Rail Budget leaves Berhampur and South Odisha deeply disappointed

Tampara lake to be developed as major eco-tourism destination

• Rs. 40 crore will be spent under master plan, says official 
• Tourism department and district administration planning to hold summer cultural festival
• There will be a floating restaurant and house boats under the master plan, says official

Tampara lake, a large water body near Chatrapur in Ganjam district, will be developed as a major eco-tourism destination of Odisha through a mega tourism project. Natural beauty of this water body adjacent to the Bay of Bengal as well as its water sports potential would be tapped for the purpose. Ganjam District Culture and Tourism Officer Krushna Chandra Nishank said around Rs. 40 crore would be spent to develop this tourist destination. According to him, first phase work on this project had already started with sanction of Rs.1.1 crore. Mr Nishank said funds for development of Tampara lake as a major tourist destination would be available through projects of destination tourism, silk route tourism, Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project etc. He said there would be no dearth of funds for it. Development of this eco-tourism destination would also add to the livelihood prospects of fishermen families living in the area. These plans provide hope that the scenic and tranquil Tampara would soon bustle with tourists. Tourism department and district administration are also planning to hold a summer cultural festival at this destination. Tampara lake is around 5.8 km long and 670 metre wide. For the past few years this water body is being used for water sports and boating.

As part of the development plans facilities like parking, public conveniences, eco-parks, jetties, tents and cottages will be added up as infrastructure to this spot of natural beauty. The master plan of the project would also have scope for floating restaurant and house boats, said Mr Nishank. Apart from the large water body Tampara area also includes a virgin beach, lush green forest. This can be easily used as natural trekking zone for tourists. According to officials sources, tourists still do reach out to Tampara but their number is low. During past few years average tourist flow to Tampara was over 25,000 per year. It is hoped that once it is developed under the new project it will attract at least one lakh nature loving tourists every year.

Source: The Hindu

Indian Coast Guard Station at Gopalpur commissioned

Indian Coast Guard Station (ICGS) Gopalpur, was commissioned on Tuesday. This ICGS was formally commissioned by the chief secretary of Odisha Bijay Kumar Patnaik at a function organised on ICGS campus at Chatrapur. Commandant of Army Air Defence College (AADC) Gopalpur, Lt Gen. V.K.Saxena, Commander Coast Guard Region (North- East) K.C.Pande and senior officers of administration, Army and Indian Navy attended this function. "The new CG station will definitely play a major role in coastal security as several port projects have been planned along the Odisha coast," Patnaik said. "The station will act as a hub for coastal security operations in the sea off Gopalpur and along South Odisha coast," said Pande. "The station will coordinate with different departments of the state government like fisheries, forest, police and district administration, Gopalpur port authorities and local fisherfolks to augment coastal surveillance security network along the Odisha coast," he added. The station at Gopalpur is assigned with the responsibility of coordination of various maritime operations like anti-poaching operation, search and rescue and pollution response (to give protection to Olive Ridley turtles), Pande added.

Commissioning of the Indian Coast Guard Station Gopalpur in Ganjam district (OdishaReporter.in)

The ICGS, Gopalpur would function under the administrative and operational control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (NE), Kolkata through the Commander Coast Guard District Headquarters-7 located at Paradeep. Commandant Ramendra Rajkamal has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the station. This new Coast Guard station would enhance security of eastern coast as it is located between the ICGS at Paradeep and Visakhapatnam. The new station is part of ongoing efforts of Indian Coast Guard to strengthen maritime and coastal security and the assets based at Gopalpur. It would augment patrolling along the south Odisha coast for safeguarding Indian maritime interests.

It may be noted that Goplapur port which is being transformed into an all weather major port of Odisha would open up for cargo traffic in near future. Addressing during the commissioning ceremony, the chief secretary Mr Patnaik lauded efforts of the Indian Coast Guard in maintaining a high state of vigil off the Odisha coast. According to him, opening of a second ICGS on Odisha coast hinted at rapid development of the State. Development had boomed in the western coast during last century and it was now time for the eastern coast to rise to the tunes of development, he added.

