Ahead of Rakhi Purnima, the Odisha Health Department has intensified inspections across sweet shops and food establishments to curb adulteration and ensure food safety. A team from the Food Safety Department conducted surprise raids at several sweet shops in the Pahala area using the Food Safety on Wheels mobile testing van.

The inspection team visited numerous sweet shops located on both sides of the road in Pahala and collected samples of sweets, chhena and paneer for testing. The sudden raids created concern among shopkeepers, with several reportedly shutting their establishments and leaving the area after seeing the enforcement team.

The inspections have gained significance amid growing concerns over the sale of adulterated or analogue paneer in the market. Reports about the use of substitute ingredients in paneer have raised concerns among consumers as well as sweet shop owners, hotels and restaurant operators.

Analogue paneer, when sold as such, is required to carry proper labelling under food safety regulations. Concerns have been raised over products allegedly made using vegetable fats, starch and other ingredients instead of milk fat.

The latest enforcement drive is aimed at checking the quality of food products being sold to consumers, particularly during the festive season when demand for sweets and dairy products rises sharply.

The issue is not limited to Pahala. Concerns over suspected adulterated paneer have also emerged in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and other parts of Odisha. Enforcement teams have reportedly seized large quantities of suspected adulterated products during inspections in different areas.

The growing concern has prompted questions over the quality of food being served to consumers and the need for stronger monitoring of food businesses. With Rakhi Purnima approaching, authorities are expected to continue inspections to ensure that consumers get safe and quality food products.

The key question now is whether the intensified crackdown will effectively prevent adulterated food from reaching consumers and ensure greater accountability among businesses involved in the food trade.

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With Raksha Purnima approaching, sweet sellers and consumers in Odisha are facing a double blow. While rising sugar and milk prices are increasing the cost of sweets, a crackdown on adulterated paneer and chhena has led to a shortage of these key ingredients in the market.

The impact is being felt particularly in Pahala, known as Odisha’s ‘Rasagola Hub’, where the prices of popular sweets are expected to rise. Meanwhile, Cuttack city is witnessing a shortage of chhena and paneer following intensified raids by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation.

Sugar, Milk Prices Push Up Sweet Costs

Sugar prices have increased sharply over the past week. The price of a quintal of sugar has reportedly risen from ₹5,500 to ₹6,800. A shortage of milk has also pushed up the price of chhena by around ₹25 per kilogram.

The rising cost of raw materials is expected to affect the prices of popular sweets across the market.

A ₹5 Rasagola may now cost around ₹7, while the price of a ₹10 Rasagola could rise to ₹15. Similarly, the price of Chhenapoda is expected to increase from around ₹350 to ₹400 per kilogram.

Traders have attributed the rising prices to supply and management-related issues.

Paneer, Chhena Shortage Hits Cuttack

While rising prices are hurting consumers, the administration’s strict action against adulterated paneer and chhena has created another challenge for sweet shops.

Following intensified inspections and raids, several traders have reportedly reduced their stocks. Shopkeepers who previously sold around 15–20 kg of paneer a day are now reportedly managing with only 1–2 kg.

According to traders, chhena suppliers have stopped coming to Cuttack for the past two days following the crackdown. As a result, the availability of chhena and paneer has declined sharply, directly affecting sweet production.

Double Challenge Ahead of the Festive Season

With the festive season approaching, the twin problems of rising production costs and shortages of essential ingredients have increased concerns among both sweet makers and consumers.

On one hand, rising sugar and milk prices are putting pressure on sweet prices. On the other, the administration’s crackdown on adulterated dairy products has disrupted the supply of chhena and paneer.

Consumers are now likely to face higher prices for their favourite sweets during the festive season, while sweet sellers are struggling to maintain production amid rising costs and limited availability of raw materials.

Traders are hoping for better management of sugar and milk supplies and adequate availability of quality dairy products in the market. It remains to be seen how the authorities address the supply issues while continuing their crackdown on adulterated food products.

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The Odisha Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Tuesday as members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Indian National Congress clashed over the devastating fire at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, which claimed 12 lives.

The tragedy triggered heated exchanges, with opposition members raising slogans and accusing the government of gross negligence.

Opposition Demands Health Minister’s Resignation

BJD leaders launched a strong attack on Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, demanding his immediate resignation.

Calling SCB Medical the “temple of health,” opposition leaders alleged serious lapses in safety measures. They also criticised the minister’s conduct inside the House, claiming insensitivity in the wake of the tragedy.

Former Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik raised the issue during Zero Hour, reiterating the demand for resignation and announcing that protests would continue until accountability is fixed.

He also demanded ₹50 lakh compensation for the families of each deceased victim.

Government Expresses Grief, Highlights Immediate Response

Responding to the allegations, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling expressed deep sorrow over the incident and outlined the steps taken by the government.

He praised Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for his swift response, noting that the CM visited the site early in the morning, met victims’ families, and ensured proper treatment for the injured.

