1. INTRODUCTION

After bifurcation of the Science, Technology and Environment Department with effect from the Ist April 1991,the Science and Technology Department is functioning with the following objectives : -

i. To keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of Science and Technology and to take steps for dissemination of these among institutions like industries, research laboratories, Universities and among scientists and technologists.

ii. To co-ordinate the R & D Programmes of different departments, industrial and research institutions and to ensure scientific and technical co-operation among these institutions and agencies.

iii. To formulate and fund research and application programmes in the field of science and technology.

iv. To encourage, develop and extend the use of renewable sources of energy including energy plantations.

v. To popularise Remote Sensing Technology and make effective use of it.

vi. To popularise science and technology among students and the people so as to inculcate in them a scientific temper and attitude.

vii. Promote and popularise appropriate rural technologies.

viii.Development of Library and documentation Centre for Science & Technology.

ix. Science and Technology communication through awareness promotion, support to Institutions for Seminars/ Workshops etc., development of Science Centres and administration of Pathani Samanta Planetarium.

x. To conduct Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Programmes.

xi. To undertake fundamental research in mathematics and its application.

xii. To conduct basic and applied research in the frontier areas of Material Science & Engineering.

2. The State Council on Science & Technology functions as the highest policy making body of development of Science & Technology and oversees the implementation of the programmes undertaken in the field of Science and Technology & Renewable Energy in the state.

The activities pertaining to various programmes / schemes undertaken during the year 2003-2004 are briefly stated below :

3. DOCUMENTATION CENTRE-CUM-LIBRARY (DCL) :

There is a well-equipped library having about 2000 books in advanced areas of Science, Technology and Environment. The Audio Visual Library consists of 78 films on various themes of Science and Technology. Modern conference facilities like

public address system, recording unit, video and mega-monitor for Audio Visual display, slide projector, over-head projector and Film Projector etc. are installed in the centre. The Conference Hall is also utilised by other Departments of State Government for holding of meetings. The Direct Reception System (DRS) installed in the conference hall is being used for the purpose of viewing iner-active training programmes (ITP) under GRAMSAT pilot project

relating to various Departments of the State.

4. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROMOTION

4.1 FUNDING OF RESEARCH PROJECTS:

In order to encourage application-oriented research and transfer of appropriate technology, the Department provides financial support for research projects.

No financial support was provided for any research project under the scheme as only a token provision of Rs.1000/- was made in the budget of S&T Department during 2003-04.

4.2 FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ATTENDING NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES /WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS/SYMPOSIA :

In order to encourage research, Scientists of the State are deputed to participate and interact in the higher forums of National and International Conferences.

Financial assistance amounting to Rs.95,000/- to 8 Scientists was sanctioned/released for their participation in the National/International Conference/ Workshop/Seminar/Symposia in the previous years.

5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME:

The Department has played a catalystic role in organising Entrepreneurship Awareness Camps and Entrepreneurship Development Training Programmes for persons

with scientific and technical background for their self employment by way of setting up enterprises. No financial support was provided for any EDP programme under the scheme as only a token provision of Rs.1000/- was made in the budget

of S&T Department during 2003-04.

6. PATHANI SAMANTA PLANETARIUM (PSP) :

The Pathani Samanta Planetarium has been established in Bhubaneswar with a view to invoking interest in our celestial environment and creating awareness in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Science among the people.

During the year 2003-2004 the following activities were undertaken in the Planetarium.

I. Planetarium Programmes:

(i) No. of working days : 313/366

(ii)No. of regular shows : 1099

(iii)No. of special shows : 213

(iv) Total No. of shows : 1312

(v) No. of adult viewers : 48,932

(vi) No. of child viewers : 49,512

(vii) No. of total viewers : 98,444

(viii)Total amount collected : 7,34,775

II. Night Sky Watch Programme:

a) Inside Pathani Samanta Planetarium premises.

i) No. of days : 48

ii)No. of visitors : 6000

b) Outside Pathani Samanta Planetarium premises

i) No. of days : 18

ii) No. of visitors. : 7000

III. Audio Visual Programme:

i) No. of slide shows : 21

ii) No. of raidio talks : 14

iii) No. of popular talks : 47

IV. Other Activities:

1. Safe viewing of transit of Mercury was arranged at the premises of Pathani Samanta Planetarium on 7.5.2003. About 1500 visitors took the opportunity to observe the event.

