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Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
RTI shows zero progress on outer ring road in 24 months
T'puram: Even as state govt issued a two-month ultimatum to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to complete land acquisition and compensation disbursal for outer ring road (ORR) project from Vizhinjam to Navaikulam, RTI revelations show that the project did not move beyond its planning stage for the past two years. According to a Right to Information (RTI) reply received by local resident and affected landowner K Raveendran Nair on June 19, 2025, from the NHAI, the detailed project report (DPR) is still under preparation. Shockingly, this is the same status that was conveyed to him two years ago in a previous RTI reply dated June 27, 2023. Both responses were signed by NHAI project director Debaprasad Sahoo, indicating no visible progress over the last 24 months. In the latest RTI reply, Sahoo wrote, "Preparation of DPR is under progress. Hence, acquisition has not been started." This aligns with the earlier reply from 2023, exposing the stagnation that continues to plague the crucial infrastructure project. The ORR, spanning approximately 78km, is aimed at easing traffic congestion in Thiruvananthapuram and linking major hubs including the Vizhinjam port and NH-66 at Navaikulam. The project, originally conceived over a decade ago, is essential for decongesting city roads and boosting port-related logistics. However, without completion of DPR, the land acquisition process cannot proceed, effectively stalling all subsequent steps including compensation to affected parties. This directly contradicts state govt's recent push to expedite the project with revenue and transport departments coordinating efforts to clear bottlenecks. RTI applicant, Nair, whose land falls within the proposed alignment, expressed deep frustration. "For two years, the status has not changed. They are giving the same answer again. How long are they planning to fool the public? If there is no DPR, there is no acquisition and the project is going nowhere," he said. Nair has been advocating for transparency and clarity regarding the acquisition and compensation timelines, noting that affected landowners have been left in the dark despite the project being featured in multiple budget announcements. When contacted, Sahoo was unavailable for a comment. Meanwhile, a senior NHAI official, on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the delay. "DPR preparation is nearing completion and we hope to submit it to the Centre soon. We understand the frustration on the ground, but finalising a DPR for such a large-scale project is complex. Still, we aim to complete it within the next few months," the official said. Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari recently assured state govt that final approval for DPR would be granted by the end of July. Once that approval comes through, compensation disbursal and the tendering process can only begin. State PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas also promised that the approval would be received by the end of July.
News18
17-07-2025
- News18
'It Was Her Agni Pariksha': Friend Reveals How Trolling Crushed Balasore Victim's Spirit
Last Updated: The woman said the principal was approached several times to act against the HoD but he, instead, warned the victim of consequences if she failed to prove her complaint The 20-year-old BEd student of Balasore's Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who set herself on fire over the alleged harassment by her HoD and assistant professor Samir Kumar Sahu, approached her principal several times to share her ordeal but did not get a favourable response. The apathy was revealed by the victim's close friend, who, in an interview with CNN-News18, said: 'The principal asked for some time and took 7–8 days but did nothing. In fact, he warned the victim of consequences if she failed to prove her complaint," she said. The victim's friend said she was trolled by juniors, who called her a 'bad girl" on social media and campus and assassinated her character. 'On June 30, us friends accompanied her for support. She had gone to the principal earlier too, but wasn't heard. On June 30, we all went with her to demand action. The principal asked for 7-8 days but did nothing. The HoD instigated students to defame her." The woman said the victim was 'used as a political tool by opposition student union NSUI" and those showing sympathy now were the same who tarnished her image. Sharing details of the fateful day when the woman self-immolated, her friend said: 'She looked okay and calm in the morning. The fact that she couldn't provide proof pushed her to take the extreme step; it was her Agni Pariksha. However, when we returned from lunch, we saw what she had done. The shaming crushed her spirit. She felt isolated, unheard, and humiliated and took the drastic step." The woman said the fight for justice would not end with the victim's death. 'She did not burn alone—all of us are burning with her today. She taught us that we must always fight for the rights of girls." THE CASE Shocking details of the case have come to the fore after the victim's death, including the apathy of the college administration as well as pressure from some of her own peers who supported the accused. The student, in her complaint to the college's Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) on July 1, had mentioned that the professor had asked for a 'favour" from her, refusal of which invited mental harassment. 