Do we – citizens’ forum- have an activity calendar for 2008 ?
If yes then would someone publish that in the web?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The problems we face..
AREAS OF RELATIVE NEGLIGENCE SHOWN TO
KENDUJHAR DISTRICT
INFRASTRUCTURE
Roads:
1. NH 215 : The sorrow of kendujhar
2. NH 06 : Deficient design of Baitarani bridge, and Kanjipani Pass
3. All 25 minor and 8 major bridges on NH215 of pre-independence vintage
4. Bye Passes of urban settlements planned, would reduce accidents drastically
5. KIDCO road is story of non-cooperation of all involved parties
6. Rural roads is a cake of non-delivery iced by corruption and irregularity
7. PWD roads, the less said the better
8. Revival of old roads: Suakati-Bonai, Naranpur-Kamakhya Ngr, Dubna –Daitary
9. Anti-Naxal road (Motu-Ranchi) continues to be in the air only
10. No one listens to NH6 Connectivity to bye pass the Kolkata-Mumbai traffic from the heart of Kendujhargarh town
Railways
1. Doubling the line to multiply freight traffic revenue many fold
2. Banspani-Bimalgarh, and Kendujhar-Badampahar link should network the support for metallurgy industry
3. Passenger trains: A dream of Kendujhar for over 30 years
Irrigation
1. Kanupur Project: 40 months after 3rd foundation stone, not one family is shifted even from villages on Dam axis where the Techical work is to begin
2. De project left canal for our sensitive Saharpada appears to be dumped.
3. Rengali Project: Only left canal is left out because, it is for Kendujhar
4. Bore well irrigation is discarded for the whole of Kendujhar: nature’s curse, or Govt apathy?
5. Water Harvesting: Ideal for our hilly terrain, but simple science has been discarded in favour of massive mal-practice
6. Bhimkund Project: Irrigation need should be redesigned to cause minimum submergence and consequent RR problems
Airport
1. The landing strips at Bhadrasahi, and Raisuan to be proper airports with runway length expansion, minimum electronic and night landing facilities
Telecom
1. Facilitating fair competition by Govt should improve services drastically
Financial Institutions
1. Current trends of the banking sectors to transfer resources to metrocentres should be restrained
2. Credits to rural sector to create employment should be more bold and innovative
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
Health
1. Vacancy: A total of 46 vacancies of doctors, mostly in rural PHCs & CHCs
2. Medical College: A laudable effort by our MLAs is not impossible in our rich district, but we suggest a more modest beginning in
a. Malaria & Leprocy research & extension centre
b. College for Nursing & medical assistants
c. Pharmacy Institution
d. All out offensive against malnutrition, IMR, Primry Delivery Death, etc through public awareness movement
Education
1. Technical:
a. ITIs in each block as promised
b. Half of non-performing schools to be converted to Tech Schools
c. OSME: Diploma branches to be expanded
d. OSME (Degree Stream) in the new campus to be raised to the level of a National Institute of Earth Sciences
e. Agriculture and allied Sciences College for north Orissa to be located in the existing OUAT campus & Infrastructure
2. Higher Education : College level education is in total shambles in the whole of Kendujhar, including in the premier DD College
3. Primary Education: The roofless schools and teacherless study needs a closer look
SOCIAL ASPECTS
Environment
1. 115 mines, 24 Sponge Iron units, Over 225 iron ore crushers, and around 20,000 trucks daily on NH 215 alone, and any number of road side ore dumps, tell only half the story of our misery
2. Pollution of our Air, Water, Soil, physical harm to our animals plants, crops and wild life are turning out to be endemic
3. Social pollution of our rural folks completes the story
4. The regional office of SPCB is functioning only as a pollution clearance agency
Forests
1. 33,000 Ha of ML area in the western hills of Kendujhar, has only about 16,000 Ha of forest land, appears to be doubtful for the citizens
2. Why only about 9000 Ha of Forest dereserved brought only Rs 19 Crores as Compensatory afforestation is not understood
3. Why only 15% of the amount collected is sanctioned for plantation in KJR
4. Denudation of our proud hard wood forests is irreversibly total
Urban Chaos
1. Master plan for Kendujhargarh expired last year, and no new plan in sight
2. Master plan for Joda-Barbil made by IIT, Kharagpur is gathering dust
3. Growth with encroachment is the story of our chaotic urban development. Our urban life is a story of choked drains and transit systems
Law and Order
1. Largest bank robbery in the history of Orissa, Daring day light murder of a petrol pump owner, shooting in public place in the murder attempt on our own MLA, kidnapping for highest ever ransom of Rs 2 Crores, Over1100 deaths by road accidents in 4 years in the most jammed roads of the nation are only the symptoms of the deeper malady of our poor law and order situation.
2. Left extremism is already at our door step
Panchayat Raj Institutions
1. In Kendujhar, PRI is an instrument of poor delivery compared to the rest of Orissa
ECONOMIC PROGRESS
Industrialisation
Poor Labour Relation
Agriculture and allied activities
KENDUJHAR DISTRICT
INFRASTRUCTURE
Roads:
1. NH 215 : The sorrow of kendujhar
2. NH 06 : Deficient design of Baitarani bridge, and Kanjipani Pass
3. All 25 minor and 8 major bridges on NH215 of pre-independence vintage
4. Bye Passes of urban settlements planned, would reduce accidents drastically
5. KIDCO road is story of non-cooperation of all involved parties
6. Rural roads is a cake of non-delivery iced by corruption and irregularity
7. PWD roads, the less said the better
8. Revival of old roads: Suakati-Bonai, Naranpur-Kamakhya Ngr, Dubna –Daitary
9. Anti-Naxal road (Motu-Ranchi) continues to be in the air only
10. No one listens to NH6 Connectivity to bye pass the Kolkata-Mumbai traffic from the heart of Kendujhargarh town
Railways
1. Doubling the line to multiply freight traffic revenue many fold
2. Banspani-Bimalgarh, and Kendujhar-Badampahar link should network the support for metallurgy industry
3. Passenger trains: A dream of Kendujhar for over 30 years
Irrigation
1. Kanupur Project: 40 months after 3rd foundation stone, not one family is shifted even from villages on Dam axis where the Techical work is to begin
2. De project left canal for our sensitive Saharpada appears to be dumped.
3. Rengali Project: Only left canal is left out because, it is for Kendujhar
4. Bore well irrigation is discarded for the whole of Kendujhar: nature’s curse, or Govt apathy?
5. Water Harvesting: Ideal for our hilly terrain, but simple science has been discarded in favour of massive mal-practice
6. Bhimkund Project: Irrigation need should be redesigned to cause minimum submergence and consequent RR problems
Airport
1. The landing strips at Bhadrasahi, and Raisuan to be proper airports with runway length expansion, minimum electronic and night landing facilities
Telecom
1. Facilitating fair competition by Govt should improve services drastically
Financial Institutions
1. Current trends of the banking sectors to transfer resources to metrocentres should be restrained
2. Credits to rural sector to create employment should be more bold and innovative
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
Health
1. Vacancy: A total of 46 vacancies of doctors, mostly in rural PHCs & CHCs
2. Medical College: A laudable effort by our MLAs is not impossible in our rich district, but we suggest a more modest beginning in
a. Malaria & Leprocy research & extension centre
b. College for Nursing & medical assistants
c. Pharmacy Institution
d. All out offensive against malnutrition, IMR, Primry Delivery Death, etc through public awareness movement
Education
1. Technical:
a. ITIs in each block as promised
b. Half of non-performing schools to be converted to Tech Schools
c. OSME: Diploma branches to be expanded
d. OSME (Degree Stream) in the new campus to be raised to the level of a National Institute of Earth Sciences
e. Agriculture and allied Sciences College for north Orissa to be located in the existing OUAT campus & Infrastructure
2. Higher Education : College level education is in total shambles in the whole of Kendujhar, including in the premier DD College
3. Primary Education: The roofless schools and teacherless study needs a closer look
SOCIAL ASPECTS
Environment
1. 115 mines, 24 Sponge Iron units, Over 225 iron ore crushers, and around 20,000 trucks daily on NH 215 alone, and any number of road side ore dumps, tell only half the story of our misery
2. Pollution of our Air, Water, Soil, physical harm to our animals plants, crops and wild life are turning out to be endemic
3. Social pollution of our rural folks completes the story
4. The regional office of SPCB is functioning only as a pollution clearance agency
Forests
1. 33,000 Ha of ML area in the western hills of Kendujhar, has only about 16,000 Ha of forest land, appears to be doubtful for the citizens
2. Why only about 9000 Ha of Forest dereserved brought only Rs 19 Crores as Compensatory afforestation is not understood
3. Why only 15% of the amount collected is sanctioned for plantation in KJR
4. Denudation of our proud hard wood forests is irreversibly total
Urban Chaos
1. Master plan for Kendujhargarh expired last year, and no new plan in sight
2. Master plan for Joda-Barbil made by IIT, Kharagpur is gathering dust
3. Growth with encroachment is the story of our chaotic urban development. Our urban life is a story of choked drains and transit systems
Law and Order
1. Largest bank robbery in the history of Orissa, Daring day light murder of a petrol pump owner, shooting in public place in the murder attempt on our own MLA, kidnapping for highest ever ransom of Rs 2 Crores, Over1100 deaths by road accidents in 4 years in the most jammed roads of the nation are only the symptoms of the deeper malady of our poor law and order situation.
2. Left extremism is already at our door step
Panchayat Raj Institutions
1. In Kendujhar, PRI is an instrument of poor delivery compared to the rest of Orissa
ECONOMIC PROGRESS
Industrialisation
Poor Labour Relation
Agriculture and allied activities
Friday, October 26, 2007
Letter to the Collector for Drinking Water Supply!!
Collector and District Magistrate 03 May 07
Kendujhar
Kendujhargarh 758001
CRITICAL POSITION IN DRINKING WATER SUPPLY
Dear Sir,
The position of drinking water supply in the district, and more so in our urban centres has reached a precarious state for last 3 weeks. The district administration is surely aware of the situation. The continuing apathy of the concerned departments is total.
Water for Domestic need
With falling water table of underground water mainly caused by excessive deforestation, compounded by increase of population in urban centers, the shortage of water for domestic need is already acute. This is in spite of the ‘Above Average’ rainfall during last year, with most of the precipitation towards the end of the rainy season. But the tragedy lies in lack of foresight and planning to tackle the problem at all levels.