2. The death Centenary year of Samanta Chandra Sekhar was commemorated in the auditorium of Plantarium on 11 th June, 2003 in the forenoon. Hon'ble Minister, Science & Technology attended the function as Chief Guest.

3. A teachers orientation programme was conducted on 23.8.2003 in collaboration with the BOSE, Cuttack, Orissa. Various activities of Planetarium and scope of astronomy were explained. About 50 teachers from different parts of Orissa took part in the programme.

4. Night Sky watch programme was conducted from 26.8.2003 to 8.9.2003 in the premises of PS Planetarium. During this period the planet Mars was very close to earth, various facts and data were provided to the general public and arrangements were made to view the planets through the telescope. About 1500 visitors witnessed various Nigh Sky objects through telescope.

5. Poster shows and demonstration of instruments devised by Pathani Samanta were organised at all the 30 districts of Orissa by OBA in conneciton with observation of death Centrenary of Samanta Chandra Sekhar. Pathani Samanta

Planetarium provided the Resource Person and experts in all the above programme.

6. Various state level competitions like essay, debate and quiz were organised on the occasion of 14th annual day of Pathani Samanta Plantarium among school students. The winners of the competition were given awards at a function on 8th Jan, 2004.

7. ORISSA REMOTE SENSING APPLICATION CENTRE (ORSAC) :

The Orissa Remote Sensing Application Centre acts as an apex organisation to promote remote sensing technology in the State. ORSAC has rendered commendable service by undertaking several projects for the Central Government as well as for

State Government.

SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS OF ORSAC DURING 2003-2004 ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

1. Geographic Information System (GIS) Data Base for Orissa

A digital database has been generated for the entire state. This includes the generation of new database and updation of data available at ORSAC. The database includes information on landuse/land cover, geomorphology, geology, groundwater, soil, slope, drainage/watershed/surface waterbody, settlement location/village boundary/transport network and socio-economic data. The spatial database is

useful for planning sustainable development, management of drought prone areas, development of hill and inaccessible areas and disaster management in the coastal and other areas of the state.

During the year 2003-04 Water Resources Management plan map preparation has been completed for Malkangiri district. Database updation in respect of village layers of Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurdha, Jagatsinghpur districts have been completed. Database on land use/land cover of Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Ganjam, Kendrapara and Bhadrak districts have been completed. Digital database of Jagatsinghpur district

has been completed in all respects. Digital database on landcover, geomorphology, lithology and structure has been prepared for the entire state. Database for the 456 Police Stations of Orissa along with latitude/ longitude have been provided to the Director and DIG (Police), State Crime Records, Bhubaneswar.

2. FASAL: (Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agrometeorology and Land based Observation)

This project includes acreage and yield estimation of kharif crops like rice, groundnut, ragi and jute and rabi crops like rice and groundnut for a few selected districts. Acreage is estimated every year on a continuous basis through the analysis of remote sensing data and yield is estimated by modeling. Generally three estimates are made every year. An additional fourth estimate is made in case of natural calamities like flood/cyclone/drought affecting the crop. The prior knowledge of harvest would help in advance planning of procurement and distribution of agricultural products and food grains in the state and at the national level.

During the year four forecasts have been made for kharif paddy area and production. Area and production estimates have been made for groundnut, ragi and jute. The forecast has been compared with that of Dept. of Economics and Statistics.

Acreage estimation for rabi groundnut for 4 districts of coastal Orissa has been completed. Digital analysis for rabi rice area estimation for the selected districts of Orissa is under progress.

3. Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Validation programme:

The objective of this programme is to enhance fish catch in the coastal waters of Orissa. The PFZ forecasts generated by INCOIS, Dept. of Ocean Development are disseminated by ORSAC to the fishing communities regularly through newspapers

and electronic media. PFZ forecasts are made from October to June excluding the monsoon months. During the year this activity has also been conducted and 33 PFZ advisories have been disseminated.