Source: The Hindu, Times of India

Seminar held in Gopalpur to promote beach tourism

Gopalpur-on-Sea (Berhampur)

Good road connectivity, cleanliness of beaches, proper lighting, pollution control and security are key to a tourism boost in the beach towns of the state, most of the speakers at a seminar held on Tuesday here said. They added that the role of local people and hoteliers was also important. "Barring a few ones, most of the beaches in the state lack these basic amenities," president of the Beach Protection Council of Odisah (BPCO) Jagannath Bastia said. There are 26 beaches on the 482-km long Odisha coast, he added. The seminar on development of beach tourism was organized by the BPC0 in association with the department of tourism and culture of the state government. Gopalpur MLA Pradip Panigahi, however, said the government had taken several steps for the development of beach tourism, particularly at Gopalpur beach. Besides holding the beach festivals, the district administration had started holding culture programmes on every Sunday to attract tourists. He also stressed on the cooperation of hoteliers and local fishermen for development of tourism at Gopalpur. District tourist officer K C Nishonk said the administration had proposed to bring folk dance groups from Kerala, Rajasthan, Manipur and Karnataka to the sea beach town to perform on Sunday evenings. This apart, the state government has sanctioned around Rs 36 lakh for beach cleaning, the tourist officer added. Ganjam district hotel association president Uma Shankar Panigrahi, however, pointed out there was no bus communication between Berhampur to Gopalpur. "Even though the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) promised a bus service some years ago, it has not turned into reality," Panigrahi added.

Source: Times of India

Source: The Sambad

Railway Budget 2013-14; Odisha gets a raw deal while Berhampur ignored once again

• Union Railway Min Pawan Bansal announces new wagon factory at Sitalapali in Ganjam (However, sanctions a meager Rs 1 crore for the project like the previous year)
• Rs 2.84 crore sanctioned for an additional platform at Berhampur Railway Station
• Two Railway over-bridge projects in Berhampur get additional funding

Trains for Berhampur

• Howrah – Chennai AC Express (Bi-weekly)
• Kamakhya (Guwahati) – Bangalore AC Express (Weekly)
• Tirupati – Bhubaneswar Express (Weekly) Via Visakhapatnam
• Bhubaneswar –Bhawanipatna- Junagarh Express

Second ISKCON Temple in Berhampur city

To know more about the ISKCON temple at Berhampur and for contributions Click Here.

Rajya Sabha member pitches for rail wagon factory in Ganjam

BJD leader and Rajya Sabha member Renubala Pradhan has urged the railway minister Pawan Kumar Bansal to expedite construction of proposed railway wagon factory at Sitalapalli in Ganjam district and make budgetary provisions for Gopalpur-Rayagada and Berhampur-Sambalpur new railway lines. The Planning Commission had accorded 'in principle' approval of the ministry's proposal for laying 258-km Gopalpur-Rayagada railway line in June last year at an estimated cost of Rs 1,392.32 crore, she said. "The railway line assumes significance as a number of industries are coming up in Rayagada while a mega port is being constructed at Gopalpur and a satellite port of the Paradip Port Limited is proposed at Bahuda near Gopalpur. Moreover, Gopalpur is a famous tourist town and draws tourists throughout the year. The new track will also pass through Maoist-hit areas of Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal and Rayagada districts," she said in the memorandum to the railway minister. Similarly, the railway minister had announced to set up the railway wagon factory at Sitalapalli in the 2011-12 railway budget. In the last budget around Rs 1 crore was allotted for it. The government has also identified around 100 acre at Sitalapalli, about 20 km from here, she said.

Source: Times of India

Historic Jaugada rock edict relics near Berhampur city wallow in govt. apathy

The special Ashoka Rock Edict at Jaugada of Ganjam District in Odisha 

At a time the state government busy conducting the International Buddhism conference in Udayagiri, a famous spot in Ganjam district is lying neglected.

The Asokan rock edict at Jaugada near Purushottampur, around 35 km from here, which dates back to 260 BC, has the emperor's directive to Mauryan officers inscribed on it, including the famous declaration "all men are my children".

Photograph of the hillside with
 the rock-cut Asoka inscriptions at Jaugada, Ganjam District,
 taken by Joseph David Beglar in 1874-76.

The rock edicts also contain the famous Asokan doctrine that "conquest through love is greater than conquest by sword". The inscription is in Prakrit and the script is written in Bramhi, historians said. The inscription is engraved on three different tables on the vertical face of a rock in an old fort, near the bank of river Rushikulya.