It is understood that the District Administration is preparing a master plan for providing Drinking water of tested quality (?) in adequate quantity, for all house holds of this district in a time bound plan. The citizens are keener to see the early implementation plan backed by appropriate financial support.
In the mean while, the problems of all our urban domestic water supply in all our 9 urban centers have reached a precarious situation. The existing system at Keonjhargarh, our district HQ town, has reached an alarming state with problems of silting, allowing Iron ore crusher units in the catchment’s areas, poor distribution system and finally inadequate source of supply. Our CM lays the foundation stone of a system here to supplement the existing one, with finance from PDF, on 16 Dec 06. After nearly 5 months, the district administration has not been able to start the work on ground. Same is the case with our second urban complex at Joda- Barbil, where the ‘Master Plan’ prepared by IIT has been shelved. And now in the middle of summer, it is reduced to a ‘Crisis Management’ with no end to pain in sight.
Yours Truly,
Bhagirathi Mohanta)
President, For and on behalf of all members of Citizens’ Forum
Copy to: Executive Engineer, RWSS, Kendujhar
: Assistant Engineer, PHD, Kendujhargarh
Kendujhar
Kendujhargarh 758001
CRITICAL POSITION IN DRINKING WATER SUPPLY
Dear Sir,
The position of drinking water supply in the district, and more so in our urban centres has reached a precarious state for last 3 weeks. The district administration is surely aware of the situation. The continuing apathy of the concerned departments is total.
Water for Domestic need
With falling water table of underground water mainly caused by excessive deforestation, compounded by increase of population in urban centers, the shortage of water for domestic need is already acute. This is in spite of the ‘Above Average’ rainfall during last year, with most of the precipitation towards the end of the rainy season. But the tragedy lies in lack of foresight and planning to tackle the problem at all levels.
It is understood that the District Administration is preparing a master plan for providing Drinking water of tested quality (?) in adequate quantity, for all house holds of this district in a time bound plan. The citizens are keener to see the early implementation plan backed by appropriate financial support.
In the mean while, the problems of all our urban domestic water supply in all our 9 urban centers have reached a precarious situation. The existing system at Keonjhargarh, our district HQ town, has reached an alarming state with problems of silting, allowing Iron ore crusher units in the catchment’s areas, poor distribution system and finally inadequate source of supply. Our CM lays the foundation stone of a system here to supplement the existing one, with finance from PDF, on 16 Dec 06. After nearly 5 months, the district administration has not been able to start the work on ground. Same is the case with our second urban complex at Joda- Barbil, where the ‘Master Plan’ prepared by IIT has been shelved. And now in the middle of summer, it is reduced to a ‘Crisis Management’ with no end to pain in sight.
Yours Truly,
Bhagirathi Mohanta)
President, For and on behalf of all members of Citizens’ Forum
Copy to: Executive Engineer, RWSS, Kendujhar
: Assistant Engineer, PHD, Kendujhargarh
The Ecological Perspective!!!!
Ecology and Environment
The members of the Citizens’ Forum were surprised to see the disturbing picture of Forest Cover of Kendujhar district, which was projected by a scientist of an NRSA scientist on a screen in an All India Seminar on Environment on 23 Nov last year. The deforestation and the denudation of forests appeared to be the worst among all the districts of Orissa. Even the coastal districts were better of without any natural forests. Finger like deforestation enters deep into our western hilly areas right from Malangtoli to Daitary. These are surely dangerous indicators of the main maladies, namely, deeper descent of under ground water, Climate change, Silting of reservoirs, and pollution. Afforestation as per EMP of mining plan, or the compensatory afforestation by Forest Deptt are not at all adequate. On the contrary, the wood mafia and the truck body builders in this district are having a good time. A comprehensive policy is the need of the hour to protect the famous forests of Keonjhar.
1. We have been receiving unusually large number of expressions of serious dissatisfaction on the state of environmental pollution from an equally large cross section of rural and tribal population spread all over the district. The fine particulates floating in the air, along with the Toxic gaseous affluent are the main pollutants, where as the fines of iron ore carried by water are the secondary.
2. The pollutants have direct adverse effect on the health of the population, fertility of the cultivable lands, grazing animals, suffocating plants and standing crops, portability of drinking water in wells, tanks and in the choked streams. Experts on ecology would find many other long-term effects on life and its support systems. Thousands of mineral carrying vehicles flowing in from the mine areas on unprepared roads to join the equally bad NH 215 has become another hazard to our environment and our otherwise salubrious climate.
3. A number of public forums and concerned NGOs of Keonjhar have deliberated at length on balancing the pollution and balanced industrial development in our district. It was generally felt that, although the mining and industrial activities have brought prosperity to a relatively larger section of populace, the common man in villages, roadsides, peripheries of mines and industrial units, have to suffer a degraded quality of life, basically from the consequence of this large scale pollution. Development is being seen an invasion on their life and properties. The well-known and tasty vegetables of Keonjhar, have undergone mysterious change of colour, size, and taste.
4. The considered opinion of the expert and experienced professionals in the field is summarized in the lines of the following remedial suggestions:-
(a). Sponge Iron Units
(i) All operating units must be registered with SPCB, DIC, DDM/ Mining office, and Revenue and Forest Deptt, if situated close to human settlements or forest lands, without any exception, for the purpose of pollution monitoring.
(ii) There is to be no production, not even trial production, with out operating full compliment of pollution control equipment, like ESP, Washeries etc in place. Any unserviceability of such equipment must call for factory ‘Shut Down’
(iii) The currently served notice to all offending units to close their units after the stipulated period , must be strictly enforced by any of the inspectors of (i) above, with the help of police deptt, if required.
(iv) A laboratory is to be established within the district, preferably in Keonjhargarh, to carry out the basic tests on pollution of air and water samples drawn from the effected areas, besides only looking after the norms of the industries. The results of all such impact on environment must be made public periodically, possibly every month.
(v) The interaction between the inspecting / enforcement agencies and the officials of the units are to be only professional contact and strictly limited to effected areas. All offers, even visits to offices, guest houses are to be politely declined. If all travel expenses including accommodation and transportation are met by the Government, there is absolutely no reason why such favours are to be accepted from the units or their associations.
(b) Mines
(i) All provisions of EMP enumerated in the approved mining plan with the mine owners, along with the EIA, are to be strictly enforced by the assigned agencies like IBM, DGMS, State mining and forest officials for pit wise compliance No renewal request is to be entertained without strict and full compliance of the previous EMP of the Mining plan.
(ii) Annual plantation programme, maintenance of planted areas, and prevention of erosion of sensitive areas like dumps, storage yards, loading points, are to be strictly enforced, where PRI officials may co ordinate with the forest and mining officials.
(iii) Inspection ethics similar to those at Para 4 (b) (v) are also to be enforced.
Crusher Units
With the amount of money now available to the owners of Crusher units, mainly iron ore, there is no reason why all of them change over to “ Enclosed and Dust free Machines “ technologies” and dispense with the currently installed “ Open “ crushers. These machines are the main villains of dust pollution in the mines and surroundings of crusher units. A suitable notice to this effect may be issued for a gradual but quick change over within a specified period.
Compensatory Afforestation
All mine owners having ML in forest areas or notified forest areas have paid large sums of money for compensatory a forestation to the Department of forest and environment. There is a need to carry out transparent review of the a forestation programme among the department officials, Environment activists, and the effected civil society, and the results made public.
5. We request that the above suggestions be accepted for early implementation to make a beginning of a revival of our environment, ultimately leading to a Pollution Free Keonjhar. .
(This has been highlighted at different forums at different times, We've met with the Collector, CM, PM with regards to this problem. Sadly, We still have to see the effects...)
The members of the Citizens’ Forum were surprised to see the disturbing picture of Forest Cover of Kendujhar district, which was projected by a scientist of an NRSA scientist on a screen in an All India Seminar on Environment on 23 Nov last year. The deforestation and the denudation of forests appeared to be the worst among all the districts of Orissa. Even the coastal districts were better of without any natural forests. Finger like deforestation enters deep into our western hilly areas right from Malangtoli to Daitary. These are surely dangerous indicators of the main maladies, namely, deeper descent of under ground water, Climate change, Silting of reservoirs, and pollution. Afforestation as per EMP of mining plan, or the compensatory afforestation by Forest Deptt are not at all adequate. On the contrary, the wood mafia and the truck body builders in this district are having a good time. A comprehensive policy is the need of the hour to protect the famous forests of Keonjhar.
1. We have been receiving unusually large number of expressions of serious dissatisfaction on the state of environmental pollution from an equally large cross section of rural and tribal population spread all over the district. The fine particulates floating in the air, along with the Toxic gaseous affluent are the main pollutants, where as the fines of iron ore carried by water are the secondary.
2. The pollutants have direct adverse effect on the health of the population, fertility of the cultivable lands, grazing animals, suffocating plants and standing crops, portability of drinking water in wells, tanks and in the choked streams. Experts on ecology would find many other long-term effects on life and its support systems. Thousands of mineral carrying vehicles flowing in from the mine areas on unprepared roads to join the equally bad NH 215 has become another hazard to our environment and our otherwise salubrious climate.
3. A number of public forums and concerned NGOs of Keonjhar have deliberated at length on balancing the pollution and balanced industrial development in our district. It was generally felt that, although the mining and industrial activities have brought prosperity to a relatively larger section of populace, the common man in villages, roadsides, peripheries of mines and industrial units, have to suffer a degraded quality of life, basically from the consequence of this large scale pollution. Development is being seen an invasion on their life and properties. The well-known and tasty vegetables of Keonjhar, have undergone mysterious change of colour, size, and taste.
4. The considered opinion of the expert and experienced professionals in the field is summarized in the lines of the following remedial suggestions:-
(a). Sponge Iron Units
(i) All operating units must be registered with SPCB, DIC, DDM/ Mining office, and Revenue and Forest Deptt, if situated close to human settlements or forest lands, without any exception, for the purpose of pollution monitoring.
(ii) There is to be no production, not even trial production, with out operating full compliment of pollution control equipment, like ESP, Washeries etc in place. Any unserviceability of such equipment must call for factory ‘Shut Down’
(iii) The currently served notice to all offending units to close their units after the stipulated period , must be strictly enforced by any of the inspectors of (i) above, with the help of police deptt, if required.
(iv) A laboratory is to be established within the district, preferably in Keonjhargarh, to carry out the basic tests on pollution of air and water samples drawn from the effected areas, besides only looking after the norms of the industries. The results of all such impact on environment must be made public periodically, possibly every month.
