Sambalpur
Cultural capital and gateway of Western Odisha on the Mahanadi — home to Hirakud Dam, Maa Samaleswari, the Huma leaning temple and the Sital Sasthi carnival.

Zero Connectivity Hampers Maternal Health in Odisha's Baghalat Village
Lack of a motorable road in Baghalat village forces pregnant women and students to trek miles during monsoon, endangering health and education.

Senior journalists in western Odisha demand pension scheme as High Court sets three-month deadline
Journalists from seven western Odisha districts convened in Sambalpur demanding a pension scheme, as the Orissa High Court gave the state three months to act.

Journalists Demand Pension Scheme at Sambalpur Conference
Journalists from seven districts met in Sambalpur demanding a pension scheme for retired media workers, citing a high court directive and financial hardship.

Odisha Vigilance arrests former college principal in Rs 73.44 lakh fund misuse case
Sambalpur Vigilance team detained former Laida College principal Basanta Kumar Nayak on Aug 26, 2026, over alleged government fund misuse.

Fake Railway Employee Arrested in Sambalpur, 12 Stolen Phones Seized
Sambalpur railway police arrested 21‑year‑old Dinesh Nag for posing as a railway employee and stealing 12 mobile phones from passengers on trains.

Fake Railway Employee Arrested in Sambalpur, 12 Phones Seized
Sambalpur railway police arrested 21‑year‑old Dinesh Nag for posing as a railway employee and stealing 12 mobile phones from night train passengers.

Sambalpur Police Arrest Fake Railway Staffer, Seize 12 Phones
Sambalpur railway police arrested 21‑year‑old Dinesh Nag for posing as an employee and stealing phones, recovering 12 devices and forged IDs.

Fake Railway Employee Arrested in Sambalpur, 12 Phones Seized
Sambalpur police arrested a youth posing as a railway employee, seizing 12 stolen phones, a forged ID, uniform, whistle and green flag.

Leaning Temple of Huma: Solving the Mystery of Sambalpur's Leaning Shiva Shrine
Explore the Leaning Temple of Huma in Sambalpur, the only leaning Shiva temple in the world. Uncover its history, architectural marvels, geological explanations, and myths.

Chaulbara: The Culinary Crown Jewel of Western Odisha Street Food
Discover Chaulbara, the iconic crispy rice-and-black-gram street food of Western Odisha. Learn its history, recipe, cultural significance, and best spots to eat in Sambalpur.

Odisha explores integrated University Township for Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Koraput
Odisha’s state government has begun exploring an integrated University Township that would combine education, research, skill development and industry, with Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Koraput under consideration.

Odisha to Bid for University Township in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Koraput
Odisha government will bid for a university township, considering Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Koraput as potential sites.

Odisha Considers University Township in Bhubaneswar Sambalpur Koraput
Odisha government has started exploring an integrated University Township in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Koraput to combine education, research, skill development and industry under a PPP model.

Sambalpur MP Seeks Gadkari's Help for NH-55 Repairs
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to repair monsoon‑damaged NH-55, highlighting disrupted west‑coast Odisha travel and safety risks.

Sambalpur MP urges Gadkari to repair damaged NH-55 in Odisha
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to repair damaged NH-55 after monsoon rains caused potholes, disrupting connectivity between western and coastal Odisha.

Odisha Explores Integrated University Township in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Koraput
Odisha has initiated plans for an integrated University Township in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Koraput, proposing eight greenfield universities under a PPP model.

Pradhan Urges Gadkari to Repair Damaged NH-55 in Odisha
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to immediately repair NH-55, citing severe potholes and connectivity disruption.

Odisha CM announces ₹1,000 crore relief package for flood‑hit districts
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi announced a ₹1,000 crore relief package for six flood-affected districts as heavy rain left 9.4 lakh people impacted.

Youth Murdered Near Pataneshwari Temple in Sambalpur, Two Detained
A youth was murdered near Pataneshwari Temple in Sambalpur on Tuesday night, prompting police to detain two suspects amid rising local tension.

Lizard in Patient Food Prompts Sambalpur DHH to Issue New Tender
A dead lizard in patient food prompted Sambalpur DHH to fine the contractor, issue a show-cause notice and start a fresh tender for food services.

Odisha flood situation grim as rivers rise, IMD warns of more rain
Odisha's northern districts face worsening floods after heavy rain, with 9.4 lakh affected and 3.3 lakh evacuated, as IMD predicts more rain.

Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates ₹62 crore development projects in Talcher
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated ₹62 crore worth of development projects in Talcher, focusing on roads, education, health, agriculture and local benefits.

NHRC seeks ATR from Sambalpur DM on fatal NH-55 accident
NHRC has directed Sambalpur's district magistrate to submit an action taken report within four weeks on allegations that an illegal speed breaker caused the NH-55 accident that killed 60-year-old Rajanikanth Nayak.

Nirmal Ghosh arrested in Sambalpur over RG Kar cremation case
Former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh was arrested in Sambalpur over alleged involvement in the hurried cremation of the RG Kar rape‑murder victim.

Sambalpur elephant death, ABVP protests at Ravenshaw University, waterlogging crisis dominate 3PM headlines
Sambalpur elephant death, ABVP protests at Ravenshaw University, and waterlogging crisis were the top headlines in Kanak News 3PM bulletin on August 11, 2026.

Hind Mazdoor Sabha protests at MCL headquarters in Odisha's Burla
HMS staged a protest at MCL headquarters in Burla demanding action on a 16-point charter for workers, contractual employees, displaced families and project-affected communities.

Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan responds to BJD 'Go Back' campaign
Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan rejected the BJD's 'Go Back' campaign on Saturday, stating he will continue to work for Odisha's people despite political opposition.

Dharmendra Pradhan vows to protect Odisha's pride amid BJD protests
Dharmendra Pradhan said he will never allow Odisha's pride and self-respect to be compromised while addressing a gathering at Rairakhol in Sambalpur.

Accor Signs Novotel Sambalpur City Centre to Open in 2031
Accor has signed a deal for Novotel Sambalpur City Centre, set to open in 2031.

Odia Labourer Attacked, Throat Slit in Sambalpur's Naktideul
An Odia labourer was attacked and his throat slit in Sambalpur's Naktideul.

Transport Department Expands Electronic Surveillance of Traffic in Odisha
Odisha transport department expands electronic surveillance of traffic to 4 new stretches, issuing e-challans for speeding and other traffic violations.

Flood Alert: Mahanadi swells at Mundali after Hirakud water reaches Cuttack
Water level of Mahanadi rises at Mundali in Cuttack as floodwater from Hirakud dam, released through 22 gates, reaches the barrage.

Heavy rain damages Sambalpur bridge, cuts off three villages
A bridge over the Katanga nullaha in Sambalpur district collapsed after floodwaters flowed over it, isolating three villages.

High-level meeting outlines long-term plan to fix Sambalpur waterlogging
MP Dharmendra Pradhan led a virtual meeting on July 31, 2026, to draft a long-term plan for Sambalpur’s drainage, water supply and waste management to end recurring waterlogging.

Hirakud Dam to release 3.5 lakh cusecs via 22 gates in Odisha floods
Hirakud Dam will release 3.5 lakh cusecs through 22 gates by evening due to rising inflows from Chhattisgarh, affecting downstream areas and nearly seven lakh people across 20 districts.

Hirakud Dam Opens 10 More Sluice Gates After Heavy Rain in Mahanadi Catchment
Hirakud Dam opened 10 extra sluice gates on July 31, 2026, to curb rising water levels after heavy rainfall in the Mahanadi upper catchment.

Sambalpur University, OKCL sign MoU to advance AI, digital education
Sambalpur University and OKCL signed an MoU to advance AI, digital education, skill development, research and innovation in line with NEP 2020.

Sambalpur set for modern inter-state bus terminal worth over Rs 60 crore
Sambalpur will develop a modern inter-state bus terminal on five acres at Ainthapali, with parking for 46 buses, EV charging and a commercial complex, at over Rs 60 crore.

Sambalpur scientist promotes organic farming to curb disease
Sambalpur-born scientist Shitikantha Behera promotes an integrated organic farm to curb lifestyle diseases linked to chemical fertilisers in Western Odisha.

Odisha initiates mayor election process for Sambalpur, Puri Municipal Corporations
Odisha government issues draft notification for mayor elections in Sambalpur and Puri, with reservation proposals inviting public feedback.

Sambalpur researcher Shubham Sahu wins global power electronics award
Shubham Sahu, a Sambalpur-native associate professor at Aalborg University, has been selected for the 2026 Richard M Bass Outstanding Young Power Electronics Engineer Award.

Sal leaf plates, bowls revive rural enterprise in Sambalpur
Women’s self-help groups in Sambalpur have revived sal leaf plate and bowl production, boosting incomes and reducing plastic use.