"Though it is an important monument from the historical perspective, the spot is in a very sorry state because of lack of attention of the authorities. The alphabets are almost defaced and nearing oblivion," said Shishir Kumar Panda, a retired history professor of Berhampur University. He added that while some portions have been disfigured, other things have been smuggled out. Source: ToI 

JSPL eyes 49% stake in Gopalpur port

Jindal Steel & Power Ltd ( JSPL) is keen to acquire 49% stake in Gopalpur Port Ltd (GPL), which is currently engaged in developing the seasonal port at the beach town in south Odisha’s Ganjam district into an all-weather port. This is the second investment proposal of JSPL in port sector in Odisha as the company is vying to set up a captive port Bahuda Muhan also in Ganjam district. “After we pick up stake in GPL, we will have the first right of refusal for developing a port at Bahuda Muhan as the site is within 50 km radius of the Gopalpur port”, said a JSPL official.

JSPL had evinced interest in acquiring stake in GPL after exit of one its original promoters, the Hong-Kong based Noble Group in May 2010. GPL was floated as a consortium of three partners with the other two companies being Odisha Stevedores Ltd (OSL) and Delhi-based Sara International Ltd (SIL). The port's total capacity was envisaged at 54 million tonne per annum (mtpa) and it was to be developed at a cost of Rs 3,500 crore. “Since the original promoters have to retain at least 51% equity as per the terms of the concession agreement, we are ready to pick up the residual 49% stake. The promoters are okay with our entry into the SPV. But, we are waiting for the state government to respond. As per Rules of Business, any change in the shareholding pattern for the port has to be approved by the government”, said the JSPL official.

Charchit Mishra, director, OSL said, “JSPL has evinced interest to pick up stake in GPL but no final decision has been taken yet. As regards the government's employment clause, there are no issues since we have agreed to it. The port's second phase expansion is expected to begin from March this year.” Phase-I of GPL, which involved anchorage port operations, started in January 2007 but PHase-II construction work was yet to begin. The Union ministry of environment & forests (MoEF) had granted environment clearance for the project on March 30 this year. Land measuring 393.67 acres has already been leased out in favour of GPL and 120.16 acres was under the possession of the port authorities. Steps are also afoot to lease out additional 140.2 acres of land for the port. GPL has already claimed to have achieved financial closure of Rs 1,400 crore for the first stage of Phase-II of the deep sea port, with the signing of loan agreement with a consortium of 11 banks.

For the proposed captive port at Bahuda Muhan in Ganjam, JSPL has already given a presentation to the state government regarding its plan. The port involves a capital cost of Rs 1424.4 crore while the operational cost of running the port would be to the tune of Rs 152 crore per annum. The captive port is expected to handle Capesize vessels (150,000 dead weight tonnage) for coal and coke and Handymax vessels (50,000 dead weigh tonnage-dwt) for general cargo. Phase-I of JSPL's captive port is scheduled to be operational by 2017.

Source: Business Standard

NIST-Berhampur among the top five Engineering colleges in Eastern India; ranked 31st nationally by DataQuest

Beach cleaning system for Gopalpur-on-Sea

The state government has decided to introduce integrated beach cleaning (IBC) system at Gopalpur-on-Sea and its nearby tourist spots such as PatiSonepur and Dhabaleswara. The tourism department has sanctioned around Rs 30 lakh for it, a tourism officer said.

The tender will be floated for this purpose very soon, said Ganjam district culture officer and in-charge tourist officer K C Nishank. A separate tender will also be floated for the cleanliness drive at Tampara, another tourist spot near Chhatrapur, sources said.

At present, the Gopalpur beach is cleaned by Gopalpur NAC, which has limited resources. But Pati Sonepur, Dhabaleswar and Tampara tourist places are not cleaned at all though a large number of tourists visit the area. "Many tourists, particularly foreigners, will flock to the tourist resorts if the beaches are cleaned. Beach tourism will get a boost then," said MLA (Gopalpur) Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi. Under the new beach cleaning initiative, the contractor has to engage sweepers to clean the beach manually. "No machines will be used as these will destroy the fragile eco-system of the beach," he added.

It was also decided that a committee of local people will be formed to ensure that complete cleanness is maintained. "The committee will supervise and advise the contractors, if they find any lacunae," said a tourist officer.

