Latest news with #VisionDocument2036
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- New Indian Express
Odisha to create 10 lakh green livelihoods: CM Majhi
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government aims to create 10 lakh green livelihoods through community-led forest initiatives and develop the state as a model for eco-tourism destination, said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday. Addressing a state-level function celebrating the 76th Van Mahotsav Week here, Majhi said development of a 'Green Odisha' is a key objective under the Vision Document 2036. 'To achieve this goal, the state aims to create one million green livelihoods through community-led forest initiatives and develop Odisha as a model for eco-tourism. Under the 'Green Odisha' initiative, over 100 processing centres will be established for sal, kendu leaves, bamboo and medicinal plants with a target to generate income worth `5,000 crore for the tribal communities,' he said. The chief minister recalled that the state had last year planted 6.69 crore saplings and secured the fourth position nationwide under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 'It aims to plant 7.5 crore saplings under the programme this year. In a move to combat lightning strikes, the government had planted around 19 lakh palm trees last year and plans to plant 18 lakh more such trees this year too,' Majhi said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Govt plans for Rath Yatra 2026 with focus on rising vehicular traffic
1 2 Bhubaneswar: In the wake of severe traffic congestion during this year's Rath Yatra, the Odisha govt has planned comprehensive measures to effectively handle increasing vehicular traffic during festivals. Puri, which hosts lakhs of devotees during its celebrated annual festivals, including Rath Yatra, Bahuda Yatra and Suna Besha, witnessed unprecedented vehicular traffic this year, pushing its existing infrastructure to its limits. The situation has prompted govt authorities to reassess the pilgrim city's traffic management system. "The govt will make Puri future-ready to effectively deal with heavy vehicular flow. After witnessing unimaginable rush of vehicles, we have already initiated a preliminary discussion keeping an eye on long-term solutions," law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said. Statistical data reveals the magnitude of the challenge: while the city had designated 21 parking lots with a maximum capacity of 6,500 four-wheelers during the recent festivals (Rath Yatra on June 27, Bahuda Yatra on July 5 and Suna Besha on July 6), the actual influx exceeded 20,000 vehicles per day. This threefold surge in traffic volume left law enforcement personnel scrambling to maintain order with limited resources. "The govt has planned a collaborative approach, bringing together various stakeholders, including former district collectors, superintendents of police and urban planning experts. This consortium will work to develop sustainable solutions for Puri's growing traffic management needs," Harichandan added. Commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena outlined the govt's multi-pronged approach to address these challenges. "The chief minister (Mohan Charan Majhi) already announced Puri's elevation to municipal corporation status. This will unlock new possibilities for infrastructural development. This administrative upgrade will facilitate larger budgetary allocations and enable implementation of modern traffic management systems," Jena said. Local residents and business owners have called for urgent infrastructural development ahead of next year's Rath Yatra. "The number of four-wheelers is increasing rapidly. Those who used to travel Puri via trains and buses have their own cars now. Even though Puri's parking facilities have improved in the last four to five years, they need further enhancement," Debasis Das, convenor of Srikhetra Swabhiman Mancha, a Puri-based cultural outfit, said. Hoteliers said that parking infrastructure and enhanced traffic management are essential to handle potential rise in the arrival of tourists to Puri as per govt's 'Vision Document 2036 and 2047'. "Puri's economic potential is closely tied to its ability to handle large crowds during festivals. Modern infrastructure will not only benefit pilgrims but also boost local tourism and commerce," Debasis Kumar, vice-president of Hotel Association of Puri, said. Kumar suggested that development of more parking facilities, implementation of smart traffic management systems, construction of new road networks to reduce congestion, integration of public transport solutions and installation of modern surveillance systems may help authorities to address the traffic issue. "As Puri continues to attract increasing numbers of devotees and tourists, these infrastructure developments are crucial steps toward maintaining the city's status as one of India's top pilgrim destinations," Kumar said.