(v) The interaction between the inspecting / enforcement agencies and the officials of the units are to be only professional contact and strictly limited to effected areas. All offers, even visits to offices, guest houses are to be politely declined. If all travel expenses including accommodation and transportation are met by the Government, there is absolutely no reason why such favours are to be accepted from the units or their associations.
(b) Mines
(i) All provisions of EMP enumerated in the approved mining plan with the mine owners, along with the EIA, are to be strictly enforced by the assigned agencies like IBM, DGMS, State mining and forest officials for pit wise compliance No renewal request is to be entertained without strict and full compliance of the previous EMP of the Mining plan.
(ii) Annual plantation programme, maintenance of planted areas, and prevention of erosion of sensitive areas like dumps, storage yards, loading points, are to be strictly enforced, where PRI officials may co ordinate with the forest and mining officials.
(iii) Inspection ethics similar to those at Para 4 (b) (v) are also to be enforced.
Crusher Units
With the amount of money now available to the owners of Crusher units, mainly iron ore, there is no reason why all of them change over to “ Enclosed and Dust free Machines “ technologies” and dispense with the currently installed “ Open “ crushers. These machines are the main villains of dust pollution in the mines and surroundings of crusher units. A suitable notice to this effect may be issued for a gradual but quick change over within a specified period.
Compensatory Afforestation
All mine owners having ML in forest areas or notified forest areas have paid large sums of money for compensatory a forestation to the Department of forest and environment. There is a need to carry out transparent review of the a forestation programme among the department officials, Environment activists, and the effected civil society, and the results made public.
5. We request that the above suggestions be accepted for early implementation to make a beginning of a revival of our environment, ultimately leading to a Pollution Free Keonjhar. .
(This has been highlighted at different forums at different times, We've met with the Collector, CM, PM with regards to this problem. Sadly, We still have to see the effects...)
THE BIGGEST BANK ROBBERY IN ORISSA
CRISIS IN LAW AND ORDER SITUATION
IN KENDUJHAR DISTRICT
The largest ever bank robbery in the history of Orissa takes place at Babil, in spite of the prior intelligence with the authorities.
Open and daring ‘Day light’ murder of a petrol pump proprietor near Anandpur in the presence of a number of witnesses, followed by a connived release of the murderer by a nexus of the law men and the law maker, is a public knowledge.
One of our Honourable vidhayak gets shot publicly at point blank range, and the event reduces to a medical problem of utmost speed and care to remove the third bullet lodged in his chest. Culprits are invisible only to the law.
An entrenched Mafia spreading “Bichhuati” or equivalent in the office and chair of a lady BDO of tribal block in the presence of block officials, shows the spread of the disease in depth.
Over 1100 deaths by road accidents alone in last 5 years in our district, mostly under mineral carrying trucks, driven by sleepless drivers and Khalasis, on the most jammed road of the nation, gets attention only as a“Commercial” problem.
And now the business of ‘Kidnapping for Ransom’ has just opens its show in the Headquarter town of the district, sending shivers among the disputers, and displayers of wealth and money power.
Govt itself establishes 42 “Madabhattis” as against two ten years ago, creating breeding grounds for criminals throughout the district, all in the name of raising record breaking revenues by shifting our ‘poor’ from ‘Handia ‘ to ‘Desi’, and the plea of avoiding imaginary ‘Liquor Trajedies’.
These are only the ‘Tip of the Iceberg’ indicative of the Cancer that is fast spreading in a totally lawless environment, where Left Extremism is considered a Solace to many in what appears to be a failed district.
We, Citizens will look forward to some unprecedented initiatives for the unprecedented situation in Kendujhar, where the current ‘Law and Order’ Situation is at its ‘Nadir’.
(copies of this letter have been sent to Collector, CM, PM)
IN KENDUJHAR DISTRICT
The largest ever bank robbery in the history of Orissa takes place at Babil, in spite of the prior intelligence with the authorities.
Open and daring ‘Day light’ murder of a petrol pump proprietor near Anandpur in the presence of a number of witnesses, followed by a connived release of the murderer by a nexus of the law men and the law maker, is a public knowledge.
One of our Honourable vidhayak gets shot publicly at point blank range, and the event reduces to a medical problem of utmost speed and care to remove the third bullet lodged in his chest. Culprits are invisible only to the law.
An entrenched Mafia spreading “Bichhuati” or equivalent in the office and chair of a lady BDO of tribal block in the presence of block officials, shows the spread of the disease in depth.
Over 1100 deaths by road accidents alone in last 5 years in our district, mostly under mineral carrying trucks, driven by sleepless drivers and Khalasis, on the most jammed road of the nation, gets attention only as a“Commercial” problem.
And now the business of ‘Kidnapping for Ransom’ has just opens its show in the Headquarter town of the district, sending shivers among the disputers, and displayers of wealth and money power.
Govt itself establishes 42 “Madabhattis” as against two ten years ago, creating breeding grounds for criminals throughout the district, all in the name of raising record breaking revenues by shifting our ‘poor’ from ‘Handia ‘ to ‘Desi’, and the plea of avoiding imaginary ‘Liquor Trajedies’.
These are only the ‘Tip of the Iceberg’ indicative of the Cancer that is fast spreading in a totally lawless environment, where Left Extremism is considered a Solace to many in what appears to be a failed district.
We, Citizens will look forward to some unprecedented initiatives for the unprecedented situation in Kendujhar, where the current ‘Law and Order’ Situation is at its ‘Nadir’.
(copies of this letter have been sent to Collector, CM, PM)
The Panchayati Raj
Failure of PRI to bring about SWARAJ
This is a common affliction for all districts of Orissa, but what makes it a tragic failure in our district is the divisive politics down to the village level, practiced by all political groups in the name of ‘All round Development’. In Palli Sabhas, health and education is never discussed, women voters are rarely invited, agriculture, animal husbandry, environment, portable water, and such other topics are rarely discussed. Members fight over the small funds that are routinely passed on by Block office for approach roads, culverts or, drains.
We will request all our people’s representatives to mobilize all their cadres to bury their hatchets for the common good of the village. Let them assess their own development needs and make very long list of their demands irrespective of the fund availability.
On this subject we would form our opinion after listening our friends from blocks and Panchayats
This is a common affliction for all districts of Orissa, but what makes it a tragic failure in our district is the divisive politics down to the village level, practiced by all political groups in the name of ‘All round Development’. In Palli Sabhas, health and education is never discussed, women voters are rarely invited, agriculture, animal husbandry, environment, portable water, and such other topics are rarely discussed. Members fight over the small funds that are routinely passed on by Block office for approach roads, culverts or, drains.
We will request all our people’s representatives to mobilize all their cadres to bury their hatchets for the common good of the village. Let them assess their own development needs and make very long list of their demands irrespective of the fund availability.
On this subject we would form our opinion after listening our friends from blocks and Panchayats
The Economic Perspective
ECONOMIC PROGRESS
1 Employment
Keonjhar’s pride OTPL tea garden is to be restored to provide about 1500 jobs now lost. Change of mgt, change of ownership structure, or induction of further investment and such other avenues are to be explored earnestly.
2 PDS and Grain purchase centres
Both these systems are sick because of a nexus of interested parties. There is an urgent need to eradicate corruption in this area because lakhs of poor are deeply affected by adverse cycle of situations.
3. Tourism
Keonjhar has all the potential for a great tourist destination. Concerted effort and positive approach by govt will create employment at multiple levels. Our govt should be seized with the opportunity available with tourism in Kendujhar.
4. Investment
We in the Citizens’ Forum have always wondered why Keonjhar has not been able to attract large scale investments. Our abundant source of raw materials, conducive climate, cheap land, water ,surplus power supplies, nearness to markets, accessibility through good roads ( NHs) and tele communication, educated and peaceful labour have not been projected properly to entrepreneurs.
Our peoples’ representatives have been inadequate lobbyists. Our bureaucrats have been deficient in fore sight and therefore, negative facilitators and finally our own people have become self serving and apathetic.
The recent boom in Keonjhar has brought unprecedented prosperity to many who now sit on crores . There is a need to polarize this wealth to productive investments in Keonjhar by those enlightened entrepreneurs them selves. This will go along way to reduce unemployment, progress human development, and reduce the violent social tension. This would be the only way they can express their gratitude to this District.
5. Financial Institutions.
Citizens Forum strongly feels that banks have not been able to create wide ranging economic activies in the district to improve self-employment. Most of the have been excessively preoccupied with vehicle financing due to the boom in iron ore movement. Most of them have been busy mobilizing deposits and send them to their principals in metros, where the surplus money is creating inflation in the share market, real estate and such other speculative business. They find it cumbersome to invest in agrculture, small business to help the poor. The entire poverty alleviation programme is left to the Govt machineries, which we know are not successful everywhere. The mind set of our FIs have to change and our representatives have to sit through their periodic review meetings to remedy the current illness and bring about change in their systems. Otherwise our welfare Govt must intervene to mend the system of wealth distribution.
Our elected representatives have a lot to do for our Keonjhar to usher in a smooth, overall, and steady economic progress.
1 Employment
Keonjhar’s pride OTPL tea garden is to be restored to provide about 1500 jobs now lost. Change of mgt, change of ownership structure, or induction of further investment and such other avenues are to be explored earnestly.
2 PDS and Grain purchase centres
Both these systems are sick because of a nexus of interested parties. There is an urgent need to eradicate corruption in this area because lakhs of poor are deeply affected by adverse cycle of situations.
3. Tourism
Keonjhar has all the potential for a great tourist destination. Concerted effort and positive approach by govt will create employment at multiple levels. Our govt should be seized with the opportunity available with tourism in Kendujhar.
4. Investment
We in the Citizens’ Forum have always wondered why Keonjhar has not been able to attract large scale investments. Our abundant source of raw materials, conducive climate, cheap land, water ,surplus power supplies, nearness to markets, accessibility through good roads ( NHs) and tele communication, educated and peaceful labour have not been projected properly to entrepreneurs.
Our peoples’ representatives have been inadequate lobbyists. Our bureaucrats have been deficient in fore sight and therefore, negative facilitators and finally our own people have become self serving and apathetic.
The recent boom in Keonjhar has brought unprecedented prosperity to many who now sit on crores . There is a need to polarize this wealth to productive investments in Keonjhar by those enlightened entrepreneurs them selves. This will go along way to reduce unemployment, progress human development, and reduce the violent social tension. This would be the only way they can express their gratitude to this District.