The district administration has also planning to impose the ban on use of polythene bags on Gopalpur beach. "We will ask the NAC of Gopalpur to strictly implement the polythene ban on the beach," said a government officer. Source: ToI 

Interesting Articles/Blogs/Travelogues on Berhampur

• 
  
  Berhampur: Sour,Sweet and smooth as Silk! By Sourav Panda (thebrokenscooter.com)
• From Berhampur to Brahmapur!  (svcberhampur.blogspot.in)
• Drifting Into a Side-Stream! By Hendrik Erasmus
• Gopalpur-on-Sea: An unforgettable memory; By Sugata Sen
• Kashmir of Orissa - Daringbari (avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.in)
• Weekend Drive to Ganjam; ByPriyadarshini Sur (www.boloji.com)
• Kolakata to Gopalpur-on-Sea : a Long Weekend; By DriveTrain BHPian (http://www.team-bhp.com)
  

IFC supported Berhampur solid waste management project on fast track

Source: The Sambad

Odisha CM writes to PM and Railway Minister seeking National Project status for Berhampur-Sambalpur (via Phulbani) and Gopalpur-Rayagada railway lines; demands speedy implementation of railway wagon factory in Ganjam

Berhampur Railway Station, Odisha

Demanding justice and proper share to Odisha in the 2013-2014 Railway budget, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written a letter to the Prime Minister mentioning the needs of the State in view of investment flow, economic growth and industrialisation. Pointing at the apathetic attitude of the Rail Ministry in spite of huge revenue collection from Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has said that 'the railway route length and all rail density in the state is much below the national average as also substantially lower than that in neighbouring States. In contrast, the gross earnings from various stations in the State of Odisha is estimated to be in excess of 14000 Crore during the year 2012-2013.' Chief Minister has requested the Prime Minister of India, in his letter, to ensure allocation of sizeable part of the revenues generated from Odisha within the State to strengthen and expand rail network.

Citing that the State needs to look for new virgin areas for development and industrialisation as many of the present industrial clusters have attained a stage of saturation in terms of availability of land, water and, also, due to environmental concerns, Naveen has demanded speedy execution of projects such as, Bhadrachalam Road – Talcher Rail Link via Malkangiri, Jeypore, Lanjigarh; Berhampur- Sambalpur new Rail Link via Phulbani; Rayagada – Gopalpur Rail Link via Bhismagiri. Requesting the PM to advise the Ministry of Railways to execute these projects on priority basis, Naveen has also urged that these projects should be treated as “National Projects”. The Chief Minister has demanded the Prime Minister in his letter to expedite the setting up of the Wagon Factory at Sitalapali in Ganjam which was declared in Budget for the year 2011-12 and also take steps to establish a railway apprentice training centre in the backward KBK region to support the skills development and increase employability of the people of this region.

Alleging that the union ministry has bypassed Odisha while implementing ambitious projects like the dedicated freight corridor aligned with mega industrial hubs, national road expressways and high speed train projects, Naveen has demanded that the eastern dedicated freight corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni should be extended to Vishakhapatnamso as to ensure seamless movement of freight between the ports and the vast northern and central hinterlands of the country. On poor or no rail network in the backward regions of Odisha, the Chief Minister said that lack of infrastructure has been one of the major reasons of impeding socio-economic growth of this region. Mentioning that expansion of rail network in these areas would help minimising the impact of left wing extremism, Naveen adds in his letter to the Prime Minister that ‘delivering rail services in the naxal affected regions is one of the best means to channelise development therein and provide counter active force.’

Source: Hotnhitnews.com & Orissa Diary

Devotees throng gurudwara to view rare editions of Guru Granth Sahib in Berhampur

Three rare and antique versions of Guru Granth Sahib, which are on a tour round the country, were put on display at Gurudwara Singh Sabha premises in the city. Devotees of Sikh community and others of the city thronged the Gurudwara to see these rare Guru Granth Sahib editions and to pay their respect to the most revered scripture of Sikhism.

Devotees paying respect to the Guru Granth Sahib in Berhampur 

The team carrying the three rare versions of Guru Granth Sahib reached Jagannathpur on the outskirts of the city at around 11 a.m. Berhampur Gurudwara Singh Sabha and Sikhs of the city welcomed them there. Then they were taken in a ‘nagar sankirtan’ to the Gurudwara in the city, where the Guru Granth Sahib editions were put on display.

These books are currently on a tour round the country to provide common mass and Sikhs an opportunity to see and learn from the history of Sikh religion and scriptures. This journey had started from Gurdwara Maithan Sahib in Agra on January 21, 2012.

According to the members of Gurudwara Singh Sabha of Berhampur, the three rare displays included a 100-year-old Guru Granth Sahib which was only one inch in size although it contained 1,430 ang or pages, a 225-year-old Guru Granth Sahib prepared by two Muslim brothers of Lahore and a 275-year-old hand written version of the revered scripture.