The state government has announced ₹25 lakh compensation for each deceased victim’s family.

Centre Extends Support and Condolences

The minister also acknowledged support from the Centre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Chief Minister and announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

President Droupadi Murmu and Union Health Minister JP Nadda also expressed condolences over the tragic incident.

Fire Safety Measures and Inquiry Announced

Addressing the Assembly, the Health Minister stated that fire safety audits have already been conducted in medical facilities across the state. The government has earmarked ₹320 crore for 2025–26 and ₹400 crore for 2026–27 to strengthen fire safety infrastructure.

A judicial probe will be led by retired judge Laxmidhar Bishwal, along with an inter-departmental fact-finding team headed by Development Commissioner DK Singh.

He assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible.

CM Orders Statewide Fire Safety Review

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed the Director of Fire Services to immediately ensure fire safety compliance in all hospitals across Odisha.

He also warned officials against negligence and stressed that such tragic incidents must not be repeated.

Political Tensions Rise Amid Public Outrage

The incident has intensified political tensions in the state, with the opposition vowing sustained protests. As investigations continue, the tragedy has raised serious concerns over safety standards in major healthcare institutions across Odisha.

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The iconic Bali Yatra of Cuttack, a grand celebration of Odisha’s ancient maritime and trading legacy, has officially come to an end. The nine-day festival witnessed an impressive business turnover of over ₹400 crore, according to Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde.

This year’s Bali Yatra attracted more than 60 lakh visitors, with record crowds on weekends and the final day. Notably, nearly 15 lakh people gathered on the last evening to attend Bollywood singer Shreya Ghoshal’s live concert, creating one of the largest audiences ever seen at the event.

Record Business at National Pallishree Mela

The National Pallishree Mela, an integral part of Bali Yatra, achieved unprecedented commercial success this year.

• By the eighth day, sales had already crossed ₹47.68 crore.

• Business on the final day added another ₹10 crore, surpassing all previous years.

In comparison:

• 2023 recorded sales of ₹34.68 crore

• 2024 saw ₹43 crore
  This year broke all earlier records, the Collector confirmed.

Reduced Area, Massive Turnout

Unlike previous editions, Bali Yatra was not held on the Upper Ground (Upara Padia) this year.
The entire festival was organized on more than 60 acres of Lower Ground (Tala Padia).

Despite this, traffic issues and overcrowding were widely reported. While the opening day saw moderate footfall, attendance surged from Day 2 onward, averaging 6 lakh visitors daily. Crowds were doubled on weekends, and Sunday witnessed an extraordinary rush of over 15 lakh people.

Barricade Chaos on Final Day

Shreya Ghoshal’s musical night drew a massive crowd, leading to intense congestion. Barricades installed for VIP and VVIP movement caused thousands of people to gather in narrow spaces, resulting in dangerous bottlenecks.

• Around five people were reportedly injured in the crowd pressure.

• Police had to use mild force at certain points to control the situation.

• In two locations, barricades were broken by the public.

• Several people were evacuated to hospitals via ambulances.

Many visitors complained that they were unable to see the show due to crowd mismanagement. However, district officials denied any major incident and maintained that the situation was brought under control promptly.

Administration Promises Improved Management

Police Commissioner stated that the crowd was exceptionally high, which caused minor inconveniences. He added that police responded swiftly to avoid escalation.

District Collector Shinde noted that such minor incidents are common in large fairs, but assured that efforts will be made to further streamline Bali Yatra in the future.

Dahibara Stall Owners Unhappy with Location Shift

For the first time, all Dahibara vendors were relocated to the Lower Ground. Many vendors expressed dissatisfaction, saying that the new location reduced their visibility and early business.

Vendor Hemant Sahu said:

“We have been doing business on the Upper Ground for many years. This year, being placed on the Lower Ground, many people didn’t even know about the Dahibara Haat. Initial days were slow, though business improved later — but still less than the Upper Ground.”

A Grand Festival with Lessons for the Future

Despite minor challenges, Bali Yatra 2024 concluded on a historic scale, reflecting the cultural pride of Odisha and the economic potential of one of India’s largest open-air fairs.

The administration is already looking into ways to make the next edition more organised, safer, and even more vibrant.

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The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Cuttack is grappling with deepening internal divisions, turning Naveen Patnaik’s 79th birthday celebrations into a showcase of discord. While party supporters chanted slogans in honour of their leader, influential local figures exchanged barbs, sidelining the values of unity Patnaik cherishes and exposing cracks that threaten the party’s power, post, and stability.

Birthday Celebrations Marred by Dispute

The tension escalated on October 16, when district leaders, led by Mayor Subas Singh and Zilla Parishad Chairman Prafulla Singh, organized a modest birthday tribute at an orphanage in the CDA area. Corporators, workers, and supporters gathered to distribute fruits and cut a cake. However, simultaneous events at different locations disrupted the harmony of the occasion.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Debashish Samantaray, a former Cuttack MLA, chose a separate path. He visited the district headquarters hospital, distributed fruits to patients, and extended birthday wishes to Patnaik. Soon, cordial gestures gave way to sharp criticism. Samantaray dismissed the orphanage event as a “fake” celebration, calling Singh and Prafulla “low-level leaders” lacking the humanity to invite him.

