Sonepur Khoj

Sonepur Khoj Sonepur is unique for it's history, heritage and culture.

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( Part 1 )Making of Subarnpur –The district of Subarnapur is located in western part of Odisha . Western Odisha reflects...
03/05/2022

( Part 1 )Making of Subarnpur –The district of Subarnapur is located in western part of Odisha . Western Odisha reflects the eternal Indian paradox. Despite vast natural resources it continues to be poor region. Subanapur , constitutes a part of the peninsular region. The basic feature of the district is its unique location in the middle of the geographical area of Western Odisha. In addition , it is located in the Mahanadi basin having soil of sandy, sand loam, sandy clay nature. Land ,forest, water are the main natural resources .The district has very few mineral deposits .Besides Gemstones no other minerals have been explored to provide livelihood to its people. The poor mineral deposits , lack of railway connectivity were the main hurdle for the growth of industries. Some brass metal, wood and Bamboo craft, Silver and gold ornaments industries were considered lucrative business . Tarbha , Binka Sonepur had made a mark on it.
Sonepur has also exhibited excellence in handloom and handcraft. Famous tie and dye handloom textile of the weavers community of Sonepur have acquired a distinct place in bandha( tie And dye) art. The emotions, sentiments, ethos, aesthetic sensibility, religious perceptions are well reflected in the woven fabrics. Simply it is not a dress material to put on . It is a socio cultural, religious visual , artistic flavor, of the great weavers and their master crafts men. Sonepur had not only a long history of weaving for the export of fine handloom products but it has earned world -wide recognition for its elegant designs. In the past the cotton art fabrics writes the Imperial Gazetteer “The flower-bordered saris of Sambalpur are called Phuliia peculiar to Sambalpur district are the saris known as hansbali boarded or stripped with fantastic animal design “ Recently it is in the lime light in the National media during the budget session of Parliament2022. Hon’ble finance minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman presented her budget wearing a Sambalpuri sari. Many a dignitaries ,politicians, cine stars ,distinguished models have chosen the Sabalpuri handloom saris as their first choice for it’s delicacy and designsn. The innovation of style, techniques design has made it special. Keeping the traditional aspect of handloom intact, the master craftsmen have evolved new digital designs. Their relentless effort have brought about revolutionary changes in the field of weaving and variations have been brought to the traditional designs. In order to expand their outreach and showcase their products directly to the potential buyers, the weavers attend Mela, Mahostav, trade fair, government sponsored programmes. Bayanika, Sambalika are also extending support for marketing. The demand for traditional tie and dye, Bomkai cotton and silk Sarees, dress materials have gone beyond the national boundary. The artistic grandeur ,fine innovative designs have enhanced the demand of the products in and abroad. From employment generation point of view, it employs lakhs of weavers and they in return produce wide range of fabrics t and cater to the needs of the people. Enormous public investment has been made in other districts to build-up public undertakings but hindrances of localization of industries in Subanapur has checked the industrial growth. In absence of industry , nurturing agriculture, pisciculture ,forestry are the only alternatives to explore. The district is suitable for major crops like paddy, maize, pulses, cotton , oilseeds. The black soil of ulunda and Birmaharejpur is most suitable for cotton cultivation . A ginning mill can be established along with strengthening its spinning mill.” In any agricultural production system , improved tools and implements play an important role to increase the work efficiency and production .In India most of the tribal farmers have small and fragmented land holdings and they continue to use indigenous tools and implements as they are considered cheaper, economically and easily available in the local markets. It is necessary to standardize these tools by blending traditional and modern scientific knowledge for doing the work in less time and less tiredness. Thus, these indigenous tools need to be documented so that they can help the making of need-based new tools/implements “.(Odisha District Gazetteers Subarnapur) . Thousands of tractors, power- tillers, trans planters, reapers, threshers, Sprayers are in use but no initiative yet to setup a agro- based industry to produce such machines and implements. We are rank holder in the use of tools and machines , varieties and finest crop producing zone, krushkarman award winner but when a agro-based industry? In the auspicious day of Akhyaya Tritiya under Kalia yojana government of Odisha has earmarked expenditure to the tune of 800 crores which means we would have been able to to go for 8 large scale or 80 small scale or 800 cottage industries to provide direct employment to 80 thousand people with the same resource investment. We don’t understand when the game is won then why the gimmick? Now it is time for a long- run policy.
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02/05/2022

