Analysing the problem-ridden process of implementing the Forest Rights Act 2006 in Odisha, this paper points out that it has focused more on providing land rights to individual claimants, neglecting community forest rights, the rights in protected areas, and other such provisions. Even so, the number of titles granted to tribal households is small compared to their total number in the state. Effective and comprehensive implementation of the FRA will have a significant impact on the livelihood of forest dwellers and the conservation of forests.

BHUBANESWAR: The state government on Monday announced 314 villages of four districts, Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Nuapada, as drought-hit for poor rainfall during rainy season in 2012 leading to 50% crop loss.

Revenue minister S N Patro told the assembly that the declaration was made based on the crop-cutting experiment report received from collectors of these districts. He said the affected farmers of the areas would be eligible to get compensation as per the relief code.

The Orissa government on Saturday announced the launching of a pilot project under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to provide at least 150 days of work to poor peop

Despite concerns from several quarters including the Odisha High Court, bio-medical waste management and handling in different government hospitals including three state-run medical colleges and ho

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government on Thursday set a target to create irrigation potential for 12.78 lakh hectares through the Odisha Watershed Development Mission (ODWM) during the next seven years

BHUBANESWAR: Stating that attack by caterpillars would damage paddy crop in several districts, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Saturday asked the State Government to take immediate

This article deals with how Chuktia Bhunjia tribe of Orissa negotiates with their ecosystem to ensure that agricultural production and livelihood are sustainable. This study shows that the reasons behind continuation of traditional agriculture are the life experience with the traditional methods and cultural acceptance that not only make them economical but help in managing the ecosystem and natural resources management, and in procuring good production.

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government had to lose Central assistance of ` 190.72 crore during 2005 to 2011 because of low spending of available scheme funds by the implementing agencies.

NUAPADA: Here, water problem is of a different kind. Even as there are water sources in 2,355 hamlets under 641 revenue villages, they are high on fluoride.

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday formally implemented one of the major recommendations of Justice Wadhwa Committee, the abolition of Storage Agent chain in order to streamline the Publ

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