‘Furnish report on power supply to villages in 3 weeks’

Cuttack: The Orissa high court on Monday asked state govt for a report on status of electricity supply to villages within three weeks. The two-judge bench of Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Ratho expected principal secretary, panchayati raj department, to file an affidavit containing the number of villages that have not been electrified and the number of households that are without power connections though the villages have been provided with electricity.The bench also wanted the affidavit to indicate deficiencies regarding supply of drinking water, schools, and other basic facilities in the villages where there is no power connection. The HC issued the direction after taking note of an affidavit filed by Swadha Dev Singh, collector-cum-district magistrate, Nayagarh, which indicated that there was no electricity supply to 13 per cent of the villages in the district.The court was hearing a PIL seeking intervention against lack of basic facilities in three villages of the district. Collector (Nayagarh) Swadha Dev Singh participated in the hearing through video conference. In the order, the bench took note that the status report submitted by Singh stated that there was no electricity supply to 229 out of 1,672 villages in the district.While there were no borewells in 107 villages, drinking water is available through tubewells in all villages and a piped water scheme is underway to cover all villages. No mobile network is available in 47 villages. The bench directed the collector (Nayagarh) to file a detailed affidavit stating the scheme for electrification of villages along with steps which taken.

Watch: Villagers swim to cross rivers to get basic supplies in Nashik

Residents of Khirpada village in Nashik district, Maharashtra, struggled to cross rivers for basic necessities amid heavy rains, lacking a bridge. The India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for August 2 and 4, and an orange alert for severe weather on August 3. Nashik recorded 404mm rainfall in June and July, nearing its average precipitation.

With over 2000 cases, malaria grips villages in Bijapur district now

Over 2000 individuals tested positive for malaria in Bijapur district's tribal villages, prompting intensified health efforts, screening 2 lakh people. The majority of cases emerged from rural areas. Health staff face challenges due to remote locations. A new viral fever strain also caused an increase in patients with cold, cough, and diarrhea, stressing healthcare services.

Seraulim villagers demand Roman script for Konkani

The Seraulim gram sabha held on Sunday addressed major issues, including opposition to the Sunburn EDM festival in South Goa and the demand for official recognition of Konkani in Roman script. Resolutions were passed asking the Linguistic Minority Commission of India to amend the Official Language Act and rejecting the Sunburn festival's relocation to South Goa.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword. Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes, messages, and quotes.