5. Financial Institutions.
Citizens Forum strongly feels that banks have not been able to create wide ranging economic activies in the district to improve self-employment. Most of the have been excessively preoccupied with vehicle financing due to the boom in iron ore movement. Most of them have been busy mobilizing deposits and send them to their principals in metros, where the surplus money is creating inflation in the share market, real estate and such other speculative business. They find it cumbersome to invest in agrculture, small business to help the poor. The entire poverty alleviation programme is left to the Govt machineries, which we know are not successful everywhere. The mind set of our FIs have to change and our representatives have to sit through their periodic review meetings to remedy the current illness and bring about change in their systems. Otherwise our welfare Govt must intervene to mend the system of wealth distribution.
Our elected representatives have a lot to do for our Keonjhar to usher in a smooth, overall, and steady economic progress.
Human Resource Development in Keonjhar
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION
Primary Education: The school infrastructure in terms of class-rooms, drinking water, and power supply in our deep interior tribal areas is pitifully inadequate. For example, the roof less schools in our Banspal block is a notoriously common sight. Besides, the problem of absentee teachers in almost all schools can not be solved without proper PRI empowerment to engage teachers of nearby villages.
Higher Education: Govt of Orissa specially targets the higher educational institutions, mainly high schools and colleges of the district for step motherly treatment. Posting to our district are being are known to be ‘Punishment Posting’ and therefore both in terms of quality and quantity of teachers, we are always at the receiving end. We rarely find a teacher who is not on a ‘Black Tenure’ in our district. There has to be a remedy to this.
Professional Education. Kendujhar has to become a natural hub of metallurgical industries if economic considerations overtake the political. Technical education for ‘Son of the Soil’ only will ensure some quality employment. In this respect, the district has been singularly unfortunate from ITI level to diploma, and degree level. Our only institution of higher learning, OSME (Degree Stream), now in its infancy, suffers from chronic deficiencies in almost every thing from classrooms to labs, to hostels and finally faculties.
Secretary, Industry, Mr Srinivas, with concurrence of Chief Minister and Industry Minister, has taken the momentous decision to shift the Degree Stream from its current location within the OSME campus to a new location near Judia Farm, and make it an institution of national importance This is a major task with specific time targets, whose progress is to be continuously monitored by the Local Executive Committee headed by the District Collector.
OSME is of great concern to our Forum, which would be separately handled by the above Local Executive Committee, where our forum is duly represented.
HEALTH
Medical Education. Kendujhar District continues to have the dubious distinction of “Highest Malarial Death” district in the nation. We are ashamed of our IMR, prime delivery death, our malnutrition, and finally our HIV incidence, which are the highest in the state. We have the additional shame that this happens in the richest district of the state, or may be the nation. We, therefore, support the cause of the current movement demanding a “Medical College” along with a nursing college and an Institute of Tropical medicine research at Kendujhargarh.
Sudden increase in the incidence of AIDS, and Lung Affliction are of concern to us.
EDUCATION
Primary Education: The school infrastructure in terms of class-rooms, drinking water, and power supply in our deep interior tribal areas is pitifully inadequate. For example, the roof less schools in our Banspal block is a notoriously common sight. Besides, the problem of absentee teachers in almost all schools can not be solved without proper PRI empowerment to engage teachers of nearby villages.
Higher Education: Govt of Orissa specially targets the higher educational institutions, mainly high schools and colleges of the district for step motherly treatment. Posting to our district are being are known to be ‘Punishment Posting’ and therefore both in terms of quality and quantity of teachers, we are always at the receiving end. We rarely find a teacher who is not on a ‘Black Tenure’ in our district. There has to be a remedy to this.
Professional Education. Kendujhar has to become a natural hub of metallurgical industries if economic considerations overtake the political. Technical education for ‘Son of the Soil’ only will ensure some quality employment. In this respect, the district has been singularly unfortunate from ITI level to diploma, and degree level. Our only institution of higher learning, OSME (Degree Stream), now in its infancy, suffers from chronic deficiencies in almost every thing from classrooms to labs, to hostels and finally faculties.
Secretary, Industry, Mr Srinivas, with concurrence of Chief Minister and Industry Minister, has taken the momentous decision to shift the Degree Stream from its current location within the OSME campus to a new location near Judia Farm, and make it an institution of national importance This is a major task with specific time targets, whose progress is to be continuously monitored by the Local Executive Committee headed by the District Collector.
OSME is of great concern to our Forum, which would be separately handled by the above Local Executive Committee, where our forum is duly represented.
HEALTH
Medical Education. Kendujhar District continues to have the dubious distinction of “Highest Malarial Death” district in the nation. We are ashamed of our IMR, prime delivery death, our malnutrition, and finally our HIV incidence, which are the highest in the state. We have the additional shame that this happens in the richest district of the state, or may be the nation. We, therefore, support the cause of the current movement demanding a “Medical College” along with a nursing college and an Institute of Tropical medicine research at Kendujhargarh.
Sudden increase in the incidence of AIDS, and Lung Affliction are of concern to us.
Infrastructural Problems and Suggestions!!!
INFRASTRUCTURE
ROADS
01. NH-215 (erstwhile SH-11 till mid 99) with its 182 Kms stretching along the entire length of the district of Keonjhar runs like a back bone and is the economic main stay of the district. Persistent negligence and total lack of foresight made this road the biggest road block to an other wise booming iron ore business. The total damage to this road (80 % of which was only a single road) continues to bring untold miseries, not only to the mine owners, transporters, industrialists, but also to common men from School goers, patients, small businessmen and ordinary commuters.
02. Although the authorities have woken up to the reality late, work appeared to commence in a big way. Your citizens’ forum voices concern on the following aspects:
(a) A very large stretch of this road, about 45 Kms, in a busy segment around Joda remained untendered till Aug this year. This has turned out to be the biggest bottlenecks to an otherwise good but slow effort. Simple road widening, mostly to IRQP specification had been completed only for 132 kms by end of May 06. But the tragedy of poor construction to an equally poor specification was exposed when most of the stretch between Kendujhargarh and Ghatgan did not stand even the first month of monsoon.
(b) Out of 8 major bridges and 25 minor bridges, except for one or two all of them are of pre-independence (pre concrete era) vintage. Only one major and one minor bridge have been accepted for work, both of which have an un-ending, and un-targetted work schedule. We are concerned, because all these bridges are potential bottlenecks and unfit for even current traffic load.
(c) Bypass for Keonjhar is an example of delay and apathy of the concerned authorities, which seem to be totally numb to the death and injuries on the road within the town and the difficulties of the dwellers. After over 4 years, the tendered survey work has just commenced, as a part of the 4 laning survey of NHAI. Now we are also informed that the four laning bye pass will not connect NH-6. We are back to Square one. The miseries of the residents of Jhumpura Dhenkikot, Ghasipura and Ghatgan are equally indescribable. A disturbing figure that was revealed by the collector on 23 Dec 05 was the number of death due to MV accidents during less than 9 months of this year is 213, mostly under the mineral carrying trucks, a dangerous increase form 124 in the same period last year.
03. Alternate Route for Mineral Traffic. : Two existing alignments Naranpur- Bamnipal – 80 Km, and Palaspanga – Joda (48 Km) are to be developed as alternative roads for high density mineral traffic to paradip and Dhamra port and proposed steel hub of Dubri. The formar with a sanction of Rs217 crores, shared by central and state govts, is in the process of survey and re-alignment, undertaken by RITES, the latter work has just commenced under a tripartite agreement The present attempt to restore some of these roads by peripheral fund is surely NOT an alternative to a heavy-duty road under BOLT scheme. On BOLT we are again on slippery but tall promises.
04. Four laning : The ongoing 4 laning DPR survey from Remuli to Panikoili has raised our hopes all right but confusion are galore on its schedules, standards, over lapping tasks, and responsibilities. A lot of conflicts between two laning and four laning may have to be resolved for the sake of expediency, mainly on alignment, schedules and overlapping tasks. In any case, citizens are happy that finally the economic necessity of such a vital port connectivity infrastructure has been realized by the Central Cabinet.
05. MDRs & ODRs The pressure of mineral carrying trucks in their attempt to find escape routes from the traffic restriction on HN-215, has caused serious damage to ordinary MDRs and ODRs through out the district. Years of cumbersome and laborious efforts to bring some shape to these roads, lies in shambles. We find absolutely no plan or funding from Orissa Govt to restore these roads. They seem to have washed off their hands because of peripheral development fund with the District Collector.
06. PMGSY: It is a programme of building village roads, totally financed by Central Govt. But for Keonjhar district, we are still not aware of total length of road, targets during the year, and/or hold up if any. On the other hand we are given a lot of statistics of connectively percentage, AB or C grade settlements, sanctions, allotments, placing of funds and such other technicalities. But there is no doubt in the district; the progress of PMGRY continues to be dismally poor, because of lack of adequate efforts at almost all levels.
07. Restoration of Old Roads: In this aspects, the citizens Forum chose to high light the needs of the following roads :-
(a) Suakati – Bonai Road vie Singhpur :
This was an important tribal connectively road, linking the tribals of Keonjhar and Sundargarh. To start with, this road could be restored to the status of an SR, which will effectively reduce the distance to Rourkela by 40-50 Km. while providing a link of all tribal areas, and important mineral resources.
(b) Naranpur – Kamakhya Nagar – Dhenkanal Road via Pithagola – Kaliahata :
The economic potential of this road connecting the coal and iron ore belts of Orissa could gradually evolve into an important link for industrialization, besides reducing the distance to Bhubaneswar by 30-35 Km.
(c) Koira – Joda –Dubna- Daitary
It was originally part of “Expressway No-2” connecting all mineral deposits of iron ore, manganese, and alumina of the region. This can be developed into an important arterial bye-pass exclusively for mineral traffic.
(d) Podang – Nandra, Nayakot – Malda Thes roads will provide arterial return paths and avoid current dead ends.
08. RAILWAYS:
a. Tomka – Keonjhar Section : Forum is happy to know that railways have realized their commercial folly in not seizing the potential of this line when iron-ore movement is at its peak. The visiting Member Engineering of Railway Board had given assurance to the state Chief Secretary that the laying of lines will be completed by Oct 06. It has slipped by about 6 months and is likely to be ready for operation by end of March 2007. Our Forum welcomes the suggestion of our MLA that such scheduled activities be reviewed once in a month to remove any unforeseen hold up, to ensure timely completion.
b. For the sake of ‘Safety’ The RUB near Banpar on Kendujhargarh-Patna MDR has been replaced by a unsafe level crossing on a busy road, although the required land has been acquired on either side of the RUB and haned over to the Railway authorities. Similarly, the level crossing on NH 215 at Raisuan is yet to be built, when the entire line is going to be ready soon.
