Latest news with #SitalSasthi
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Sambalpur begins Rs 55 crore water pipeline upgrade
SAMBALPUR: After years of recurring waterborne disease outbreaks and mounting public pressure, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) is set to begin major infrastructure upgrade to replace 55 kilometres of outdated and damaged drinking water supply pipelines across the city. This massive project, awarded to Bhubaneswar-based Shivjyoti Conpro Pvt Ltd, will be completed within 18 months at an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore. The most critically damaged pipelines will be replaced in the first phase within six months. This step comes after five jaundice outbreaks since 2014, with the most recent occurring after Sital Sasthi last year, affecting over 150 people. The outbreaks were linked to contaminated water supply caused by pipelines running through open drains, allowing sewage to seep into drinking water lines. In 2014, the then chief minister Naveen Patnaik had announced a complete overhaul of the system, but only partial work was carried out in selected areas, leaving the system vulnerable for nearly a decade. General manager, WATCO, Brahmeshwar Das said, 'The project will be executed at an estimated cost of Rs 55 crore. In the initial phase, pipelines in the worst condition will be replaced within six months. The overall target is to complete the entire 55-kilometre stretch within 18 months.' WATCO officials said the project will also expand water supply to under-served areas like Balaji colony and Marutivihar with 18,000 new household connections planned, while 8,000 is to be done in first phase. Additionally, two new treatment plants with a combined capacity of 100 MLD are proposed at Ainthapali (65 MLD) and near Sambalpur University (35 MLD). City health officials say diarrhoea, jaundice, and hepatitis remain endemic in parts of Sambalpur during monsoon. The project is expected to significantly reduce the city's vulnerability to waterborne diseases and improve health outcomes for thousands of residents.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Constable arrested for rape bid on niece, dismissed from service
Sambalpur: A 38-year-old constable of the Odisha Auxiliary Police Force (OAPF) was dismissed from service on Wednesday, a day after he was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape his 14-year-old niece during the Sital Sasthi festival celebrations. The accused, who was living with the minor's family for several years, allegedly attempted to assault the minor when her family was away attending a Sital Sasthi procession on Monday evening and they were alone at home. The girl managed to escape and later reported the incident to her family when they returned. Following a complaint filed by the family and locals, he was arrested on Tuesday and charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Sambalpur SP Mukesh Bhamoo said the constable had a history of misconduct and had received multiple warnings. "Based on prima facie evidence, we registered a Pocso case against the accused. Following his arrest and court appearance, we took immediate action to dismiss him from service," Bhamoo added. The constable was posted at Bareipali police station. He has been remanded to judicial custody following his court appearance on Tuesday.
New Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Sital Sasthi concludes in Sambalpur
SAMBALPUR: As the week-long festival concluded on Monday afternoon with the divine couple's return to their respective temples, demand for the official recognition to Sambalpur Sital Sasthi festival grew stronger. BJD district president and former minister Rohit Pujari urged the Centre to grant the national recognition to the festival. 'Sital Sasthi is not merely a festival, it has evolved into a grand platform for promoting art and culture. It brings together diverse dance and music traditions from across India, giving them a distinct identity,' he said. Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik had approved financial grants for various Sital Sasthi committees, acknowledging the festival at the state level. It is now time for the central government to step in and grant it the national recognition it truly deserves, he added. This year, Revenue and Disaster Management minister Suresh Pujari and his wife assumed the ceremonial role of Goddess Parvati's parents on behalf of Jhaduapada Sasthi Committee, offering her hand in marriage to Lord Shiva. The tradition, originating in the 17th century at the Someswar Baba temple in Balibandha, now includes several temples across the city. The festival rituals, which began on May 27, transformed Sambalpur into a cultural and devotional hot spot. Around 8,000 artistes from across Odisha and other states performed in the vibrant carnival organised by Jharuapada, Nandapada, and Mudipada committees. The district administration deployed around 75 platoons of police to ensure safety and manage crowds, with devotees arriving from across western Odisha and neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Deputy CM KV Singhdeo and several other dignitaries attended the festivities on Sunday.
India Gazette
02-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Participates in Sital Sasthi Yatra in Sambalpur
Sambalpur (Odisha) [India], June 2 (ANI): Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan offered prayers and took part in the Sital Sasthi Yatra in Odisha's Sambalpur, and actively participated in the divine wedding procession of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The event followed the ceremonial wedding of the deities, which was performed the night before. It is one of Western Odisha's most culturally significant festivals. 'This is a city of spirituality and devotion. Sheetal Sasti has now become our identity. In the days to come, there will be more strength and energy in this celebration. It is our responsibility to carry it forward,' said Pradhan while addressing the gathering. He added, 'The entire city is celebrating Sheetal Sasti with great enthusiasm and devotion. For the past 34 days, thousands of devotees have been uniting with the divine. Today and tomorrow, this spiritual fervour will only grow, as members of Parliament and others will also join the celebrations.' The event marked the return journey of the divine couple to Lord Shiva's abode, following their ceremonial wedding the previous night. Amid a vibrant cultural atmosphere, Minister Pradhan joined thousands of devotees in celebrating this centuries-old tradition, known for its rich symbolism and community involvement. Odisha's Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, Minister of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Rabi Narayan Naik, Sambalpur MLA and senior party leaders also witnessed the procession with Pradhan. Meanwhile, the Union Minister also inaugurated Krishi Bhawan on the occasion of Sital Sasthi. Speaking to mediapersons, Pradhan said, 'I thank the double-engine government in Odisha for undertaking many works for the benefit of the farmers in the last year... On top of the MSP increased by the central government on Kharif crops, Odisha also gives Rs 800 per quintal from its budget... No one has given so much subsidy, so much help to farmers after independence.' The Sital Sasthi Yatra is a significant cultural and religious festival in western Odisha, symbolising the divine marriage and fostering a spirit of unity, devotion, and cultural pride among the people. (ANI)
New Indian Express
01-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Divine wedding solemnised as part of Sital Sasthi, celebration in Sambalpur
SAMBALPUR: Thousands of people from across western Odisha converged at Sambalpur as the divine marriage of Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Parvati was solemnised as part of the ongoing Sital Sasthi celebrations on Saturday.' While rituals of the week-long festival began on May 27, the ritualistic wedding was solemnised as per the Vedic rituals in small hours of Saturday. The city streets bustled with excitement as the temples were adorned for the festive occasion. The significance of the festival is that people perform the role of parents of Goddess Parvati and offer her hands to Lord Shiva. This year, Revenue and Disaster Management minister Suresh Pujari and his wife have taken on the responsibility as the parents of Parvati from Jhaduapada Sasthi Committee. In a magnificent procession, Lord Shiva departed from the city's temples and proceeded to the residence of the Parvati. The procession included local deities, senior residents of the area, and thousands of artists. 'The preparation for Sital Sasthi festival starts from the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya with 'Thala Utha' which marks the collection of funds for the festival. The festival begins with various rituals including Patrapendi (engagement) followed by Niuta (invitation) before the sacred marriage takes place,' said member of Mudipada Sita Sasthi Yatra committee, Jagadish Panda.