{Part2nd )Sonepur in the making -----
In’ sonepur Rajyar Krishi’ ,GMBhattachaya has mentioned a large variety of roses for which sonepur soil is most favorable. Jasmine(malli ) are being cultivated for which the place is famous for but large scale farming of different scented flowers is the dire necessity to pave ways to setup a perfume industry. Many face mists, solid perfumes oil can be produced. JASMINE Oil has anti-inflammatory properties ,smooth the skin, soften the hair and make us smell incredible. Rose cultivation is equally profitable like jasmine. There are over three hundred species. It is the most liked flowers .The petals , petal soaked water (gulap jal) are edible. It is used as flavor ingredient in our dishes. Earlier it was used largely in temples and for decorative purposes but today it has reached to the people to commemorate celebrations of birthday, marriage anniversary day, valentine day , presentations bouquet & marriage decorations. The flowers are loved for its colours, texture and beauty. Today floriculture has grown as a viable agro business. Now it is to be transformed in to lucrative agro based indusantry. Kewda or Screw pine can also be grown in low laying area. Wild Sal(Shorea robusta) Kurei(Holarrhena) flowers have nice scent and found in abundant in our forests. It can also be collected like Mahua flowers but we have miserably failed to make it viable for industry.

11/04/2022

I would like to draw the attention of our elected Zillaparisad chief and deputy chief. Thanks for raising the irrigation issue before the 5T secretary.
water resource - sonepur is a district of rivers, ponds, kata, munda , Nalas, chuana, chhala,having plenty of water resources. One third of the total cultivable land is having potential water facilities by such reservoirs but during summer many villages do not get drinking water. People drink unsafe dirty water and suffer from acute diseases being contaminated. The normal average annual rainfall of the district is1418.5mm in61.6 rainy days. Rainfall is not uniformly distributed. The Ground water dependency has increased causing concern to the environmentalists .In some area the water table is going down in a faster rate. Concentration of harmful chemical like fluorides and nitrates is increasing. It is observed, 20% ground water is chloride polluted , another 10% iron ,2% fluoride mixed. People of number of villages are either jaundice or kidney affected. So far irrigation is concern Aung irrigation project is incomplete yet. It has a long history to tell.
In the year 1972 being approved by the planning commission on the river Aung at Ghicchepali of Bolangir district with an estimated cost of Rs.288.12 lakhs was proposed during formulation stage. The proposed area of the cultivable land was revised because of the forest land acquisition problem . The proposed irrigated area was reduced to 17276 hectares of land( under198 forest Act). The 2nd injustice to the project was to cut off the length of the main canal from 60.95K.m to 57.oo km. vide.L.N 8255 dt 11.3.1988 of the concern Department. Again it was modified and the earlier coverage area remained in force. Together with the excavation of Sonepur distributary from00 to 10.58 Km was proposed to be taken up simultaneously at an estimated cost of 80 lakhs. After a good beginning again a third stroke due to shortage of funds , the work stopped . Continuous drought and in different attitude of the government paved the way for farmers agitation. Lastly in the year 2004 a sum of Rs. 26.88 crores was earmarked to re-start the work. The slow progress of the project annoyed the financing authority NABARD and the fund was not released. After repeated appeal, prayer govt. of Odisha woke up from their deep slumber. But how and when a long awaited project will be completed is known to God only.
Now , question arises how efficiently we have managed the irrigation system in our district? From 2015-2016 the government of India has emphasized more to improve the water use efficiency and irrigate the field of every farmers . Crores of rupees have been poured to the district to support micro- irrigation, watershed development projects. We very well understand irrigation is a sine qua non to minimize the incidence of drought, enhance productivity, increase soil-moisture , give rise to more yield of paddy , pulses and sugarcane. Surfaced water resources through deep bore wells have been promoted, excavated but power supply disruption in peak periods have caused heavy damage to the crops. The farm output got affected. Along with this, the stringent laws to produce fresh Electric bills before register of names to obtain tokens for Rabi crops , forced maximum number of farmers to sell their paddy much below the minimum support price.
NEED ATTENTION-
*During summer season ground water is being depleting in several parts of the district.
* Causing wide gap between gross cropped area & gross irrigation area.
* Water harvesting and recycling are in the back foot.(Chauki Nala ,Urle Binka)
*Low utilization of the potentiality ,cost over-run.
*low land water logging area stagnates water, prone to serious diseases.
* much use of conventional surface method instead of drip and sprinkler system .
*lack of mechanical support to repair pump sets. Some times defective pumps causes low discharge for poor maintenance infrastructure
* resourceful farmers be identified and need to be oriented to give support service to others.
We have a weak frame work for sustainable irrigation management. Special attention be given to these inherent lacunas.