These books are currently on a nationwide tour to provide common mass and Sikhs an opportunity to see and learn from the history of Sikh religion and scriptures

Bad roads keep tourists away from Koraput in South Odisha

Deplorable roads have put brakes on inflow of tourists to Koraput district of South Odisha that has wowed visitors with its pristine ambience and pleasant weather.

"Bad roads keep tourists away from Koraput, except for Gupteswar, which is a big draw. It is sad because roads in Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are far better," said a Koraput-based social activist Bhabani Mishra.

Some projects such as expansion of NH-26 has been inordinately delayed. The work that started around four years ago is yet to be completed. As a result, people find it difficult to maneuver this road resulting in traffic jams. "The NH-26 from Sunki to Chandili is in a horrible condition and is responsible for defaming the district's tourism sector. It takes hours to cover a distance of 10 km on this road," said social activist Santosh Patro.

The number of foreign tourists visiting this tribal-dominated district has also taken a beating.

Only 20 have come to the district in the past two months. But at the same time 10 tour operaters have cancelled packages of foreign nationals to the district owing to bad roads, in the past two months, officials said.

Admitting to the fact that bad roads have hit tourism, district tourism officer Bhagaban Khora said, "Foreign tourists complain of the awful roads in Koraput district. So tour operators inquire about the roads before bringing foreigners here, while many throng to Arku Valley in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh."

The non-availability of drinking water at tourist spots and places to stay does not augur well for the already fledging tourism sector.

"Tourists flow is unlikely to increase until basic infrastructure and amenities are improved," said Khora.

ToI

Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) to take up infrastructure work in Greater Berhampur on a war footing

Commuters in greater Berhampur that includes Chatrapur, Gopalpur and villages between them would have city bus service by August. It was stated by Ganjam district Collector Krishen Kumar, who has taken charge as vice-chairman of the Berhampur Development Authority (BDA). Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, Mr Kumar said city bus service was one of the six major projects that the BDA had decided to start in 2013. Total cost of these projects would be around Rs 100 crore. The city bus service for greater Berhampur would be operated through Private Public Participation (PPP) mode on the lines of similar service inBhubaneswar and Puri. The State government has agreed to provide 28 buses for the city bus service of the BDA. Apart from easing transportation in the city, city bus service would help flow of tourists to Gopalpur beach resort and travel of common mass to district headquarters town, Chatrapur.

The other major proposed project of the BDA was establishment of a new bus stand on the outskirts of the city at Haldiapadar. This new bus stand would be established on a five acres of land. Consultants were appointed for establishment of modern bus stands at Gopalpur and Chatrapur.

Rock garden

To provide recreational facility and zones to the public the BDA has come up with two projects. One of them is establishment of a rock garden in Ambapua area. Two acres of land has been identified for the purpose. Bedabandha, a large water body of the city, would be developed into a water-based recreation centre by the BDA. The Bedabandha project would cost Rs 8-10 crore. “After clearance from State government, tender for the Bedabandha project was expected to be floated in March”, Mr Kumar said. He said the much-awaited Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for greater Berhampur would be ready this year.

According to him the BDA itself would be revamped. At present the BDA was short-staffed and it did not even have an enforcement officer and secretary. “We have discussed with government to fill key vacancies in the BDA as early as possible,” he said. The vice-chairman of the BDA said in the next four to five months building regulation would be strictly implemented in the city. Lack of enforcement officer in the BDA was a major hindrance to implementation of regulation. There were several multi-storeyed buildings in the city which had used up their parking space fro commercial purpose. Thirty such cases had been identified and 17 had been issued notices.

Source: The Hindu

Berhampur Development Authority to take up many major projects in 2013

Commuters in greater Berhampur that includes Chatrapur, Gopalpur and villages between them would have city bus service by August

It was stated by Ganjam district Collector Krishen Kumar, who has taken charge as vice-chairman of the Berhampur Development Authority (BDA). Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, Mr Kumar said city bus service was one of the six major projects that the BDA had decided to start in 2013. Total cost of these projects would be around Rs 100 crore.

The city bus service for greater Berhampur would be operated through Private Public Participation (PPP) mode on the lines of similar service in Bhubaneswar and Puri.

The State government has agreed to provide 28 buses for the city bus service of the BDA.

Apart from easing transportation in the city, city bus service would help flow of tourists to Gopalpur beach resort and travel of common mass to district headquarters town, Chatrapur.

Rock garden

The other major proposed project of the BDA was establishment of a new bus stand on the outskirts of the city at Haldiapadar. This new bus stand would be established on a five acres of land. Consultants were appointed for establishment of modern bus stands at Gopalpur and Chatrapur.