4. Groundwater Prospects Maps:

One of the major achievements during the year 2003-04 is the preparation of a database on the groundwater prospects zone mapping under Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission. Detailed studies have been undertaken in respect of

geology, geomorphology, structure and well observation to delineate groundwater prospect zones for which expected groundwater yield has been indicated. The problem villages have been given special emphasis during the preparation of

the database. The groundwater database for 71 survey of India topo sheets covering major part of Kalahandi, Nuapada, Ganjam, Khurdha, Nayagarh, Puri and Phulbani districts and parts of Rayagada, Gajapati, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Anugul,

Sonepur and Boudh districts have been prepared. Copies of the maps have been handed over to NRSA, Dept. of Space & RWS & S Organisations, Govt. of Orissa.

5. Biosphere Mapping and Wildlife Habitat Study:

Studies have been completed for the Similipal Biosphere Resource, Chandaka and Satakosia wildlife sanctuary for management of wildlife and biosphere regions. Forest management 'layers have been prepared with superimposition of management layers such as sanctuary, division, range, section and beat boundaries. The management headquarters alongwith wildlife management locations such as watch tower, salt licks, VHF locations etc. have been depicted on the forest landuse map.

6. Plantation Monitoring of KBK district:

A pilot study of the block plantation areas in Rayagada and Jeypore districts forest divisions was carried out using 3 dates data. The status of plantations have been studied.

7. Nationwide Wasteland Updation Mission:

Wasteland maps were prepared earlier for the entire state. During these years extent of wasteland have been changed. Satellite data of the recent satellites are now used to update the changes in the wasteland area.

During the year wasteland maps have been updated for the districts Nayagarh, Boudh, Sonepur, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Phulbani, Jagatsinghpur, Nuapada, Kendrapara, Bhadrak districts.

8. Cropping System Analysis of Orissa State Using Remote Sensing & GIS:

Remote Sensing and GIS based analysis of the present cropping system of Orissa state is the primary objective of the project. A sustainable cropping system will be suggested for the state based upon the climatic parameters, soils, hydrology, crop intention and crop diversity.

During the year, the satellite image of the entire state has been analysed to identify the problems & prospects of non-paddy rabi crops of the state. Climatological database,landuse database as well as database on soils have been

generated. The integration of all the databases is in progress.

9. Watershed Management Plan:

DRDAs of different districts are requesting ORSAC to prepare land and water management plan for micro-watershed identified by them. During the year indicative land and water resources management plan maps have been prepared for 20

micro-watersheds of Nuapada district and 9 micro-watersheds of Khurdha district. Watershed database has also been prepared for Jajpur district.

10. Flood Mapping:

There was a flood situation in various parts of the state particularly in the Mahanadi and Kathajodi river systems. It became grave in the last week of August 2003. Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bolangir, Boudh, Nayagarh, Kalahandi, Anugul and Khurdha were among the flood affected districts. Radarsat SAR data was analysed. The flood layer was integrated with the pre flood layer for delineation of flood inundation areas. A flood map was prepared on 1:50,000 scale for parts of Orissa. The flood inundation layer was integrated with district, block and village boundary layer for extracting districtwise flood inundation

area statistics. Food Memorandum by Govt. of Orissa contained a brief report on satellite view of flood situation in Orissa.

11. Bridge site Assessment for East Coast Railway;

Bridge site assessment was carried out for East Coast Railway for laying the second rail line between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack for which they have to construct additional railway bridges adjacent to the present bridge sites. The geotechnical study involves information on geology, geomorphology, landuse/ land cover. Maps were prepared depicting all the details. To asses the flood risk recent flood layers of 2001 and 2003 floods have been superimposed on the geotechnical map and landuse/ land cover map.

12. Paradeep -Haladia Pipeline by IOC:

The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has proposed to construct a pipeline for transportation of petroleum between Paradeep and Haldia ports. In order to comply with the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) lOC approached ORSAC for information on CRZ. The pipeline alignment route was superimposed on the CRZ map and the same was supplied to IOC.

13. National Highway Four Laning of Chandikhole-Paradeep Section:

National Highway Authority of India has approached ORSAC for providing them with a map showing NH-5A vis-a-vis CRZ boundaries for them to comply with the CRZ regulation.

14. Providing Base Map for PURA Project

Map showing road, infrastructure and adjoining village boundaries for 30 selected towns of the state has been provided to the Panchayati Raj Dept. Govt. of Orissa.