Sonepur in the making: 30 years 30 collectors. Sri Madhusudan Mishra (2018- 2019)A man of literature and an outstanding...
11/03/2022

Sonepur in the making: 30 years 30 collectors.
Sri Madhusudan Mishra (2018- 2019)A man of literature and an outstanding scholar of history, heritage culture of Subarnapur .He has a great fascination for the regional language , arts, crafts,places of tourists importance , geography and demographgy of the area where he has served as collectors. Despite his busy schedule of administrative work he finds time to give attention to other fields of his interests. He performs number of good deeds and helps others ,specially the down trodens of the society.He has proved himself a man of the mass.He well understands cultural and spiritual aspects of the area and people with whom he works . A successful modes of oprendi has proved himself as a good administrator. The human being in him attracts the attention of every one ,really a successful collector in the row.
Smt.Monisha Benarjee(2019-2021) is a very dynamic ,a bit different and exceptional. A straight forward woman ,avoids unnecessary talks and littering of people. She wields absolute authority in bureaucratic system of works. She has the skill and the aptitude having great wisdom to satishfy the urge of the people.She does not go out of the line.Inspite of heavy pressures from the political Masters, she never succumbs and even one can not find a surgical scar in her face.She does not allow disagreement but friendly to all, friendly to laws and rules for which people admire her.Some times we see wonderful reconciliation ,clear in thoughts ,controlling ability of the situations. She was in absolute control of the district administration.
M/s Aboli Sunil Naravane-IAS 2021-2022…..From ADM Rourkekela to collector , Subarnapur is a memorable journey for her. She knew the place, people sufficiently well before joining as the District collector. She got in touch with large number of people here to build on what she had achieved in Rourkela.She had worked there in the best possible way. Openig of a well equipped District Library, Smart park, swming pool, 5T schools, Mahanadi lighting ,Coffee house are some of the beautiful works that got a final shape and touched the nerves of the people.Her love for art dance ,drama and music is incredible. She is a fine artist. The work is just beginning.
To begin with and to quote from Odisha district Gazetteer Subarnapur, “physical infrastructure and economic development like roads, highways, bridges, mass transit, water and sanitation, sewerage, electricity, housing and telecommunication are essential for economic growth and human development which are available in the district, yet not sufficient and satisfactory.” The density in the district has remained low. It is the least urbanized district of Odisha,7% urban population.”
Now one can see and assess how far the economic wellbeing and quality of life of the community has improved during the last 30 years of consistent efforts of the collectors and their large army of supportive staff? Have we reached to a higher living standard and achieved the desired goal? How is our -infrastructure improvement? ’It means the construction of basic fundamental services in order to stimulate economic growth and quality of life improvement. ’The improvements relates to communication, education, health, power, market, commerce ,irrigation, leisure utilization facilities. Specially its urban area like Sonepur ,Binka ,Tarbha, block HQs BMpur, Dungiripali need more thrust . The roads, drainage system , town planning , and illegal construction need to be taken care. The village area connectivity, roads, bridges, culverts, recession centers are well and up to the mark.
Education system- the educational scenario of the district from pre- primary, primary to higher education ,sonepur does not present a satisfactory picture, though the number of primary schools, English medium schools , Women colleges have come up at a faster rate .There is dearth of technical educational institutions beside an ITI , diploma college. Yet for a study of a degree course in engineering is out of the reach of the aspirants .The place known for its handloom industries lacks an engineering college in the particular discipline . There is no facility for post graduate study in any stream and pursue special doctorate level research work . There are large numbers of bright students but there are no good number of colleges. Full -fledged , well equipped college is the biggest requirement. Innovation, imagination, creativity are most crucial to bring a change. We never question our political leaders . When we will start questioning what are they doing about education , instead of asking for free packages, road building contracts , ration shop license .How to pave the way for a better future and create a solid base for Education. In the academic sphere we need a clear vision with a team of visionaries to work and render voluntary service to identify gray areas and suggest ratification if requires. In between basic academic education and the pursuit for a professional career is intermediate need. Students afresh from schools have to choose their career but the environment conducive for clear understanding of the avenues are lacking with them. Most people aspire for a change but can we bring a change? Who are the people who talk about Education?How much We know about Education?
Our scientists have developed artificial brain ,heart, and artificial intelligence but the dreaded Corona virus has defeated our purpose .It has become a threat to our existence and the world order .In other words it has challenged the system of our Education and the stuff of knowledge , we have given to our children. It has questioned the relevancy of the education we have received. Present Education may not hold good in the next 30 years . let us prepare a vision document , a blue print , a road map . We need to search means to train our successors to up -date themselves to the changing circumstances. How to enhance the intellectual life of our students? We need to inculcate a passionate desire for research and innovations , imbue them with thinking quotient. We must be committed continuously to explore new opportunities and strengthen our students intellectually and socially. We fail to impart quality education and confined the teaching –learning to the routine classroom .In our colleges there is no flexibility, freedom, in the academic programs. After 30 long years of the formation of the district the status of the primer college has remained the same. we have not moved away from our traditional bottle necks. With out finding suitable alternatives our boys and girls forced to take admission in our colleges, so there is increase in students enrolment .More over we can not afford high cost private managed colleges which have fine track records.
We are members of the middleclass. We are really concern with various problems relating to higher study. The lower and the upper class are least concern and remain Silent . The upper supports them selves. The lower get support from the government but the aspirations of the middle class people ,shatters .Proper professional Career building Education is our right. Sorry, we can not bear the high cost of private coaching in Metro cities. Give it us here , people say. It is the basic rights of the students to get new technology based education from shool level.The whole pity is that we can’t meet the challenges. We lack proper institutions to facilitate our need based education. Can our Ministers provide us an environment for the diverse learning opportunities here at SONEPUR? Let the Minsters of the district see the NAAC report and assess their own contributions &performances in the field of higher education. -3- To be continued.