To provide recreational facility and zones to the public the BDA has come up with two projects. One of them is establishment of a rock garden in Ambapua area. Two acres of land has been identified for the purpose. Bedabandha, a large water body of the city, would be developed into a water-based recreation centre by the BDA. The Bedabandha project would cost Rs 8-10 crore. “After clearance from State government, tender for the Bedabandha project was expected to be floated in March”, Mr Kumar said. He said the much-awaited Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for greater Berhampur would be ready this year.

According to him the BDA itself would be revamped. At present the BDA was short-staffed and it did not even have an enforcement officer and secretary.

“We have discussed with government to fill key vacancies in the BDA as early as possible,” he said.

The vice-chairman of the BDA said in the next four to five months building regulation would be strictly implemented in the city. Lack of enforcement officer in the BDA was a major hindrance to implementation of regulation. There were several multi-storeyed buildings in the city which had used up their parking space for commercial purpose. Thirty such cases had been identified and 17 had been issued notices.

Source: The Hindu 

‘7,413 children have died in Malkanagiri district in five years’

At a time when government claims to be taking all steps to bring down infant mortality rate, as many as 7,413 children below six years have died in five blocks of southern Odisha district of Malkanagiri during past five years.

A report obtained by exercise of Right to Information says the causes behind the deaths are asphyxia, fits, low birth weight, pneumonia, acute respiratory infection, jaundice, chest pain – many of these diseases are preventable.

The RTI report says the deaths have been reported under Podia, Mathili, Kodmulguma, Kalimela and Pandripani community health centres and district headquarters hospital of Malkanagiri.

As many as 1,586 children died in Chitrakonda CHC while district headquarters hospital reported 1,968 deaths. Mathili and Kodgulguma CHCs have reported 1166 and 1210 deaths respectively in past five years.

Due to remoteness and low level of awareness among people, many of the deaths are not reported.

As per 2011 census, Malkanagiri has a population of six lakh,

Of this, children aged between zero and six is one lakh. Given the population of children below six years in the district, over 7000 deaths indicates that health infrastructure seems to be not responding to health issues.

“Malkangiri district is extremely under-developed, backward and the poorest district in the state in many respects. It is a very sensitive district having regular occurrence of naxal violence and death of children due to malnutrition and various diseases,” said Pradip Pradhan, an RTI activist.

Mr. Pradhan alleged, “infant mortality rate is the highest in the State. Huge amount of fund is allocated to the district both to check naxal menace and for socio-economic development of people. But it does not reach common people, especially the tribals.”

Odisha Government sanctions money for development of Utkela air strip in Kalahandi

Source: kddfonline.com

South Odisha poorest accepts State Government

   

Mayfair Group to open 5 star heritage resort at Gopalpur-on-Sea from December 9

Mayfair Hotels & Resorts, which operates the Mayfair chain of luxury hotels in various parts of the country, will open its latest resort at Gopalpur-on-Sea for commercial operations from December 9. The sprawling resort- Mayfair Palm Beach Resort, the eighth property of Odisha-based Mayfair Group, is equipped with all facilities of a luxury hotel, spread over eleven acres of land. The Mayfair Group acquired this heritage property from the Oberoi Group in September 2011 and decided to renovate it, said Mayfair Group chairman and managing director Dilip Ray. The resort, at present, has 32 rooms. In addition to the existing facilities, Mayfair Group plans to add a tennis court and golf course to the resort. Besides Gopalpur, the tourists can also visit some other places in Ganjam district like the habitats of the blackbuck and peacock near Aska and the mass nesting of Olive Ridley turtles at Gokharakuda near Rushikulya river mouth, Ray said.

History & Background

Before 1830, an Englishman by the name of John Spence had established the Spence's hotel in Calcutta, making it perhaps the oldest western style hotel outside Europe and in 1841 David Wilson built the 'Wilson Hotel' now known as 'Great Eastern Hotel', also, in Calcutta, which was considered to be one of the best of it's kind, in this part of the world. No one had really by then heard of Gopalpur. And Gopalpur returned the compliment. Barely 16 kms from Berhampur, the commercial hub of Southern Orissa, in the Bay of Bengal, it was extremely uncanny of a young Italian Signor Maglioni, to mysteriously find home all the way from Sicily , and establish the 'Palm Beach' in 1914. It was Odisha's first hotel, of its kind.