'When she (the student) asked him what kind of favour, Sahoo allegedly said, 'You are not a child to not understand what favour I need'," Minati Sethi, a member of the ICC, told a news portal. Upset over being unable to prove her allegations, the student set herself ablaze shortly after coming out of the principal's chamber. She suffered 95 per cent burns and was first admitted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital. Later, she was shifted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for advanced treatment. The accused professor and the principal of the college were arrested in connection with the case. The University Grants Commission has set up a four-member fact-finding team to look into the incident. view comments First Published: July 17, 2025, 08:58 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
16-07-2025
- Hans India
Father Claims Daughter Was Murdered, Not Suicide After Odisha Student's Self-Immolation Over Sexual Harassment
The father of a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Odisha's Balasore has made explosive allegations following his daughter's tragic death, claiming she was murdered rather than having committed suicide. The young woman died from severe burn injuries after setting herself on fire on the college campus, an act her father now describes as the result of a deliberate conspiracy by institutional authorities. The grieving father's emotional statements reveal his belief that his daughter was systematically targeted and pushed toward this desperate act because she dared to speak out against harassment. He expressed his conviction that the incident was not a spontaneous decision but rather the culmination of a calculated plot designed to silence his daughter's voice. In his anguished testimony, the father questioned the circumstances surrounding his daughter's final moments, particularly focusing on a private meeting she was called to attend in the principal's office. He demanded answers about what transpired during that closed-door encounter and why the family was not informed about the meeting. His questions highlighted concerns about the institutional handling of his daughter's case and the events leading up to her tragic decision. The student had previously filed a formal complaint with the college's Internal Complaints Committee, accusing Sameer Ranjan Sahoo, the Head of Department, of persistent sexual harassment. According to her father's account, she had disclosed that the accused professor was demanding sexual favors, creating an environment of fear and intimidation that ultimately became unbearable. The father revealed that his daughter had not shared the complete extent of her ordeal with him, but had indicated that the accused was applying continuous pressure on her. He recounted how Sahoo had even attempted to reassure him personally, stating that as her teacher, there was no cause for concern. This interaction now appears particularly troubling in light of the subsequent events. The young woman's complaints had allegedly been met with institutional indifference, with the college principal Dillip Ghose and other staff members failing to take appropriate action despite her repeated pleas for help. The father expressed particular anger toward the Internal Committee members, claiming they had subjected his daughter to additional harassment by confronting her in the presence of her accused harasser. The student sustained 90 percent burns in the incident and was rushed to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, where she succumbed to her injuries on Monday night. Her death has triggered widespread outrage across Odisha, with political leaders and civil society groups demanding justice and accountability from the educational institution. Former Chief Minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik has directly held the BJP-led state government responsible for what he characterized as "institutional betrayal" and "planned injustice." In his strongly worded response, Patnaik emphasized that the student's death was not an accident but the direct result of systemic failure and deliberate neglect. Patnaik's statement highlighted the disturbing reality of how institutional failures can have fatal consequences, noting that the victim had exhausted all available channels seeking justice but was ultimately failed by the very system designed to protect her. He described the incident as evidence of a system that chose silence over support when intervention was most needed. The family's demands for a comprehensive investigation extend beyond the accused professor to include scrutiny of the principal's role and the functioning of the Internal Complaints Committee. They seek answers about the decision-making process that led to the private meeting and the institutional response to their daughter's harassment complaints. This tragic incident has brought renewed attention to the effectiveness of internal complaint mechanisms in educational institutions and the protection available to students who report harassment. The case raises serious questions about institutional accountability and the consequences of failing to address sexual harassment complaints promptly and effectively. The father's allegations of conspiracy suggest that the death was not simply the result of individual misconduct but potentially involved systemic efforts to silence his daughter's voice. As investigations continue, the focus will likely expand to examine the broader institutional culture and the adequacy of existing protection mechanisms for students facing harassment. The case has become a symbol of the broader struggle for justice in cases of sexual harassment within educational institutions, highlighting the urgent need for robust and effective complaint resolution systems that protect rather than further victimize those who speak out against misconduct.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Experts: 4 out of 10 Indians hit by fatty liver, teetotallers also at risk