Making of Subarnapur:30 years 30 Collectors. --Sri Benudhar Das( 2006-2008) .He had established his Credentials as a go...
10/03/2022

Making of Subarnapur:30 years 30 Collectors. --
Sri Benudhar Das( 2006-2008) .He had established his
Credentials as a good administrator ,proved his ability ,got the support of the people. They could feel here is a man who could fulfill the expectations. He is competent enough to take the development programme ahead. He is a positive proficient & pro people personality, concentrates more on development agenda and delivers the good, focused on what people like to do for the best interest of the district. The schools, the temples were rennovated .People trust him completely.He is a master who sticks to the development line.
S .Aswathy (2008 -2009) is the first lady collector of the district of Subarnapur ,very practical and very warm hearted. She lives a very balanced life , a distinguished lady but amazingly known for her simple manner. She always tries to work with some new ideas especially that of projects and enhances her credibility and image. She stream lined the PDS and rendered justice to the public, introduced chief lunch for the attendents of patients coming to the district hospital, much before Adhar yojana came in to force. A children park was opened near the Sureswari temple by her judicious and whole hearted endeavor.
SriS S Nayak,I/c , SriBhbani Shankar panda Sri H.K.Behera I/c ( 2009- 2010) peformed well as collectors.
G.B.Swain( 2010-2012 ) a good friend of the district ,worked in various capacities and finally became the collector Subarnapur.He had created a bright and excellent reputation .Total literacy campaign touched to a successful and reasonable height during his stay here when R.P.Naik was the collector and he was the district coordinator of TLC.AS the district collector , Subarnapur he had prepared a road map for the development . His love for art,craft ,culture, literature have given him a distinct place . He was the voice of the people.He got the support of the mass. He had a rich upbringing but had good and friendly relations with the people of all sections and ages .He worked hard. Road side plantation , wall writings ,art and craft gallery , water park ,swiming pool and watch tower in the river bank of Mahanadi, development of patali srikhetra , a rope way to hill atop Gujapabili, beautification, hill track connection to both end of the Baghapali and Kotsamlai area are some of the important work of the blue print ,he had prepared. In addition to road connectivity, development of tourism potentialities and priorities golden traningle connectivity taking Samadhipith Khaliapal, Patalikhetra kotsamlai and papakyaya Urle were the dream projects of the pious soul. He is no more with us but we remember him. A strong willed person lost to oblivion .The internal turmoil that caused his death is beyond our comprehension but we unexpectedly lost a noble person and the best friend of Subarnapur.
Sri R. P. Singh 2012-2015– He is all about himself. He is ambitious but simple .He means timely implementation and completion of assigned works. It is the basic idea on which Good governance stands. He is punctual and cent-percent perfect in doing works. He attends office , Court work with much more regularity. 5T schools, Stadium ,heaith infrastructure development are the some of the best work that got a shape.