09. Banspani – Bimalgarh/Barsuan/Kiriburu. When the current budget provides for surrey of Keonjhar Badampahar link, we do not understand how the much shorter link of Banspani – Barsuan was overlooked. Any entrepreneurs, looking for metallurgy as an option, will look to these important connectivity, of Routkela with Tatanagar via the mineral rich area of Sundargarh and Keonjhar. Now that Bimalgarh – Talcher Coal link has been approved for Survey, Bimalgarh – Banspani is to be the next logical, connection. Incidentally such a link will close the famous “Manganeese triangle of Joda – Koida and Meghatiburu.
10 Passenger Trains from Keonjhargarh. Pending completion of the section from Keonjhargarh to Tomka, we seek immediate introduction of passenger trains
a. Extension of the current Barbil Howrah Jan Satabdi Express up to Keonjhargarh
b. At least two DMU services from Keonjhargarh to Joda-Barbil / Tatanagar
This will bring great relief to the commuting public, who are presently grueling under the pain caused by almost nonexistent NH 215. The introduction of these trains will undoubtedly earn a lot of good will for the Railways from the entire population of this district besides earning revenue from this asset.
At this stage let us raise very fundamental observations. Why transport these millions of tons of ores when the infrastructures are totally inadequate? Why not a small fraction of the money earned from this massive expert of mineral is ploughed back to these roads. Or at least why not wait till the roads of adequate capability are made. Bad roads have touched the lives of almost the entire population of this district in return for nothing. Where does privatization or globalization go from here, when their actions impose miseries on millions? How does the globalization bring happiness and prosperity to people?
11.AIRPORT
:
Airports provide an important infrastructural facility for quick and convenient assess to the district from outside. The airport at Raisuan (4 Km from Keonjhar) and Bhadrasali (midway between Joda and Barbil) are the only two locations providing basically two airship facility. But both of them are in urgent need of repair of
(a) The Runway
(b) Cattle fencing
(c) Parking Aprons
(d) Night landing and communication facilities.
(e) Air Traffic control
And for land acquisition / notification for runway length extension, to enable at least medium haul passenger a/c to operate.
POWER SUPPLY
12.Keonjhargarh is the only Dist HQ with out a 240/132-sub station. Besides, Forecasting and planning of power supply and distribution for next ten years is an exercise over due for our district. There is need to assess these requirements scientifically because power supply should stay ahead of industrialization. Currently, the prospective investors are discouraged by the constant poverty of supply. The same goes for growing urbanization and rural electrification, mainly for agriculture.
13. Land for a Grid Station near Kendujhargarh has been earmarked near Judia farm, in village Maligan. The 12 acres of area has been examined by the officials of OPTCL as suitable. District Administration must progress the project at the earliest.
The existing weaknesses in the power distribution network are to be tackled in order to:
Avoid frequent breakdowns
· Avoid loss and thus improve quality of power.
IRRIGATION
14 Kanupur Irrigation Project : Nearly 40,000 Ha of perched land in this upper Baitarani valley in almost 250 villages is waiting for water from this project for irrigation. Command area studies reveal a substantial qualitative improvement of quality of life of a large segment of our population, dependent on this irrigation system. And yet the project draws very little or no attention from the authorities. About 3 year ago, the foundation stone ( the third one in 20 years) of this project was laid by our CM after obtaining full concurrence of central assistance from AIBP.
15. Citizens Forum is keenly observing the progress from a distance and voices the following concerns:-
(a) Even after the administrative approval (on 04-03-2005), one year has gone past with little or no progress on rehabilitation programme. Not one family has been shifted either from dam site or submerged area.
(b) Although baseline survey of two villages falling on dam site has been done and land for rehabilitation has been identified in the command area, no work an shifting the villages has taken place. As a result technical work on the dam is seriously held up.
(c) Spill way location has just been finalized. A Chief Construction Engineer has been posted, along with two executive engineers and a land acquisition officer. But the progress of work is not focused on scheduled targets. We demand a closer monitoring by District Administration.
(d) The estimate of Rs. 428 crores has been revised to some Rs. 625 crores. But forum understands that the revision papers are still laying at CE’s office at Bhubaneswar for last 25 months and yet to reach ministry of water resources of AIBP for acceptance. We do not understand how financial allocation could be made without these basic documents.
16. Deo Nadi Irrigation Project
Although the dam of this project is in Mayurbhanj District, their left banks canal system in totally in Keonjhar district in our Saharpada block, which continues to suffer from the total lack of irrigation facility. The unusually long delay in the completion of this project makes the people of this region of our district totally rain dependent. The farmers are seething in anger and discontent because of the excessive delay in the project. Incidentally this region is the area where the internationally infamous event of tragic “Australian Missionaries “ took place, and considered a fertile ground for all kinds of extremism.
17. Rengali left Canal
The hopes of the farmars of south Anandapur are slowly evaporating, waiting for the water from Bramani River to flow in from Rengali left canal. The unusually long delay shows a lob sided priority to power generation for industries and total negligence of irrigation system for agriculture. Our Forum feeds that if Orissa earns revenue by selling electricity to outside states; why not plough back part of the money for the irrigation system to uplift the condition of poor farmers. In any case, this canal project is probably financed by World Bank and the delay could be only because of some administrative lacuna and deficiency. We seek an early completion of this project.
18. Kajhari Dam Storage Capacity.
The Citizens’ Forum understands that the maximum water level is deliberately kept lower because of partial submergence of the Gopalpur Bridge on the National highway. Since new 4 laned bridges will replace this old bridge, raising the maximum water level could increase the water storage capacity to provide additional irrigation at no extra cost This will bring an additional 6 thousand hectors under irrigation in Kanjhari basin. This could be coordinated between the NH authority & Chief Engineer, Irrigation.
19. Water Harvesting at Keonjhar
We understand that the Central Ground Water Resources survey has revealed that the percolation rate of bore wells is inadequate for irrigation in almost the whole district of Keonjhar. This peculiar geological feature, combined with the wide spread depletion of forests, calls for urgent attention to scientific water harvesting. Keonjhar’s elevation, rain fall, and soil condition, provides at least one location in every village ideal for water harvesting. Funding through national food for work programme, or Rastriya Sama Vikash Yojana , or NREGP could adequately meet the needs of every village, provided the implementation is scientific and honest.
20. Telephone
a. The mobile telephone system in Keonjhar is in total disarray for last several months or so. No suitable explanation is forthcoming from the authorities. Let their Zonal office be approached to remove the malady.
b. No power supply to towers or, public resistances to new towers do not hold water as plausible explanations.
21. Banks and FIs
The performance of these institutions needs a fresh evaluation, in view of current
Economic ‘Boom’ in Keonjhar. Instead of acting as agents for transfer of money to the metro centres, they should substantially improve their loans to rural employment and investment within Keonjhar district.
22. Problems Specific to Keonjhargarh Town
a. Public park revival , a professional approach
b. Renovation of town hall: Capacity and acoustics
c. Master Plan 2006 to 2026 to be subject to public debate and expert advice
d. Road widening and strengthening of Mining Road, College road, Jail road, Sirajuddin road, with adequate funding from PDF society..
e. Jodia Grid Station to improve power supply to the town
f. Removal of dangerous and obsolete Traffic Islands, for better adherence to rules, and improved visibility by road users.
g. NH widening at bus stops is being un necessarily delayed
h. Drinking water crisis is to addressed with utmost urgency
i. New Bus Terminus. Design approval awaited for over 2 months from Govt.
j. OSRTC bus stand to be allowed as a transit bus stop for all, for passenger safety
k. Municipality Cattle pound to be revived against Cattle menace in public places
l. Parking of Trucks and Buses to be prohibited in municipality areas
ROADS
01. NH-215 (erstwhile SH-11 till mid 99) with its 182 Kms stretching along the entire length of the district of Keonjhar runs like a back bone and is the economic main stay of the district. Persistent negligence and total lack of foresight made this road the biggest road block to an other wise booming iron ore business. The total damage to this road (80 % of which was only a single road) continues to bring untold miseries, not only to the mine owners, transporters, industrialists, but also to common men from School goers, patients, small businessmen and ordinary commuters.
02. Although the authorities have woken up to the reality late, work appeared to commence in a big way. Your citizens’ forum voices concern on the following aspects:
(a) A very large stretch of this road, about 45 Kms, in a busy segment around Joda remained untendered till Aug this year. This has turned out to be the biggest bottlenecks to an otherwise good but slow effort. Simple road widening, mostly to IRQP specification had been completed only for 132 kms by end of May 06. But the tragedy of poor construction to an equally poor specification was exposed when most of the stretch between Kendujhargarh and Ghatgan did not stand even the first month of monsoon.
(b) Out of 8 major bridges and 25 minor bridges, except for one or two all of them are of pre-independence (pre concrete era) vintage. Only one major and one minor bridge have been accepted for work, both of which have an un-ending, and un-targetted work schedule. We are concerned, because all these bridges are potential bottlenecks and unfit for even current traffic load.
(c) Bypass for Keonjhar is an example of delay and apathy of the concerned authorities, which seem to be totally numb to the death and injuries on the road within the town and the difficulties of the dwellers. After over 4 years, the tendered survey work has just commenced, as a part of the 4 laning survey of NHAI. Now we are also informed that the four laning bye pass will not connect NH-6. We are back to Square one. The miseries of the residents of Jhumpura Dhenkikot, Ghasipura and Ghatgan are equally indescribable. A disturbing figure that was revealed by the collector on 23 Dec 05 was the number of death due to MV accidents during less than 9 months of this year is 213, mostly under the mineral carrying trucks, a dangerous increase form 124 in the same period last year.
03. Alternate Route for Mineral Traffic. : Two existing alignments Naranpur- Bamnipal – 80 Km, and Palaspanga – Joda (48 Km) are to be developed as alternative roads for high density mineral traffic to paradip and Dhamra port and proposed steel hub of Dubri. The formar with a sanction of Rs217 crores, shared by central and state govts, is in the process of survey and re-alignment, undertaken by RITES, the latter work has just commenced under a tripartite agreement The present attempt to restore some of these roads by peripheral fund is surely NOT an alternative to a heavy-duty road under BOLT scheme. On BOLT we are again on slippery but tall promises.
04. Four laning : The ongoing 4 laning DPR survey from Remuli to Panikoili has raised our hopes all right but confusion are galore on its schedules, standards, over lapping tasks, and responsibilities. A lot of conflicts between two laning and four laning may have to be resolved for the sake of expediency, mainly on alignment, schedules and overlapping tasks. In any case, citizens are happy that finally the economic necessity of such a vital port connectivity infrastructure has been realized by the Central Cabinet.
