BHUBANESWAR: This year, an air of uncertainty hangs over the arrival of Olive Ridley sea turtles along the Odisha coast. With nesting grounds not available yet, wildlife experts are apprehensive about mass nesting (arribada) occurring anytime soon. Gahirmatha under Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Rushikulya river mouth are the two major rookeries apart from the Devi river mouth where sporadic nesting takes place. However, this year, the beach profile is such that mass nesting may not take place soon at the sites.

BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has proposed linking the river Rushikulya with the Bansadhara through the Nandini Canal Project to overcome drinking water problem in the areas of the Ganjam district affected by drought frequently.

Official sources said the State Government is in touch with the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) for preparation of a pre-feasibility report on the project. This is now at a preliminary stage and details can be known only after the report is completed.

BHUBANESWAR: While Opposition parties are crying foul over largescale diversion of water for industries, the current industrial demand for water in the State is only 4.2 per cent of the annual average flow.

BERHAMPUR: A long march demanding linking of major rivers of Orissa was flagged off from Kasinagar in Gajapati district of south Orissa on Friday.