Sonepur in the making (2) our collectors our jems.Sri B.P.Sethi –(1999- 2000) Sri Sethi is a spiritual minded & a no...
09/03/2022

Sonepur in the making (2) our collectors our jems.
Sri B.P.Sethi –(1999- 2000) Sri Sethi is a spiritual minded & a noble Refomer.He is highly popular among the people for his relentless and the pioneering work to rebuild , restructured the Samadhi pitha of Bhima Bhoi Khaliapali. The holly place had remained neglected. All were in disarry. The matha or what we call ‘Samadhi pitha ‘was in a vulnerable condition. He took initiative to give a new life, a new vison for its all round development . The district Administration Subanapur made Bhima Bhoi Samadhi Pitha a tourist destination.It is quite awesome. The beauty of the place gives gorgeous look now. Sri Sethi as a district collector brought the revenue administration to its right track. He created awareness on Revenue laws. The tough decision of evictions for the best interest of the district, he took was bit unpleasant for a few . In the history of the Mahima religion his name will be remembered .
Sri Surendra Kumar( 2000-2003) ex collector Subarnapur is a strict disciplined, strong willed and a fine administrator. He listens to every grievances with patience ,attaches supreme value to freedom of liberty , believes in the reality of things ,a man of actions,uncompromising , straight forward and competent . The real issue is the trust factor that haunts him most. He knows the art to keep the bereaucrats at bay but flattery plays its own role, a magnate from which it is impossible to escape, in a slight breach of trust he goes beyond the track.
Many a projects, programmes like DPEP,SSA got a strong base during his tenure .People were able to see the completion of Mahanadi bridge under his able leadership.
Dr. D.K.Chaulia a verstile genius was the collector , subarnapur from 2003 to 2006. Besides putting a goose in the oven he was doing a number of development works for the interest of the public. He was not only a good administrator but a good professor , a sociable person beyond questions.He had taken keen interest to change the over all scenario of the district in general and DPEP in particular. He always wanted to do something more and do some thing different. He looked like a aristocrate, the way he dressed , the way he talked—every thing about him impressed others. He proved his ability as the district collector_and proved beyond doubt his dedication_to the cause of development. He was in haste to repay the trust that had been placed in him.
Sri P. N.BadaikI/C(2006) is valued as good performer

MAKING OF SUBARNAPUR 30 years 30 collectors) :A development perspective.Ist April 1993, the newly created district, S...
08/03/2022

MAKING OF SUBARNAPUR 30 years 30 collectors) :A development perspective.
Ist April 1993, the newly created district, Subarnapur was preparing to say good -bye to its parent district Bolangir. The bond ,the association so long years of body and soul relation, sorrow ,smile, love affection , laugh & cry , dependency got a sinking feeling. The struggle , constant agitations of the natives mostly of journalists, lawyers, intellectuals , students and primarily the patient hearing of stalwart statesman Biju pattnaik made it possible for emergence of a new district. God was kind enough, we got back our legitimate rights. Of -course, Biju pattnaik ‘s wide heart, straight forward nature ,frankness made it happened.
He said , ‘No excuse or pretext ,the dream of a new district will emerge next.’
‘‘He is a Bhagiratha indeed, A man of words, dare and devil , most courageous,committed and determined personality, amply rewarded the people ,with their cherished desire that they pray before the almighty. ‘‘