Bhubaneswar: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), or fatty liver disease, is fast emerging as a major global health challenge, experts said at the Metabolic Horizon-2025 conference organised here on Saturday. They pointed out that four out of ten people in India are now affected by this condition. Many people still believe that only those who consume alcohol are at risk of developing fatty liver disease. However, experts warned that even teetotallers can suffer from fatty liver disease. "Fat gets deposited in the liver due to certain metabolic conditions, including diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, negligible physical activity, and some diseases and drugs. Previously, when we found fat in the liver, we did not worry much. But once we discovered that MASLD is a common cause of cirrhosis, we began taking it seriously," said Dr Abhay Sahoo, an endocrinologist. Sahoo stated that initially, fat accumulates slowly in the liver, a condition known as hepatic steatosis. "After about five years, inflammation begins, and the liver becomes swollen. In the next stage, it progresses to fibrosis, which can eventually lead to cirrhosis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo We can reverse fatty liver in its early stage, but once fibrosis sets in, there is little chance of reversing the damage," he added. Sahoo said that people with fatty liver disease are usually asymptomatic. "They often do not experience any symptoms until the condition becomes severe. Some people may feel pain or discomfort on the right side of the abdomen. We often detect MASLD incidentally during an ultrasound or other tests," he said. Dr Satyajit Tripathy, a diabetologist, added that liver function tests (LFT), ultrasound scans, and even a fibroscan can help detect MASLD and assess liver elasticity. "This advanced test can detect fibrosis in the liver. A liver biopsy is another method to diagnose the disease," Tripathy said. He added that untreated MASLD can lead to more serious complications. "Exercises such as walking and yoga, along with dietary control and lifestyle changes, can help reverse this metabolic disorder if caught early. We need to maintain a healthy work-life balance and reduce fat accumulation, especially around the belly. A balanced diet is key to reducing liver fat. Even regular walking combined with a good diet can lower the risk of MASLD. Following a proper circadian rhythm is also important for a healthy lifestyle," said Tripathy.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Black marketing of sand hits construction activities in Cuttack district
CUTTACK: Black marketing of sand has become rampant owing to the closure of all bali ghats (sand sources) by the Mines department for the rainy season. Such a situation is burning a hole in the pockets of those constructing houses as the essential material is being sold at more than double the actual price. The worst-affected are the beneficiaries of different housing schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Antyodaya Gruha Yojana etc., as they are compelled to buy sand at hefty amounts in order to complete house construction within a specific period to avail the incentive. As per sources, considering the vulnerability of riverbeds and embankments during the rainy season, the mining officer-cum-competent authority, Minor Minerals, Cuttack has suspended operations of all 46 sand sources in the district from July 2 leading to its unavailability. Meanwhile, taking advantage of the situation, lessees and mafia who had already lifted huge quantities of sand from the river and stacked them illegally at several places before closure of the bali ghats are now charging exorbitant prices. 'When the bali ghats were operational, a tractor-load of sand was priced between Rs 900 to Rs 950. However, now after their closure, they are being charged at Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000. If one bargains, they are refusing to sell the sand,' said a beneficiary of PMAY (Urban). He added that he is left with no choice than to buy the sand at the skyrocketed price as he has to complete house construction within three months to get incentive of Rs 20,000. Meanwhile, unable to pay such high prices, many beneficiaries have halted their house construction. 'We have stopped construction of our houses as the money spent towards purchasing sand will more than the incentive amount,' said some beneficiaries of PMAY (Gramin). Deputy director of Mines, Cuttack Circle, Dillip Kumar Sahoo said sand mining has been suspended in the district from July 2 as per the sustainable sand mining guidelines-2016 issued by MoEFCC. 'Four illegal sand stacks at CDA sector-11, Baideswar, Jatamundia and Kalika Prasad have been seized and will be auctioned soon. Further raids are underway,' Sahoo said adding, enforcement activities against illegal stacking and sale of sand would be intensified in the coming days. Meanwhile, city residents suggested the department should make alternative provisions to make sand available during monsoon. 'It should open a depot of its own to provide sand at government rate,' they said.
