Argus News - Odisha Minister Reveals 14 Dead, 18 Injured In 32 'Ama Bus' Accidents Over Two Years

Bhubaneswar, Mar 24: At least 14 people have died and 18 others sustained critical injuries in 32 accidents involving ‘Ama Bus’ services over the past two years, the Odisha Assembly was informed on Tuesday.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra presented the data in a written reply, highlighting safety concerns surrounding the city bus service.

Illegal Hoardings Removed in BMC Area
The minister also informed the House that around 80 illegal advertisement hoardings were removed in the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area between April 2025 and February 2026 by a special enforcement squad.

Massive Forest Land Encroachment
Meanwhile, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia revealed that large-scale encroachment of forest land has been reported across the state.

As per official data, about 34,114.50 hectares of forest land across 30 districts are under illegal occupation. Authorities have registered 15,700 cases to address the issue, and so far, 2,636.61 hectares of encroached forest land have been reclaimed.

The disclosures in the Assembly have raised serious concerns over urban safety, civic regulation and environmental protection in Odisha.

Also Read: Odisha Assembly Exposes Crime and Corruption Trends

Challenges in Healthcare
On Monday, the Odisha Assembly revealed serious challenges in the state’s healthcare system, ranging from vacant medical posts and substandard medicines to rising tobacco-related deaths.

According to Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling’s written reply, 4107 medical officer posts remain vacant. While the sanctioned strength is 15,793, only 11,186 officers are currently serving. Similarly, thousands of posts across nursing, pharmacy, laboratory technicians, radiographers, and ophthalmic officers remain unfilled, highlighting a critical shortage in government medical facilities.

The new government has, however, initiated recruitment drives. Through the Odisha Public Service Commission, appointments have been made for 108 assistant professors, 5 allopathic doctors, 85 homeopathic doctors, and 115 Ayush doctors.

Additionally, 117 nursing officers, 239 radiographers, 203 pharmacy officers, 2753 MPHW (Female), and 686 MPHW (Male) have been recruited, aiming to strengthen the healthcare workforce.