Subham Sahoo wins 2026 Richard M Bass Award for AI power safety
Subham Sahoo, a researcher from Bamra in Sambalpur district, has been selected for the 2026 Richard M Bass Outstanding Young Power Electronics Engineer Award.

Dharmendra Pradhan Welcomed at Bhubaneswar Airport After Resignation
Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan received a warm welcome at Bhubaneswar airport on July 28, 2026, following his resignation over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.

Shyam Metalics commences Rs 800‑crore aluminium foil plant in Sambalpur
Shyam Metalics has commenced commercial operations at its Rs 800‑crore premium‑grade aluminium foil plant in Sambalpur, Odisha, marking a major boost to local manufacturing.

Odisha Health Dept reviews VIMSAR gynaecology department over maternal deaths
A two-member Odisha Health Department team reviewed the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department at VIMSAR, Burla, after rising maternal deaths and recommended corrective measures.

VSSUT scraps mandatory uniform, adopts optional dress code after student protests
VSSUT in Burla will scrap its mandatory undergraduate uniform policy after student protests over uncomfortable polyester fabric in Sambalpur's humid climate.

Woman Killed, Infant Injured in Sambalpur Truck Accident
A woman was killed and her infant daughter injured in a truck accident on NH-53 in Sambalpur, Odisha.

VSSUT Students Protest Hostel Woes, Uniform Rule
VSSUT students in Sambalpur protest poor hostel facilities and uniform rule, demanding action from authorities.

Hirakud Dam Opens Two More Sluice Gates Amid Heavy Rainfall
Hirakud dam authorities opened two more sluice gates amid heavy rainfall in the upper catchment.

Body of Missing Minor Girl Recovered from Mahanadi in Sambalpur
The body of a missing minor girl was recovered from the Mahanadi River in Sambalpur, Odisha, after a nearly five-day search operation.

Tragedy in Badarama Forest: Beauty Parlour Worker's Body Found After Abduction
Amid the vibrant celebrations of the Rath Yatra in Sambalpur, a tragic tale of love turned violent has gripped the Kosal region. A beautician's body was discovered in Badarama forest after her abductor confessed to her murder.

Odisha Beautician Murder Case: Body Found in Forest, Suspect Arrested
A brutal murder in Sambalpur district has sent shockwaves through Odisha after a beautician’s body was found in a forest, with her boyfriend arrested for allegedly strangling her.

Sambalpur: Hirakud, Samaleswari & the Sital Sasthi Carnival
Sambalpur is the cultural capital of Western Odisha — a Mahanadi town anchored by the Hirakud Dam, Maa Samaleswari temple and the week-long Sital Sasthi carnival.

Sambalpur Woman Murder: Love Affair Turns Deadly in Kuchinda
A 24-year-old woman from Mahuldiha village near Kuchinda, Sambalpur, has been found dead, raising serious concerns about escalating crime in the region. Police have arrested a man and a driver alleging a connection to the brutal murder stemming from a romantic relationship.

Sambalpur Varsity Scholar’s Suicide Threat Sparks Investigation
A doctoral student at Sambalpur University triggered a major response from the institution after threatening suicide due to repeated delays in the activation of his research fellowship. University officials immediately initiated investigations and implemented measures to address the student’s concerns, highlighting systemic issues within the administrative processes.

Tragedy in Sambalpur: Woman Abducted, Strangled by Boyfriend
A 24-year-old woman was allegedly abducted and strangled by her boyfriend in Sambalpur, Odisha, sparking a police investigation that has led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of critical evidence.

Shyam Metalics Unveils ₹800 Crore Aluminium Foil Plant in Sambalpur: A Game-Changer for Odisha's Industry
Shyam Metalics has begun commercial production at its new 18,000 TPA aluminium foil plant in Sambalpur, Odisha, with a ₹800 crore investment poised to redefine India's downstream metals sector.

SMEL Steel Structural Launches High-Capacity Aluminium Foil Facility in Sambalpur, Odisha
SMEL Steel Structural has officially started commercial operations at its 18,000 tonnes-per-annum aluminium foil facility in Sambalpur, Odisha, marking a significant milestone in the region's industrial expansion.

Tragic Fate of Beauty Parlor Worker: Abduction and Murder in Sambalpur
Sambalpur's quiet streets have turned into a scene of tragedy as a young beauty parlor worker's life was cut short in a horrifying act of violence, sparking a police investigation into her abduction and murder.