15. GRAMSAT PILOT PROJECT-ORISSA

Orissa Remote Sensing Application Centre is the nodal agency for operationalisation of the Gramsat Pilot Project-Orissa in the State. Under the Gramsat Pilot Project, a Direct Reception T.V. Network is being established to enable interactive training/review and development broadcasting. Under the Gramsat Pilot Project-Orissa, the Direct Reception T.V. Network is being installed in all the District Headquarters and Block Headquarters of Orissa and 800 Grampanchayat villages of 8 KBK districts. There are 1437 Grampanchayats in KBK districts. Thus, there remained a gap of 637 Grampanchayats to be covered under the DRS network.

Out of this gap, 287 Grampanchayat villages have been covered with DRS under the RLTAP for KBK districts during the financial year 2003-2004. This DRS TV network will be used for one hour broadcasting in the evening for creating awareness among people on development schemes of the Government so that they are enabled to derive benefit from such schemes. Besides this, a VSAT network providing computer connectivity between officials at state capital, district headquarter s and block headquarters will also be established in the state under this project. Other aspect of the project is transfer of spatial and non-spatial geographic information database for effective planning of development projects especially relating to natural resources and environment, watershed management and infrastructure development. This is a very vital area of information in respect of natural resources management, infrastructure planning and environmental impact analysis.

a) Installation status of DRS Network

- ORSAC studio is under construction.

- The order for Earth Station is being placed by ISRO/DOS.

- Once the studio is ready, the studio equipments which are already procured by ISRO/DOS will be installed and simultaneously the flyaway uplink which is presently functioning at BPFTIO, Cuttack will be moved to ORSAC studio for conducting ITPs from ORSAC.

- Installation of DRS in (800 (GPP) + 287(RLTAP) i.e. 1087 GP are in progress. Nearly 500 installations are completed at GP Hqrs. Villages.

- Similiarly DRSs installation at 264 block locations are in progress. At 100 blocks, the DRSs have been installed.

b) Conducting Interactive Training Programmes

63 number of Interactive Training programme have been conducted under Gramsat Pilot Project during 2003-2004. This number may increase once the studio is made operational at ORSAC, Bhubaneswar.

c) Video Programme Production for Evening Broadcasting

Several user departments have set targets for video programme production

- A rate has been fixed for video programme production in a meeting chaired by the Development Commissioner, Orissa.

-The user departments have been identified with professional institutes namely State Institute of Educational Technology (SIET) and Biju Pattnaik Film and Television Institute of Orissa (BPFTIO) for video programme production.

-In the meantime, State level Empowered Committee (SlEC) for Gramsat Pilot Project - Orissa has decided that ORSAC will supplement the effort of SIET and BPFTIO in video programme production by involving professional video production units and individuals. A panel of professional firms/individuals is being generated by ORSAC for this purpose.

-ORSAC has contacted the user departments to make an inventory of video programmes available with them and assess their suitability in the present context for evening broadcasting besides collecting video programmes from DECU/ISRO and other states for dubbing them in Oriya and use them for evening broadcasting.

d) Installation status of VSAT Network

-The VSAT Hub at NIC, New Delhi is already functional.

-100 remote VSATs have been delivered at block and district locations.

-Earthing has been completed in 300 block Hqr. and for all 30 district Hqr.

-NIC/NICSI has been requested to provide RF connectivity between important office complexes namely State Secretariat, Heads of the Depts., Director of Treasury, Chief Engineer (Flood Control), Assembly Complex, Aranya Bhawan and ORSAC connecting these offices with the Gramsat Servers at ORSAC and the network.

-BSNL has been requested to provide a 2Mbps link between NIC, New Delhi and ORSAC, Bhubaneswar connecting the VSAT Hub at NIC, New Delhi with Gramsat servers at ORSAC, Bhubaneswar.

-Computers have been delivered at all 314 blocks and 30 districts.

-DIN servers, NRIS servers and NRIS client computers have been delivered at ORSAC.

-Some of the user departments namely Transport and Commerce, Director of Agricultural Marketing of Cooperation Dept., Water Resources Dept., Director of Treasury .Finance Dept. have expressed interest for getting connectivity through Gramsat VSA T Network.

-All user departments have been requested to inform the designated field officers at district and block level whether they would be using Gramsat VSAT network for communication.

e) Creation of Spatial Data Base for Orissa

NRIS database has been developed by ORSAC and the same have been quality assessed for its integration with NRIS master shell. However, to facilitate networking of data ORSAC has submitted the dataset to Survey of India for its conversion to WGS-84.