Clash of Leaders Intensifies

Mayor Singh responded swiftly, questioning Samantaray’s remarks: “If the mayor and ZP chairman are low-level, what does that make him?” Singh emphasized that the district unit programme was official and attended by key personnel, except Samantaray. He added that the high command would decide on Samantaray’s statements, hinting at potential action from the party leadership.

Growing Factionalism Threatens Party Unity

This incident highlights the long-standing factionalism in Cuttack BJD, previously visible through disputes over projects like the Petanala drain and protest attendances. With Patnaik not directly in local control, discontent is growing, and once-united ranks are splintering into rival groups. Questions loom over whether the party veteran can restore unity before the next elections.

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The recent tragedy at Cuttack’s Khannagar bridge construction site, where three skilled workers lost their lives, has sent shockwaves across Odisha. The incident, which occurred during the expansion of the Cuttack Ring Road into a six-lane corridor with a 993-meter elevated stretch, has exposed grave lapses in safety protocols, contractor oversight, and official accountability.

While the Odisha government announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for each victim’s family and ordered a probe, a fundamental question looms: Is a worker’s life worth only ₹5 lakh? Why do contractors and engineers consistently evade responsibility for preventable deaths?

Khannagar Bridge Tragedy: A Failure in Basic Safety

The accident took place during construction of the 2.1-km Cuttack Ring Road (from Khannagar to Link Road), under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model. The project was part of the state’s infrastructure push, but instead of symbolizing progress, it became a grim example of institutional neglect.

Two cranes—one of 2600-tonne capacity and another of 1500 tonnes—were used to lift massive girders. The mismatch caused a fatal collapse. Engineering experts described this as a textbook case of negligence, directly pointing to violations of standard operating procedures (SOPs) by both the contractor, RKD Construction Private Limited, and the supervising firm, M/s Chaitanya.

Systemic Failures: Layers of Neglect

This tragedy isn’t an isolated event—it’s part of a troubling pattern. Key players contributed to the disaster:

Notorious for its substandard work, RKD has previously faced criticism for the poorly constructed Khandagiri flyover and two bridges over the Udanti River in Nuapada district. Yet, it continues to win major tenders. Experts now demand RKD’s blacklisting for repeated lapses that have endangered public and worker safety.

Tasked with ensuring all equipment met safety norms, M/s Chaitanya reportedly failed to inspect the cranes and was absent during critical lifting operations. This dereliction directly led to the collapse. Calls for blacklisting and legal action against the firm’s officials are mounting.

As CCE of Cuttack Division, Behera was responsible for site inspections. Yet, he never visited the site, according to junior staff. Accusations of chronic absenteeism and leveraging political connections to stay posted in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar further compound the negligence. Suspension and investigation into his conduct have been demanded.

A Pattern of Disregard in Odisha’s EPC Projects

EPC projects, while intended to fast-track infrastructure, are increasingly being used to bypass strict oversight. Many are riddled with compromised quality, poor safety standards, and absent accountability. Contractors with dubious records win bids, often shielded by political or bureaucratic connections.

The Khannagar mishap is the latest in a series of preventable accidents that reveal the human cost of this systemic rot. The ₹5 lakh compensation—though immediate—seems grossly inadequate when weighed against the permanent loss suffered by families and the scale of official negligence.

The Road Ahead: Justice and Reform

Civil society, engineering experts, and citizens are demanding urgent actions:

• Blacklist RKD Construction & M/s Chaitanya: To ensure accountability and prevent recurrence.

• Arrest Responsible Personnel: Especially officials from M/s Chaitanya for criminal negligence.

• Suspend & Investigate CCE Trinath Behera: For dereliction of duty and systemic failure.

• Revamp EPC Oversight: Enforce strict safety audits, site inspections, and contractor vetting.

• Revise Compensation Policies: Establish long-term support and adequate compensation packages for victims’ families.

A high-level committee has been formed, with a report expected in 15 days. But such probes often fade into bureaucratic silence. This time, findings must translate into concrete action—both punitive and reformative.

Development Must Not Cost Lives

The Khannagar bridge collapse is more than a construction-site tragedy—it’s a mirror reflecting the erosion of public accountability. Odisha’s push for modern infrastructure cannot come at the cost of human lives. The state must now decide: Will it protect its workers or protect the contractors?

The three laborers who died were not just statistics—they were breadwinners, fathers, and sons. Their families deserve more than condolences and token compensation. They deserve justice. Odisha’s workers deserve safe worksites, not death traps.

This tragedy is a wake-up call. The state must answer it—loudly, swiftly, and justly.

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