SriR.P.Naik,(1993-1994) IAS joined as the collector , Sonepur. Truly he was a perfectionist. He adopted himself best to the demanding situations, avoided confrontations, liked to patch. He was so dedicated to his work , he never thought of what he said where he said while he dealt with the public interests things. He thought all people as his family members and preferred to live in the oasis of stability. It was true,nobody likes saline water to drink but needed it for sea bathe. He kept track of all what was going on and believes on cohesive responsibilities. In spite- of his vast experience he was bequeathed a district administration and became its chief for the first time in his life with zero infrastructural facilities. No required staff, no resource , no need based funding but he managed the smooth sailing. We owe to his magnanimity. Our highest tribute to the first collector Subanapur who will be remembered for all times to come.
C.J. Venugopal ,(1994)collectotor , Bolangir remained in duel charge of both BGR and Sonepur. He was a dynamic personality.
Sri G. C Das,(1994-1995) ADM remained in charge of the collector and brought some sea change in the administrative set -up. The vacant posts of 3rd &4th class Employees were filled up to gear up the official works. The district witnessed many sports and cultural activities during his tenure. People could be able to feel the presence of a collector.Some how or other the political leaders could not influence him. Leaders failed to get things done to suit to their vested interests.
Sri DN Gupta IAS( 1996), a statistical wizard , made a clear cut statistical base , collected and compiled data and kept it in his fingertips . He developed innovative methods for its ready use ,assessed performances and monitored the progress of development of various departments. He is a man who relies more on data base technology. Undoubtedly he is a good planner who formulates and executes, emphasizes preparedness and update data knowledge. He never listens to gossip mongers . He very minutely deals with intricacies of things. He is a man with stoic composure, nothing worries him. It is praise worthy and unique to see his style of field visits, Grievance hearings through attending regular programs .He gets things done in a more bureaucratic way on schedule dates. He always rises to the occasion, no hesitating. A man of dignity and confidence.
Sri S.K Jha,(1995-1996 )IAS , as a collector when joined few people could know him but when he left sonepur, thousands found sobbing with their eyes full of tears. He won the hearts, had many loyal friends , got the affection of people of all ages. People could sense and see a true human being in him.He loves and feels loved by the people , the stay of his memory is still alive in many people’s mind. He speaks the language of the deprives. .He better understands the values of tolerance, service to the needy. The respect he got , one can not imagine unless experiences it. He is the best judge and judges people by their actions. He had numbers of attributes having prudent actions always. We have never seen worries , anxieties or frustration in him. He works with hope in his eyes.
Sri P. C. Sagar-(1996) three times in charge collector. Two times in1996 and one time in 1997. A dedicated , light minded, admirable and sociable person.
SriB.C.Jena (1997-98)-A literary minded , a top intellectual he is. He is more concern of the herculean task of district administration and development. His spirit never splits. His experience is his assets ,very ambitious , never accepts defeat.
SriA.C.Sahu (1998-99) he is most time conscious , completes projejects in schedule time . Punctuality is guru mantra.
Sri M.S Padhi(1999) Originally , parent district Bolangir collector remained in charge of the district subarnapur for some time.
Sri B.K Panda I/c collector , Subarnapur 1999. He tries his best to give a meaning to his coveted post. He knows his power and limitations well as in-charge collector but takes independent decisions to render justice to the needy.
Sri B. B. Pattnaik(1999) ,well known as Binod Bihari Pattnaik. He did understand the divergent nature of administrative intricacies from block level to district level having multifarious experiences being promoted from the post of B.D.O, to the post of District Collector. He is very strong in dealing with things, listens to the media ,reviews the progress of works, fixes up responsibility and accountibilty. He is not only a hard tasks master but a noble man indeed. (1)continue

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