8. ORISSA RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (OREDA) :

The Orissa Renewable Energy Development Agency (OREDA), under the Department of Science & Technology Government of Orissa, is a society under Societies Registration Act 1860. The main objectives of this Agency, in the development of New & Renewable Sources of Energy, are:

i. To encourage the development & accelerated utilisation of Renewable Energy Sources wherever they are technically & economically viable.

ii. To improve the access to & availability of Renewable, Decentralised Sources particularly for rural population.

iii. To contribute towards balanced rural & urban development as well as development of backward, hilly & tribal areas by enabling the use of locally available Decentralised Renewable Energy Sources.

iv.To create gainful employment opportunity with due importance for ensuring greater access for women & other disadvantaged groups to employment opportunities.

v. To reduce environmental degradation resulting from deforestation.

The important activities, which, have been so far taken up and are being implemented by this Agency are narrated below:

1. NATIONAL BIOGAS AND MANURE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME (NBMMP)

The National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP) is a high-priority Central Sector Scheme. It is a part of the 20 Point Programme. Orissa has been doing well in respect of NBMMP, implemented through NGOs & trained Technicians. During 2003-2004, 15231 nos. of Biogas Plants have been constructed against a target of 15,000.

2. COMMUNITY & INSTITUTIONAL BIOGAS PLANTS (CBP/IBP):

Higher capacity Biogas Plants, for Communities or Institutions, are grouped under this programme. Community & Institutional Biogas Plants (CPB/IBP) provide gas for cooking as well as Electric Power for Irrigation Pumps and providing illumination. During the 2003-04, 6 Nos. CBP have been constructed in Komna block of Nuapara District under the UNDP DESI Development Project.

3. NATIONAL PROGRAMME ON IMPROVED CHULHA (NPIC):

The programme is in operation in the State since 1983-84 with the objective of providing smoke-less fuel- economy improved Chulha of both fixed & portable type. Implementation of the scheme is funded both by the Govt. of India & the State Govt. During 2003-04 OREDA has constructed 2000 Fixed Type Improved Chulha in the State

4. SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAlC PROGRAMME (SPV):

The objective of this programme is to energise the remote & un-electrified areas, where Conventional Electrifying projects are not viable or feasible. Utilities like lighting, water pumping & power Packs are being popularised by the Govt. of India through subsidy and other incentives for the development in the living condition of the people of the backward areas of the State. During the financial year 2003-04, 84 No.of Solar Street Lighting Systems, 981 No. of Solar Home Lighting Systems and 380 Nos.of Solar Lantern have been installed.

Besides the above OREDA is associated, with the Village Electrification Programme of the Govt. of Orissa. As a policy decision of the Govt., remote and inaccessible areas of the State will be electrified through Non-conventional Sources of Energy .

POLICY PRIORITIES & FOCUS ON THE IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES RECENTLY TAKEN UP BY OREDA

5. MANDATORY USE OF PORTABLE CHULLAHA IN I.A.Y HOUSES:

The Govt. of Orissa, in the Panchayati Raj Department, have decided in principle that 1 portable Chulha will be supplied to each Indira Awas Yojana (lAY) beneficiary. Similarly, there is also a proposal to supply Community Chulha to all schools covered by Mid-day Meal Programme. 2526 Nos. of portable chullahas have been supplied under IAY programme during the year 2003-04.

6. SALES OUTLET:

For easy accessibility of the public, 1 showroom (Aditya Solar Shop) in Bhubaneswar has been opened near Ram Mandir, Convent Square in 1998-99. All the devices of Renewable Energy Systems are demonstrated & sold in the Aditya Solar Shop. Another Aditya Solar Shop has also been opened at Berhampur Development Authority Market complex, New Bus stand , Berhampur during 2003-2004.

7. APPROPRIATE RURAL TECHNOLOGIES:

The above scheme under the financial assistance of the State Govt. aims at propagation of different types of devices for rural people for income generation.

The achievement during 2003-04 are as follows:

(a) Sulabh pump = 09 nos.

(b) Leaf stitching machine = 30 nos.

(c) Terafil Water Filter Disc = 200 nos.

8. RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT:

The scheme is an ongoing programme. Since inception of the agency, Research is going particularly in the field of Biogas programme for making the plants cost effective and affordable for all type of beneficiaries.

9. UNDP AIDED PROGRAMME:

UNDP has sanctioned 1 million US Dollars (Rs. 4.25 crores) for decentralised energy systems for integrated development of Komna Block of Nuapara District within a period of 3 years. This amount would be spent broadly on (a)demonstration of decentralized energy systems, (b) capacity building within the communities in operation & maintenance of the systems The programmes aim to install various Renewable Energy Systems in all 24 Gram-Panchayats of Komna Block and build capacity of the people in regular operation & maintenance of the system. .

This programme is being implemented through participation of Panchayat functionaries from the grass-root level (a) through participatory appraisal from which the needs of the locality are being ascertained, (b) by educating the functionaries through a series of workshops and discussions & finally deciding the system to be installed,(c) educating the selected local youth for day-to-day maintenance by a series of training programmes, (d) opening of service centres by the trained local youth & storing required spares for the systems installed & (e) creation ofrevolving funds at the Gram-Panchayat Levels for maintenance of the systems installed. Finally the assets created will be handed over to the Panchayats & Block.

The project envisages installation of the following systems for electrification of 28 villages on a demonstration basis.

Community Biogas Plants: 6 Nos. (6 villages)

Solar Power Plants: 17 Nos. (17 villages)

Solar Home lighting Systems: 200 Nos. (1 village)

Biomass Gasification: 1 No. ( 1 village)

Out of the above 6 Community Biogas Plants have been installed and commissioned and 17 nos. of Solar Power Plants have been commissioned. 200 nos. of Home Light Systems have been installed. Biomass Gasifier Projects Work is in the last phase of completion.

For day-to-day management of the projects Village Energy Management Committees have been constituted who collect tariffs and take up the daily maintenance of the project. Panchayat-Ievel Management Committees have also been formed who will hold the revolving funds for taking care of the major repair works of projects.

10. AWARENESS GENERATION PUBLICITY AND EXHIBITION

During the year 2003-2004 ,several steps have been taken by OREDA to popularise and make aware the people of Orissa regarding Renewable Energy Devices,Non-Conventional Energy Processes and Appropriate Technologies. During the

year2003-2004,03 of hoardings under NBMMP programme have been put up at the roadside of National Highway-5.

OREDA has also been participating in several different MELAS/FESTAVALS on different important festive occasions of Orissa and exhibitions by opening stalls and demonstrating NRSE Devices. During the year 2003-2004. OREDA participated in exhibitions like BALIYATRA at Cuttack, DHANUYATRA at Baragarh, GAJALAXMIPUJA at Dhenkanal,State level ADIVASI EXHIBITION at Bhubaneswar, OREDA has also participated in several District level Exhibitions . OREDA was adjudged the Best Exhibited Stall amonggst all the Government and Private Sector stalls in Annual State level ADIVASI EXHIBITION for its artistic effects. Besides,OREDA has also issued several Advertisements in most Regional News Papers and peridicals to motivate the people of Orissa regarding all the Renewable Energy Devices .

Under Electronic Media, 3 Video Films under Biogas Renewable Energy & Solar Energy Programmes have been prepared and telecast in the Regional Door Darshan Kendra in their sponsored programmes. Besides the above, 4 Video Cassettes from IREDA in English and Hindi languages on Micro-Hydel, Solar Miracle, SPV Power and Solar Thermal have been dubbed into Oriya language, which will be sent to Regional Door Darshan Kendra for telecasting in their sponsored programmes during the ensuing year. Under All India Radio Programme, 13 topics on various Renewable Energy Processes have been selected for broadcasting in their "Akshvaniru Krushi Sikhya Karyakrama" for the 1st quarter (i.e. April to June 2003).10 Laminated Display Boards with the salient features of particular Renewable Energy Devices have also been prepared.

11. INSTITUTE OF MATERIAL SCIENCES (IMS):

The objective of the Institute is to facilitate research in the forntier areas of material science and to conduct interdisciplinary research on special materials, their development, optimisation, production and untilisation.

The following achievements are made by the Institute of Materials Sciences during the year 2003-04.

1. Multielemental colossal magnetoresistance targets are made using rare earth manganites for preparation of ultra thin film by pulse laser deposition technique in collaboration with Virginia State University.