05. MDRs & ODRs The pressure of mineral carrying trucks in their attempt to find escape routes from the traffic restriction on HN-215, has caused serious damage to ordinary MDRs and ODRs through out the district. Years of cumbersome and laborious efforts to bring some shape to these roads, lies in shambles. We find absolutely no plan or funding from Orissa Govt to restore these roads. They seem to have washed off their hands because of peripheral development fund with the District Collector.
06. PMGSY: It is a programme of building village roads, totally financed by Central Govt. But for Keonjhar district, we are still not aware of total length of road, targets during the year, and/or hold up if any. On the other hand we are given a lot of statistics of connectively percentage, AB or C grade settlements, sanctions, allotments, placing of funds and such other technicalities. But there is no doubt in the district; the progress of PMGRY continues to be dismally poor, because of lack of adequate efforts at almost all levels.
07. Restoration of Old Roads: In this aspects, the citizens Forum chose to high light the needs of the following roads :-
(a) Suakati – Bonai Road vie Singhpur :
This was an important tribal connectively road, linking the tribals of Keonjhar and Sundargarh. To start with, this road could be restored to the status of an SR, which will effectively reduce the distance to Rourkela by 40-50 Km. while providing a link of all tribal areas, and important mineral resources.
(b) Naranpur – Kamakhya Nagar – Dhenkanal Road via Pithagola – Kaliahata :
The economic potential of this road connecting the coal and iron ore belts of Orissa could gradually evolve into an important link for industrialization, besides reducing the distance to Bhubaneswar by 30-35 Km.
(c) Koira – Joda –Dubna- Daitary
It was originally part of “Expressway No-2” connecting all mineral deposits of iron ore, manganese, and alumina of the region. This can be developed into an important arterial bye-pass exclusively for mineral traffic.
(d) Podang – Nandra, Nayakot – Malda Thes roads will provide arterial return paths and avoid current dead ends.
08. RAILWAYS:
a. Tomka – Keonjhar Section : Forum is happy to know that railways have realized their commercial folly in not seizing the potential of this line when iron-ore movement is at its peak. The visiting Member Engineering of Railway Board had given assurance to the state Chief Secretary that the laying of lines will be completed by Oct 06. It has slipped by about 6 months and is likely to be ready for operation by end of March 2007. Our Forum welcomes the suggestion of our MLA that such scheduled activities be reviewed once in a month to remove any unforeseen hold up, to ensure timely completion.
b. For the sake of ‘Safety’ The RUB near Banpar on Kendujhargarh-Patna MDR has been replaced by a unsafe level crossing on a busy road, although the required land has been acquired on either side of the RUB and haned over to the Railway authorities. Similarly, the level crossing on NH 215 at Raisuan is yet to be built, when the entire line is going to be ready soon.
09. Banspani – Bimalgarh/Barsuan/Kiriburu. When the current budget provides for surrey of Keonjhar Badampahar link, we do not understand how the much shorter link of Banspani – Barsuan was overlooked. Any entrepreneurs, looking for metallurgy as an option, will look to these important connectivity, of Routkela with Tatanagar via the mineral rich area of Sundargarh and Keonjhar. Now that Bimalgarh – Talcher Coal link has been approved for Survey, Bimalgarh – Banspani is to be the next logical, connection. Incidentally such a link will close the famous “Manganeese triangle of Joda – Koida and Meghatiburu.
10 Passenger Trains from Keonjhargarh. Pending completion of the section from Keonjhargarh to Tomka, we seek immediate introduction of passenger trains
a. Extension of the current Barbil Howrah Jan Satabdi Express up to Keonjhargarh
b. At least two DMU services from Keonjhargarh to Joda-Barbil / Tatanagar
This will bring great relief to the commuting public, who are presently grueling under the pain caused by almost nonexistent NH 215. The introduction of these trains will undoubtedly earn a lot of good will for the Railways from the entire population of this district besides earning revenue from this asset.
At this stage let us raise very fundamental observations. Why transport these millions of tons of ores when the infrastructures are totally inadequate? Why not a small fraction of the money earned from this massive expert of mineral is ploughed back to these roads. Or at least why not wait till the roads of adequate capability are made. Bad roads have touched the lives of almost the entire population of this district in return for nothing. Where does privatization or globalization go from here, when their actions impose miseries on millions? How does the globalization bring happiness and prosperity to people?
11.AIRPORT
:
Airports provide an important infrastructural facility for quick and convenient assess to the district from outside. The airport at Raisuan (4 Km from Keonjhar) and Bhadrasali (midway between Joda and Barbil) are the only two locations providing basically two airship facility. But both of them are in urgent need of repair of
(a) The Runway
(b) Cattle fencing
(c) Parking Aprons
(d) Night landing and communication facilities.
(e) Air Traffic control
And for land acquisition / notification for runway length extension, to enable at least medium haul passenger a/c to operate.
POWER SUPPLY
12.Keonjhargarh is the only Dist HQ with out a 240/132-sub station. Besides, Forecasting and planning of power supply and distribution for next ten years is an exercise over due for our district. There is need to assess these requirements scientifically because power supply should stay ahead of industrialization. Currently, the prospective investors are discouraged by the constant poverty of supply. The same goes for growing urbanization and rural electrification, mainly for agriculture.
13. Land for a Grid Station near Kendujhargarh has been earmarked near Judia farm, in village Maligan. The 12 acres of area has been examined by the officials of OPTCL as suitable. District Administration must progress the project at the earliest.
The existing weaknesses in the power distribution network are to be tackled in order to:
Avoid frequent breakdowns
· Avoid loss and thus improve quality of power.
IRRIGATION
14 Kanupur Irrigation Project : Nearly 40,000 Ha of perched land in this upper Baitarani valley in almost 250 villages is waiting for water from this project for irrigation. Command area studies reveal a substantial qualitative improvement of quality of life of a large segment of our population, dependent on this irrigation system. And yet the project draws very little or no attention from the authorities. About 3 year ago, the foundation stone ( the third one in 20 years) of this project was laid by our CM after obtaining full concurrence of central assistance from AIBP.
15. Citizens Forum is keenly observing the progress from a distance and voices the following concerns:-
(a) Even after the administrative approval (on 04-03-2005), one year has gone past with little or no progress on rehabilitation programme. Not one family has been shifted either from dam site or submerged area.
(b) Although baseline survey of two villages falling on dam site has been done and land for rehabilitation has been identified in the command area, no work an shifting the villages has taken place. As a result technical work on the dam is seriously held up.
(c) Spill way location has just been finalized. A Chief Construction Engineer has been posted, along with two executive engineers and a land acquisition officer. But the progress of work is not focused on scheduled targets. We demand a closer monitoring by District Administration.
(d) The estimate of Rs. 428 crores has been revised to some Rs. 625 crores. But forum understands that the revision papers are still laying at CE’s office at Bhubaneswar for last 25 months and yet to reach ministry of water resources of AIBP for acceptance. We do not understand how financial allocation could be made without these basic documents.
16. Deo Nadi Irrigation Project
Although the dam of this project is in Mayurbhanj District, their left banks canal system in totally in Keonjhar district in our Saharpada block, which continues to suffer from the total lack of irrigation facility. The unusually long delay in the completion of this project makes the people of this region of our district totally rain dependent. The farmers are seething in anger and discontent because of the excessive delay in the project. Incidentally this region is the area where the internationally infamous event of tragic “Australian Missionaries “ took place, and considered a fertile ground for all kinds of extremism.
17. Rengali left Canal
The hopes of the farmars of south Anandapur are slowly evaporating, waiting for the water from Bramani River to flow in from Rengali left canal. The unusually long delay shows a lob sided priority to power generation for industries and total negligence of irrigation system for agriculture. Our Forum feeds that if Orissa earns revenue by selling electricity to outside states; why not plough back part of the money for the irrigation system to uplift the condition of poor farmers. In any case, this canal project is probably financed by World Bank and the delay could be only because of some administrative lacuna and deficiency. We seek an early completion of this project.
18. Kajhari Dam Storage Capacity.
The Citizens’ Forum understands that the maximum water level is deliberately kept lower because of partial submergence of the Gopalpur Bridge on the National highway. Since new 4 laned bridges will replace this old bridge, raising the maximum water level could increase the water storage capacity to provide additional irrigation at no extra cost This will bring an additional 6 thousand hectors under irrigation in Kanjhari basin. This could be coordinated between the NH authority & Chief Engineer, Irrigation.
19. Water Harvesting at Keonjhar
We understand that the Central Ground Water Resources survey has revealed that the percolation rate of bore wells is inadequate for irrigation in almost the whole district of Keonjhar. This peculiar geological feature, combined with the wide spread depletion of forests, calls for urgent attention to scientific water harvesting. Keonjhar’s elevation, rain fall, and soil condition, provides at least one location in every village ideal for water harvesting. Funding through national food for work programme, or Rastriya Sama Vikash Yojana , or NREGP could adequately meet the needs of every village, provided the implementation is scientific and honest.
20. Telephone
a. The mobile telephone system in Keonjhar is in total disarray for last several months or so. No suitable explanation is forthcoming from the authorities. Let their Zonal office be approached to remove the malady.
b. No power supply to towers or, public resistances to new towers do not hold water as plausible explanations.
21. Banks and FIs
The performance of these institutions needs a fresh evaluation, in view of current
Economic ‘Boom’ in Keonjhar. Instead of acting as agents for transfer of money to the metro centres, they should substantially improve their loans to rural employment and investment within Keonjhar district.
22. Problems Specific to Keonjhargarh Town
a. Public park revival , a professional approach
b. Renovation of town hall: Capacity and acoustics
c. Master Plan 2006 to 2026 to be subject to public debate and expert advice
d. Road widening and strengthening of Mining Road, College road, Jail road, Sirajuddin road, with adequate funding from PDF society..
e. Jodia Grid Station to improve power supply to the town
f. Removal of dangerous and obsolete Traffic Islands, for better adherence to rules, and improved visibility by road users.
g. NH widening at bus stops is being un necessarily delayed
h. Drinking water crisis is to addressed with utmost urgency
i. New Bus Terminus. Design approval awaited for over 2 months from Govt.
j. OSRTC bus stand to be allowed as a transit bus stop for all, for passenger safety
k. Municipality Cattle pound to be revived against Cattle menace in public places
l. Parking of Trucks and Buses to be prohibited in municipality areas
(In the absence of Kiran, Kay is posting these on behalf of the citizen forum.)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
“MEET THE PEOPLE” PROGRAMME BY SPCB: VIEW OF THE RESIDENT CITIZENS OF KEONJHAR
BY
Wg. Cdr. Krian Sanakar Sahu (Retd)
Citizens Forum, Keonjhar.
