satkosia forest. This apart several forest locations like Mandaragiri hillock and mountains replete with herbal species in Pallahara forest in Angul district are widely acclaimed as biodiversity regions which attract researchers from home and abroad to study nature and the natural habitats where flora and fauna are found.

Forest, environment and climate change minister Ganeshram Singh Khuntia has urged the environmental activists, community based institutions working for protection of the environment and all the stakeholders of the society to spread awareness among the people to protect and preserve biodiversity for staving off the dangerous consequences of climate change which most parts of the planet earth including Odisha has been experiencing. He said production of several seasonal fruits like mango in the state has gone down drastically due to the adverse impact of climate change. The minister, while addressing a gathering in Bhubaneswar recently during observance of World Biodiversity Day, exhorted the BMCs to reach out to the communities in the remote locations of the state to spread the message of awareness for protection of biodiversity.

Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, who attended the occasion urged the State Biodiversity Board to organize the youths to come forward for the establishment of a better world through sustainable development of natural resources. He further urged the youths to work for the reclamation of lost natural habitats through afforestation.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Suresh Pant and PCCF(Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha also urged the people to contribute their bit, howsoever liitle might be, for protection and conservation of biodiversity for a healthy society.

Meanwhile, Satkosia Wildlife Division in Angul has prepared a comprehensive plan to give a feel of nature to the tourists, both home and abroad, with the arrangement of Safaris. The Safari trips will help the tourists and nature lovers to move deep into the forest, get a glimpse of the wildlife and enjoy natural surrounding breathing plenty of oxygen, forest officials of Angul wildlife division said. They said the department is also planning to arrange for homestays at Jagannathpur and Purunakote villages located inside Satkosia wildlife divisioon to provide the tourists a taste of village life. They said they were trying to make arrangement for those tourists who mostly hail from metropolitan cities overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Nature Camps at Tarava, Chhotkei , Tikarapada and Baghamunda in Satkosia wildlife division in Angul has been attracting a huge number of tourists from home and abroad and this arrangement has proved to be a big hit among the nature lovers. The proposed Safari trips will be in addition to Nature Camps facilities, the officials said.

Meaning Of Biodiversity

The entire ecosystem like forests, oceans and grasslands that embraces different forms of life on the planet is simply known as biodiversity. The biodiversity also includes different species of plant, animals and even micro organisms.

Kinds Of Biodiversity

Biodiversity can be categorized as genetic biodiversity, specieis biodiversity and ecosystem biodiversity. By genetic diversity we mean genes within a species like types of rice or cereals. The best examples of species biodiversity are different wildlife species like jumbos, tigers and various insects. The third category is ecosystem biodiversity that include varieties of ecosystems such as forest, desert, grassland and coral reefs and mangroves.

Why Biodiversity Is Important For Mankind?

Biodiversity is a gift of nature to us for sustenance and without this we can't get  food and nutrition like vegetables, fruits and crops. It gives us air and water through lush green forest and waterbodies. It is unthinkable to get or prepare a number of drugs from nature which we get from herbal plants and animals also. In addition to this, the mother earth's ecological balance and climate control mechanism are also maintained by a vibrating biodiversity.

There are several threats to biodiversity such as denudation of forest resources, massive industrialization which contaminate air, water and the ambient atmosphere and last but not the least is destruction of natural habitats through poaching of illicit felling of trees.

Can We Protect Biodiversity?

Yes, definitely we can, provided we have the willpower and positive mind. But, we must draw a line between industrialization and environment. Air, water and environmental pollution has to be minimized and sustainable management of farming should be undertaken on a massive scale to protect biodiversity. Village forests, reserved forest with herbal plants and wildlife sanctuaries housing endangered species are key to sustainable management of the environment. The non-biodegradable  substances like plastic has to banned for a better dose of biodiversity.