2. Dielectric properties of plasma sintered high temperature oxides (Al-Zr) are studied and important results pertaining to the observation of low dielectric constant are reported to International Journal.

3. Specific CMR materials are prepared by using our indigenous experimental setup and the samples were tested by BARC. Enhanced CMR properties are obtained.

4. Theoritical model are designed and tested using computer simulation technique for testing of the properties of newly developed materials.

5. With financial assistance of Government of India and other Agencies the Institute has undertaken two research projects during 2003-04.

6. Publication :

International jounal : 2
National proceedings : 9

12. ORISSA BIGYAN ACADEMY (OBA) :

Orissa Bigyn Academy (OBA) is the nodal agency for popularisation of science in the State. The Academy has been bringing out a bi-monthly popular Science magazine in Oriya, namely, "Bigyan Diganta" with an objective of making science intelligible among the student community in particular and common masses in general.

In order to foster a scientific temper among the public and in order to sensitise more and more students to accept Science and Technology as their professional career, the Orissa Bigyan Academy (OBA) is expected to play a vital role. The Academy is a nodal agency of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Orissa. Its objectives include creating a scientific temper in the State by organizing exhibitions, discussions, workshops, Seminars in all parts of the State, publishing magazines and periodicals to sensitize the public about the role of S& T for the development of the State of Orissa, presenting various awards to Senior and Junior Scientists as a source of encouragement, felicitating the eminent scientists and awarding the prominent writers for their significant contributions to the scientific literature (in Oriya), arranging various types of workshops and seminars to impart proper training to teachers and writers of our State and the like.

Some of the significant achievements of Orissa Bigyan Academy during the year 2003-2004 are given below.

1. Orissa Bigyan Academy has organised Science Exhibition, Seminars, Lectures, Essay/Drawing/ Debates Competitions etc. in different places of the State in collaboration with NGOs/Institutions.

2. A bi-monthly popular science magazine in Oriya "Bigyan Diganta" is being published by the Academy. Six issues of the magazine were published during the year 2003-04. Four issues of the abridged version of "Bigyan Diganta" were also published for the visually handicapped students of the state and distributed free of cost to the visually handicapped students and their institutions during 2003-04.

3. Orissa Bigyan Academy organised investiture ceremony of Samanta Chandra Sekhar Awards for the years 2000 & 2001 at Jayadev Bhawan (Soochana Bhavan), Bhubaneswar on 11th June 2003. Hon'ble Chief Minister of Orissa graced the occasion as Chief Guest and conferred the awards wherein 08 Scientists were awarded.

4. Orissa Bigyan Academy organised a popular science lecture on Biotecchnology in the conference hall of DAV Public School, Unit-VIII, Bhubaneswar on dt.11.7.03 at 3.00PM. Prof. P.K. Yadav, Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University of New Delhi delivered a lecture on the topic "How to develop Molecules for Vaccine and Therapy".

5. Orissa Bigyan Academy organised investiture ceremony for Felicitation of Senior Scientists of Orissa for the years 2000 & 2001 at Jaydev Bhavan (Soochana Bhavan), Bhubaneswar on 8th August 2003 wherein 05 scientists were awarded.

6. Orissa Bigyan Academy organised investiture ceremony of Popular Science Writer's Award and Orissa Young Scientists Award for the years 2000 & 2001 at Jaydev Bhavan (Soochana Bhavan), Bhubaneswar on 30th November 2003. Hon'ble Chief

Minister of Orissa graced the occasion as Chief Guest and conferred the awards wherein 6 science writers and 5 young scientists were awarded.

7. Orissa Bigyan Academy organized a popular science talk on the occasion of Death Centenary of Pathani Samanta at Bhadrak High School, Bhadrak on 23.7.2003 and Nayagarh High School on 22.9.2003.

8. Orissa Bigyan Academy organised a popular science lecture at Post Graduate Department of Zoology of the Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar. Eminent scientist Prof. B.C. Tripathy (Samanta Chandra Sekhar Awardee-200l), Professor, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi delived a popular talk of the topic "Development of Human Life Systems for Colonisation in Space" on 20.11.2003.