On behalf of the members of the citizens Forum let me at the outset congratulate the SPCB for organizing such a conclave with wide participation from the industries including mining industry, district administration, NGOs, people from the biggest service sector, namely the transport sector, and us the people of kendujhar. All of us are without exception, ‘well wishers’ of our rich and beautiful district.
Before we seek solutions to our concerns let me list out few data available with Citizens Forum, obtained some times through RTI Act 2005, occasionally from media and also from common public knowledge.
(a) There are a total of 109 mines in our district, with leased area of over 33330 Ha, basically of ironore, Mn and chromite, in occupation of ML holders, under the categories of working, nonworking and renewal applied for
(b) There are a total of 16 Sponge iron producing units
(c) There are a total of 123 iron ore Crusher units located outside the ML area. A similar number exist within ML areas. The total exceeds 250.
(d) For the 5 year period ending March 07, the total iron ore raised and dispatched from Kendujhar district was 162 million tons, whose price would be approximately Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 37000 Crores ; at current prices.
(e) On the performance of the deptt of Forests and Environment.
(i) Forest Area within MLs under DDM Joda : 16260 Hact
(ii) Forest area Diverted (Kjr Forest Div) : 5648 Hact
Forest area Diverted (Kjr wild life Div) : 894 Hact
6542 Hact
(iii) Amt collected: : (KFD ) : 8. 3146 Crores
: (KWLD) : 7.72 Crores
16.03 Crores
(iv) Area Planted : KFD : 2691 Hact
: KWLD 322 Hact
3013 Hact
(V) Amt Spent :KFD : 1.8654 Crores (22% )
:KWLD : 0.2855 Crores (3.7% )
2.1509 Crores (13% )
(vi) Plant Survival : No one knows.
** These figures are very disbursing, when we read from press reports (Telegraph 02 Aug 07), that POSCO at paradeep is paying over 1500 crores for a little ore 3000 ha of forest area to be diverted for non forest use. When it is compared with 17000 ha of forest land with ML holders in our district, the state should have earned about Rs.8500 crores, which could more than solve our rural employment in plantation and infrastructure building, not only of our district, but also our neighbouring districts of Mayurbhanj and Debgarh. And LO and behold we have collected only Rs.16 crores
To most of us ordinary folks of keonjhar, environmental pollution is only the dust pollution emanating from thousands of trucks plying on dusty roads every where, from the fine coal deposits around sponge plants, and from the ore fines around the crusher units. We tend to over look the slow and gradual effects of continuous deforestation on our environment at the roof of our problems.
The Concerned citizens of our forum are disturbed by
- Sudden and appreciable climate change to our otherwise salubrious climate during last 3-4 years
- Deeper descent of ground water, in spite of record rain fall, resulting in drying up of wells by mid December, instead of mid January
- Substantial decrease of contribution of water to Baitarani from Keonjhar compared to that from Mayurbhanj (75 to 80% in dry season )
- Vanishing wild life due to breaking of the life cycles of many species and deeper effect on ecology in general.
- Silting of reservoirs, clogging of water points and deeper colour of our flood water, indicating serious erosion of top soil every where.
- Fines from crushers, widely spread over our rural interior, are adversely affecting our agricultural land, grazing grounds, causing increasing incidences diseases among surrounding villagers and domestic animals, besides plants and crops.
- Noise pollution level is substantially increased to a much larger area.
We are not scientists, but are people at the receiving end of the environmental
Pollution. Only a scientific and quasi judicial body can address the problem appropriately. This is the mandate given by our Parliament to our scientists and administrators in the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, and they must rise to the challenges. Now the whole world is concerned. UNEP, ICMM’s Sustainable Development Framework (SDF), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), ISO-14000 for Mining industry, World Business Council (WBC) on standards of business in 21st Century, all show great environmental concern for our future generations.
Orissa is poised for investment of Rs.1,90,000 crores in steel sector in next few years and all that raw material needs will be mined, raised, crushed and transported from keonjhar district. It is time that we plan such a massive operation in harmony with nature and the society within. Unfortunately for us in Kendujhar, the minerals, the forests and the people with their paraphernalia, are co-located on the some place of land on mother earth, unlike in many other mineral rich countries in Africa, South America, or Australia. There is need for extra delicate care when the mineral resource are to be taken out from underneath. In this, the department of Forests and Environment has an onerous responsibility, in balancing the need of development and ecology, in enforcing the law of the land, and scientifically exercise control over the greed of the present generation. These are subjects so sensitive to the people of Kendujhar.
Insha Allah.
(Kiran S Sahu)
Wing Commander (Retd)
Member Environment
THE LETTER TO CM, ORISSA
BY
Wg. Cdr. Krian Sanakar Sahu (Retd)
Citizens Forum, Keonjhar.
On behalf of the members of the citizens Forum let me at the outset congratulate the SPCB for organizing such a conclave with wide participation from the industries including mining industry, district administration, NGOs, people from the biggest service sector, namely the transport sector, and us the people of kendujhar. All of us are without exception, ‘well wishers’ of our rich and beautiful district.
Before we seek solutions to our concerns let me list out few data available with Citizens Forum, obtained some times through RTI Act 2005, occasionally from media and also from common public knowledge.
(a) There are a total of 109 mines in our district, with leased area of over 33330 Ha, basically of ironore, Mn and chromite, in occupation of ML holders, under the categories of working, nonworking and renewal applied for
(b) There are a total of 16 Sponge iron producing units
(c) There are a total of 123 iron ore Crusher units located outside the ML area. A similar number exist within ML areas. The total exceeds 250.
(d) For the 5 year period ending March 07, the total iron ore raised and dispatched from Kendujhar district was 162 million tons, whose price would be approximately Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 37000 Crores ; at current prices.
(e) On the performance of the deptt of Forests and Environment.
(i) Forest Area within MLs under DDM Joda : 16260 Hact
(ii) Forest area Diverted (Kjr Forest Div) : 5648 Hact
Forest area Diverted (Kjr wild life Div) : 894 Hact
6542 Hact
(iii) Amt collected: : (KFD ) : 8. 3146 Crores
: (KWLD) : 7.72 Crores
16.03 Crores
(iv) Area Planted : KFD : 2691 Hact
: KWLD 322 Hact
3013 Hact
(V) Amt Spent :KFD : 1.8654 Crores (22% )
:KWLD : 0.2855 Crores (3.7% )
2.1509 Crores (13% )
(vi) Plant Survival : No one knows.
** These figures are very disbursing, when we read from press reports (Telegraph 02 Aug 07), that POSCO at paradeep is paying over 1500 crores for a little ore 3000 ha of forest area to be diverted for non forest use. When it is compared with 17000 ha of forest land with ML holders in our district, the state should have earned about Rs.8500 crores, which could more than solve our rural employment in plantation and infrastructure building, not only of our district, but also our neighbouring districts of Mayurbhanj and Debgarh. And LO and behold we have collected only Rs.16 crores
To most of us ordinary folks of keonjhar, environmental pollution is only the dust pollution emanating from thousands of trucks plying on dusty roads every where, from the fine coal deposits around sponge plants, and from the ore fines around the crusher units. We tend to over look the slow and gradual effects of continuous deforestation on our environment at the roof of our problems.
The Concerned citizens of our forum are disturbed by
- Sudden and appreciable climate change to our otherwise salubrious climate during last 3-4 years
- Deeper descent of ground water, in spite of record rain fall, resulting in drying up of wells by mid December, instead of mid January
- Substantial decrease of contribution of water to Baitarani from Keonjhar compared to that from Mayurbhanj (75 to 80% in dry season )
- Vanishing wild life due to breaking of the life cycles of many species and deeper effect on ecology in general.
- Silting of reservoirs, clogging of water points and deeper colour of our flood water, indicating serious erosion of top soil every where.
- Fines from crushers, widely spread over our rural interior, are adversely affecting our agricultural land, grazing grounds, causing increasing incidences diseases among surrounding villagers and domestic animals, besides plants and crops.
- Noise pollution level is substantially increased to a much larger area.
We are not scientists, but are people at the receiving end of the environmental
Pollution. Only a scientific and quasi judicial body can address the problem appropriately. This is the mandate given by our Parliament to our scientists and administrators in the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, and they must rise to the challenges. Now the whole world is concerned. UNEP, ICMM’s Sustainable Development Framework (SDF), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), ISO-14000 for Mining industry, World Business Council (WBC) on standards of business in 21st Century, all show great environmental concern for our future generations.
Orissa is poised for investment of Rs.1,90,000 crores in steel sector in next few years and all that raw material needs will be mined, raised, crushed and transported from keonjhar district. It is time that we plan such a massive operation in harmony with nature and the society within. Unfortunately for us in Kendujhar, the minerals, the forests and the people with their paraphernalia, are co-located on the some place of land on mother earth, unlike in many other mineral rich countries in Africa, South America, or Australia. There is need for extra delicate care when the mineral resource are to be taken out from underneath. In this, the department of Forests and Environment has an onerous responsibility, in balancing the need of development and ecology, in enforcing the law of the land, and scientifically exercise control over the greed of the present generation. These are subjects so sensitive to the people of Kendujhar.
Insha Allah.
(Kiran S Sahu)
Wing Commander (Retd)
Member Environment
THE LETTER TO CM, ORISSA
Shri Naveen patnaik 14 Oct 07
Hon’ble Chief Minister and Minister of Forests and environment
Government of Orissa
Sachivalaya
Bhubaneswar 751001
‘MEET THE PEOPLE’ ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME AT KENDUJHARGARH
Sir,
Please allow us to enclose a briefing paper, which was presented on behalf of our Forum to the above programme arranged by ‘State Pollution Control Board’ at Kendujhargarh on 11 Oct, 07. The proceedings were conducted by the Member Secretary, and there were wide participation from industry (including mining industry), NGOs, related district officials (with notable exception of Forest officials), members of press, and a sizable cross section of concerned public. During the reading of the paper, there were many serious queries from the enlightened participants, mainly around the fast depleting forests and their adverse effects on our air water and soil, and of course, on life in all forms.