Gopalpur on sea how very British suffix on sea like Midleton- on- sea /Frankton-on- sea was a palm fringed beach and Maglioni's dream fused with the sepia and romance of the langorous town ,where the silence was broken only by the breakers and the occasional coconut thudding on the ground.

Originally a small fishing village on the coast of Odisha when it was so named, when a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna 'Krishna Gopal' temple was built in the 18th Century. Legend has it that Gopalpur's sands had witnessed maritime ventures of a much earlier age when Odisha had flourished as part of the Kalinga Kingdom in the 4th and 5th century B.C early colonists to Java, Bali and Sumatra were supposed to have sailed from here, carrying the seeds of Indian civilization with them.

Between the two World Wars ( 1914-1918 and 1939-1945) Gopalpur was overrun by the men in Khakis and became the eastern sectors base for flying out troops and supplies to Rangoon. The commercial port became the living symbol of its grandeur and the pulsating lifestyle was evident in the packed dance floors of the hotel 'Blue Haven'. In 1945. The World War2 came to an end and India inched towards being an independent, sovereign republic. By 1947the British had left the Indian shores and the commercial activity of Gopalpur had dwindled to a trickle. The once vibrant, emblazoned ball rooms gaped at open skies. The noisy wharfs moulted and the warehouses became seedy gateways for derelicts. Gopalpur's importance dwindled when trade with Burma abruptly ceased during the war. When the British left India, even members of rich Bengali homes preferred to holiday in other places and Gopalpur began to revert to what it originally was a fishing village.

In 1938,another enterprising, courageous Indian Hotelier, Rai bahadur M.S Oberoi had already taken over a closed down 'Grand' hotel from the Armenian Stephen Arathoon and reinvented it with trademark Oberoi elan' as the 'Oberoi Grand', to make it the most sought after address in Calcutta. In 1947, on a chance visit to Maglioni's 'Palm Beach' hotel his keen eyes did not miss the state of disrepair that the hotel had fallen to. His instinct smelled a bargain and Maglioni was only too happy to sell it to the Oberoi's for a paltry 3.0 lacs rupees.,thereby enabling the Oberoi legend to root itself as the 'Oberoi Palm Beach'.As it's doors opened the who's who of the country , from Prime ministers, to celebrities and royalty left their impressions behind along with their footprints on the sands of time. History was being created every day, as the hotel played hosts to the history makers.

Maglioni's Mediterranean Architecture had undergone a makeover by the Oberoi's ,but the core of the structure was slowly but surely giving way to the Gopalpur on Seacorroding effects of the saline sea breeze. The erosion had begun and no amount of hasty repairs could make it anymore safe for it's guests. The Oberois closed gates in 2002 and decided to distance themselves and sell this piece of Orissa's history to any worthy taker . It was at this time, 201 1, that 'Mayfair hotels and resorts' stepped in. T o protect, renovate and restore the' Palm beach',where history echoed from every cobble stone. Lured by the fact that Gopalpur-on-sea still stood untouched by the concrete commercialism that had destroyed nearby Puri's equally pristine beach and also because Gopalpur had actually wrapped itself in a romantic mysticism that tugged at history but refused to drown in its excesses.

Rebuilding the core structure from scratch, lovingly touching up the details, reinventing the old magic, preserving the memories, Mayfair has now breathed new life to the 'Oberoi palm Beach' in its all new avatar- 'The Mayfair palm Beach resort' Its the ultimate tribute to your senses and helps in stealing your time and mind in order to find your DNA and recreate you for future generations... where always, every time, anyday 'sometimes the sky looks like the sea and sometimes the sea looks like the sky'.

Source: Business Standard & www.mayfairhotels.com

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to inaugurate MKCG Medical College golden jubilee

Preparations were in final stages for the five- day golden jubilee celebration of Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) medical college in the city, which is to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday. According to organising secretary of the golden jubilee celebration, S.N.Mohanty, it was an occasion to celebrate for whole of south Odisha as this institute happened to be the only medical college in this region. The hospital attached to the medical college was also the only referral hospital in south Odisha.

The State government had started a medical college in Berhampur in 1961. Due to dearth of its own campus it was being run in the building in front of the City Hospital, which is now being used as office of Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO). Later it was shifted to the building which is now being used as living quarters of Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), southern division and the building which is now being used by the Ophthalmology Department of the medical college. On November 30, 1963, foundation stone was laid for the new building of the medical college and the hospital attached to it. In 1966 it was named after Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, who had played a pivotal role for the formation of modern Odisha State on linguistic basis. New building of this institution was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Odisha Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo on February 21, 1969.  