Our forum believes that the fast depleting famous hard wood forests of our district is at the root of most of our current cascading environmental problem. The exponential growths of mining industry and truck body building industry, either legal or otherwise, have accelerated the processes in recent years. Therefore, the non-participation of Forest officials in the deliberations was felt as a serious deficiency, albeit, requests had been made to the office of the principal secretary well in time. Similarly the non-constitution of the State level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) in our state for ‘Environmental clearance’ indicates the degree of seriousness to a very ‘Humane ‘problem by our SPCB
\
Our Forum therefore, requests you to take appropriate action on all such important matters, recorded by SPCB as public opinion expressed in the ‘Meet the People’ programme. On our side, we will be too happy to disseminate the remedial actions initiated, to the Citizens of Kendujhar.
Yours Truly,
(Kiran S Sahu)
Wing Commander (Retd)
For President, on behalf of All members of Citizens’ Forum
Friday, October 12, 2007
Our District at a glance!!!!
Flanked by hills on three sides, this mineral rich and beautiful district of Keonjhar is one of the most backward and tribal district of Orissa. The scenic beauty of Keonjhar and the poverty of its people are the two sides of the same coin. Though rich in natural resources, Keonjhar district is yet to utilize its potential because of lack of proper infrastructure and planning.
At present Orissa state is having 30 districts of which Keonjhar (Kendujhar) is located at northern region of the state bordering Bihar. It lies between 20011’ and 20010’ latitude North and between 85011’ and 86021’ East longitude. The district has an area of 8303 sq. kms and population of 15,61,990 as per 2001 census. Sex ratio is 977 females: 1000 males and the population density is 161 per sq. km. The schedule caste are 11.49% and schedule tribes (56 No.) constitute 44.5% of the total population. Literacy rate of the district is 44.73%, higher in males (59.04%) than in females (30%).
The district of Keonjhar, presents a panorama of many millennia, both from the geographical and anthropological point of view. Spread over an area of 8303 Sq. Kms, it is as varied as the whole of Orissa with water-falls of various sizes and roaring gorges with rolling boulders spreading onwards to the plains of Anandapur which are a rare combination to be found else where.
Keonjhar has the distinction of containing one of the oldest rocks of the world, approximately 38,000 millions year old covering an area of 100 Sq. Kms at Asanpat. It also bears the oldest stone inscription found in Orissa paleogeologically belonging to the Gupta period. In Sitabinj, we find the fresco paintings in the cave shelter of Ravana Chhaya dating back to 5th Century A.D.
Anthropologically, its two main tribes, namely Juangs and the Bhuyans carry a distinct and interesting past. The Juangs claim themselves to be the most ancient tribe of the world and though they have acquired some modern ways of living, one can still find traces of many aboriginal practices prevalent among them.
The district of Keonjhar is highly rich in mineral resources and has vast deposits of Iron, Manganese and Chrome Ores. About 30 percent of its total area is covered with dense tracts of forests. But the district in spite of its immense mineral and forest wealth is still economically backward.
As a sequel to the integration of the feudatory states with Orissa on 1st January, 1948 the erstwhile princely state of Keonjhar emerged as one of its districts with its head-quarters at Keonjhargarh and since then it is continuing as such.
At present Orissa state is having 30 districts of which Keonjhar (Kendujhar) is located at northern region of the state bordering Bihar. It lies between 20011’ and 20010’ latitude North and between 85011’ and 86021’ East longitude. The district has an area of 8303 sq. kms and population of 15,61,990 as per 2001 census. Sex ratio is 977 females: 1000 males and the population density is 161 per sq. km. The schedule caste are 11.49% and schedule tribes (56 No.) constitute 44.5% of the total population. Literacy rate of the district is 44.73%, higher in males (59.04%) than in females (30%).
The district of Keonjhar, presents a panorama of many millennia, both from the geographical and anthropological point of view. Spread over an area of 8303 Sq. Kms, it is as varied as the whole of Orissa with water-falls of various sizes and roaring gorges with rolling boulders spreading onwards to the plains of Anandapur which are a rare combination to be found else where.
Keonjhar has the distinction of containing one of the oldest rocks of the world, approximately 38,000 millions year old covering an area of 100 Sq. Kms at Asanpat. It also bears the oldest stone inscription found in Orissa paleogeologically belonging to the Gupta period. In Sitabinj, we find the fresco paintings in the cave shelter of Ravana Chhaya dating back to 5th Century A.D.
Anthropologically, its two main tribes, namely Juangs and the Bhuyans carry a distinct and interesting past. The Juangs claim themselves to be the most ancient tribe of the world and though they have acquired some modern ways of living, one can still find traces of many aboriginal practices prevalent among them.
The district of Keonjhar is highly rich in mineral resources and has vast deposits of Iron, Manganese and Chrome Ores. About 30 percent of its total area is covered with dense tracts of forests. But the district in spite of its immense mineral and forest wealth is still economically backward.
As a sequel to the integration of the feudatory states with Orissa on 1st January, 1948 the erstwhile princely state of Keonjhar emerged as one of its districts with its head-quarters at Keonjhargarh and since then it is continuing as such.
HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT
AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT
The whole district of Keonjhar was a princely state before its merger with Orissa. The early history of the State is not adequately known. It was most probably a part of the old Khijjinga territory with headquarters at Khijjinga Kota, identified with modern Khiching. It became a separate state with Jyoti Bhanja as its ruling chief sometime during the first half of the 12th century A.D. The then State of Keonjhar comprised only the northern half of the modern district for a long time prior to the installation of Jyoti Bhanja. During the latter part of the 15th century the southern half was occupied by King Govinda Bhanja, under whose rule Keonjhar extended from Singbhum in the north to Sukinda(a Zamindari in Cuttack district) in the South and from Keonjhar in the East to the borders of the States of Bonai, Pallahara and Anugul in the West. During the rule of Pratap Balabhadra Bhanja (1764-1792 A.D.) two small areas of Tillo and Jujhpada were purchased from the Zamindar of Kantajhari and were added to the State. These were recognised as parts of Keonjhar in the Sanad granted by the East India Company to Raja Janardan Bhanj in 1804. Since then there had been no territiorial changes of the State till its merger with the Province of Orissa. But after merger largely for the reasons of administrative expediency the areas of Tillo (7.51 sq.km) and Jujhpada (9.06sq.km.) were transferred to the districts of Baleshwar and Cuttack respectively, while a number of villages called Ambo group (14.84 sq.km.) of Balasore district were added to Keonjhar district.
AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE UNIT
The whole district of Keonjhar was a princely state before its merger with Orissa. The early history of the State is not adequately known. It was most probably a part of the old Khijjinga territory with headquarters at Khijjinga Kota, identified with modern Khiching. It became a separate state with Jyoti Bhanja as its ruling chief sometime during the first half of the 12th century A.D. The then State of Keonjhar comprised only the northern half of the modern district for a long time prior to the installation of Jyoti Bhanja. During the latter part of the 15th century the southern half was occupied by King Govinda Bhanja, under whose rule Keonjhar extended from Singbhum in the north to Sukinda(a Zamindari in Cuttack district) in the South and from Keonjhar in the East to the borders of the States of Bonai, Pallahara and Anugul in the West. During the rule of Pratap Balabhadra Bhanja (1764-1792 A.D.) two small areas of Tillo and Jujhpada were purchased from the Zamindar of Kantajhari and were added to the State. These were recognised as parts of Keonjhar in the Sanad granted by the East India Company to Raja Janardan Bhanj in 1804. Since then there had been no territiorial changes of the State till its merger with the Province of Orissa. But after merger largely for the reasons of administrative expediency the areas of Tillo (7.51 sq.km) and Jujhpada (9.06sq.km.) were transferred to the districts of Baleshwar and Cuttack respectively, while a number of villages called Ambo group (14.84 sq.km.) of Balasore district were added to Keonjhar district.
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES
Total area of the district is 8303 sq. kms. Forests constitute 34% of the total area. Beside river Baitarani, there are around 100 minor reservoirs and their distributory canals for irrigation purposes. The district has 13 blocks in 3 sub-divisions and can be broadly divided into 2 geographical terrains. One is mostly inhabited by tribal population sparsely distributed in hilly-forest areas having low literacy rate (3-4%), less responsive to modern health delivery system due to prevailing fixed ideas, blind beliefs and social taboos. But the exploration of nature’s gift in shape of ores, forest products and industrialization are helping in modernization of these areas and bringing about behavioural changes in the inhabitants. This geographical area includes 10 blocks of the district. Rest 3 blocks are mostly plains.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FEATURES
Main occupations in the district are agriculture and mining labour. The 46 schedule tribes present in the district constitute 44.5% of the total population and belong to separate cultural and ethnic groups.
Citizen Forum Of Keonjhar
Welcome to the blog..
If you are a citizen of our tiny district called Kendujhar (Keonjhar), you're welcome to be a part of this..
This blog has been created to talk about different issues that have been boggling us down..We are one of the districts with richest mineral resources of the world..yet our roads speak a different story..We continue to give the highest revenue to the state, yet we are the most deprived of the lot..The paradox is, we have the maximum number of Malaria incidence, largest number of malarial deaths..highest number of unwed mothers..and lots lots more.which you all are invited to talk about...The health situation is pitiful..the financial condition of the tribal district indescribable..Education , primary, elementary, adult and vocational are yet to cover all its people..
So, who is developing??Where is the development happening???
To talk about these issues and many more, a few concerned citizens of Keonjhar formed "THE CITIZEN FORUM"..Since it's inception we have been trying to bring to the notice of officials as well as any person concerned, at different forums,; at district levels, State level , National level and international levels..
This blog is another step in that direction...
You are welcome to comment, advice and give any kind of feedback possible..
If you are a citizen of our tiny district called Kendujhar (Keonjhar), you're welcome to be a part of this..
This blog has been created to talk about different issues that have been boggling us down..We are one of the districts with richest mineral resources of the world..yet our roads speak a different story..We continue to give the highest revenue to the state, yet we are the most deprived of the lot..The paradox is, we have the maximum number of Malaria incidence, largest number of malarial deaths..highest number of unwed mothers..and lots lots more.which you all are invited to talk about...The health situation is pitiful..the financial condition of the tribal district indescribable..Education , primary, elementary, adult and vocational are yet to cover all its people..
So, who is developing??Where is the development happening???
To talk about these issues and many more, a few concerned citizens of Keonjhar formed "THE CITIZEN FORUM"..Since it's inception we have been trying to bring to the notice of officials as well as any person concerned, at different forums,; at district levels, State level , National level and international levels..
This blog is another step in that direction...
You are welcome to comment, advice and give any kind of feedback possible..
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