During the time of inception this institute had intake strength of 40 students. Now 150 students are getting admitted into its MBBS course every year. At present 96 students were studying in post graduate courses of the institute. As the hospital attached to it happens to be the only referral hospital in south Odisha, more than 1,000 patients reach its out-patients section every day. On an average more than 120 patients get admitted in the indoor wards of the hospital every day. The alumni of the institute include several physicians of national and international repute. According to Dr. Mohanty around 5,000 delegates would attend the golden jubilee celebrations. First principal of the institute Sukumar Das would also attend the inaugural ceremony. As part of the celebration several technical seminars would be held in which experts of international fame would take part. Present as well as past students of the institute were also busy preparing for cultural shows they would perform during the five-day long celebration. Source: The Hindu

Upgradation of MKCG Medical College demanded

South Odisha Students’ Association (SOSA) has demanded up-gradation of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in the city to AIIMS-like institution under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Members of SOSA have written to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik requesting him to initiate measures for the purpose. It may be noted that MKCG Medical College and Hospital that was established in 1962 would celebrate its golden jubilee on December 1. It happens to be the only medical college and referral hospital in south Odisha. But at present lack of infrastructure in this institution was compelling patients to reach out private medical institutions outside the State, SOSA activists alleged.

Several times in the past the Medical Council of India has pointed out shortage of staff, lack of modern equipment and infrastructure in MKCG Medical College and Hospital. But till now nothing much had happened regarding the suggestions of the MCI part from promises. SOSA demanded the State government initiate measures so that the medical college could be transformed into a centre of excellence for medical education providing quality medical care to the people of underdeveloped southern parts of Odisha. According to president of SOSA R.P. Tripathy, the MKCG Medical College and Hospital could be upgraded to an AIIMS-like institution. Source: The Hindu

Link:  http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/upgradation-of-mkcg-medical-college-demanded/article4145498.ece

Ball set rolling for city bus services in Berhampur

The state government has decided to soon introduce city bus services connecting Berhampur to its adjoining towns like Chhatrapur and Gopalpur. The decision is based on a survey by a Mumbai-based consultant on bus services in the biggest town in southern Odisha. The final project report will be submitted to the state government before tender is issued, which will invite private companies to work through public private partnership. The government is likely to provide the buses while the chosen private company will be responsible for services management. Berhampur Development Authority (BDA) will act as a nodal agency. "The government is likely to provide the required buses as no transport operator was coming forward to provide buses when the BDA floated the tender earlier," said BDA chairman Kailash Rana.

At a high-level meeting, held recently in Bhubaneswar, the consultant recommended introduction of at least 25 buses in the first phase in Berhampur, Gopalpur and Chhatrapur. "The district administration will extend all support to BDA in this," district collector Krishan Kumar said. "We have already discussed the matter with the government and talks are in advanced stage," said Purna Chandra Pathy, vice-chairman, BDA. On project cost, he said it was not finalized. Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Notified Area Councils of Gopalpur and Chhatrapur will be other stakeholders in the project. "We have been asked to identify the bus stops within the town. We will soon do that," said BMC commissioner A K Mohanty.

The Berhampur civic body had introduced town bus services in the 1990s. But the services were withdrawn after the municipality incurred heavy losses. Now, there is no government transport service linking Chhatrapur, the district headquarters town, and Gopalpur, a tourist spot, with Berhampur and people have to depend on trekkers and matadors. With rise in population and tourist visits, authorities feel the services will be feasible this time. Source: Times of India

Odisha Chief Minister reiterates his demand for new airports in the State at Gopalpur, Jeypore and Jharsuguda

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik raised the issue of development of new airports in the State at Gopalpur, Jharsuguda and Jeypore during his meeting with the Union Civil Aviation Secretary K N Srivastava on Wednesday. Srivastava during his meeting with the Chief Minister informed about the impending up-gradation of the Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar to international standard. rivastava said the work for new terminal of the airport will be completed by December second week. The new terminal will become operational by January, 2013, he said. Srivastava said the proposal to accord international status to Biju Patnaik Airport here will be brought before the Union Cabinet in April next year after completion of all necessary work.

Naveen, who had met Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh in New Delhi in September, had raised the issue of infrastructure inadequacy in the aviation sector for air connectivity within the State. Singh had suggested during discussions that Odisha should explore the possibility of developing Jharsuguda airport in public private partnership (PPP) mode. On development of airports at Gopalpur and Jeypore, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is expected to take up feasibility studies.