9. On the eve of observance of Death Centenary Year of Pathani Samanta, Orissa Bigyan Academy organised the Poster Exhibition on life and work of Pathani Samanta and demonstration of model instruments devised by Pathani Samanta in 29 High Schools of the District Headquarters of the state.

Besides this Orissa Bigyan Academy also organized different activities like Quiz, Debate & Essay competitions related to Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology in 54 High Schools of the State.

10. The National Science Day - 2004 was celebrated by Orissa Bigyan Academy at M.K.C. High School, Baripada on 27.2.2004 and 28.2.2004. On this occasion science based project exhibition, essay, sit & draw competition, science quiz competition were conducted.

13. INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICS AND APPLICATIONS (IMA) :

The Institute of Mathematics and Applications is functioning under the administrative control of Science and Technology Department.

Significant activities of the Institute of Mathematics and Applications during 2003-04 are as follows:

i) Research activities

The Instiute has undertaken 5 Research Projects during 2003-04.

ii) Visiting professor
Two Visiting Professor have joined the Institute during 2003-04.

iii) Guest Faculty

In order to create a healthy atmosphere of research in mathematics the Institute has invited ten retired professor of mathematics to join as guest faculties.

iv) Project Undertaken by the Institute

Project on "A study of Tropical Cyclone with a Regional Model" and "Rural Mathematics Talent Search" were undertaken by the Institute. Besides, the National Board for Higher Mathematics has sanctioned funds to organize four weeks interactive Summer Mathematics Training Camp for College and University students.

v) Organisation of Seminar and Conferences

a. A National Conference on "Analysis and its Applications" was held from 26.5.2003 - 27.5.2003 in honour of Professor Gokulananda Das on his completion of 65 years on the occasion of 4th Foundation day of the Institute.

b. The Annual Conference of Orissa Mathematical Society was organized by Institute of Mathematics from 7th february to 8th February 2004.

c. A National Conference on "Wavelets and its Applications" was organized by the Institute of Mathematics and Applications which was attended by about 200 participants from all over India.

2. Search and Nurture of Math Talents

i) The Institute of Mathematics in cooperation with Orissa Mathematical Society organized Junior Mathematics Olympiad (for Class VI, VII and VIII), Regional Mathematics Olympiad (for class IX, X, XI, XII) and Honours Mathematics Olympiad in Orissa.

ii) The Institute organized Prize Distribution on 18.6.2003 for 250 Math Olympians Unique Achievement:

Due to continuous effort of Institute of Mathematics and Applications Orissa has a very honorable place in Math Olympiad movements in India. Six students in 2003 and two students in 2004 from Orissa were in the top 30 students in Indian National Mathematics Olympiad conducted by National Board for Higher Mathematics.

iii) Mathematics Training Camps

a. Summer Mathematics Training Camp: A Summer Mathematics Training Camp was organized by Institute of Mathematics and Applications from 5th June to 18 June 2003. More than 100 students from about 40 schools duly selected through Mathematics Olympiad attended the camp.

b. Winter Mathematics Training Camp: 35 students selected through Regional Mathematics Olympiad held on 9.11.2003 were trained in a camp organized by the Institute from 22.12.2003 to 28.12.2003. The aim of the camp was to prepare them for Indian Nat ional Mathematics Olympiad. Professor Pranesachar, Math Olympiad cell, from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore was specially invited for this purpose.

c. Interactive Mathematics Training Programme for Under Graduate and Post Graduate students: The Institute of Mathematics and Applications organized an Interactive Mathematics Training Camp for one month from 24.9.2003 to 23.10. 2003 for undergraduate and first year Master's level students of Orissa. This is a programme supported by the National Board for Higher Mathematics, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India. This is to give an exposure of quality mathematics. This is to enlighten young men and women about international standard of mathematics. It is hoped that it would encourage some young men and women to choose mathematics as a career. 60 students were chosen from 20 Colleges and Universities of Orissa and about 20 reputed mathematicians from lIT's, Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, Institute of Mathematics, Chennai, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata and Indian Statistical Institute, Banglore etc. were invited as resource persons.

iv) Rural Mathematics Talent Search Programme: For many years students of Orissa have been doing well in the Indian National Mathematics Olympiads yet almost all of them are from urban background from English medium schools. To correct this imbalance Institute of Mathematics and Applications conducted a rural mathematics Olympiad for children of class VI of exclusively rural areas attending Government schools.About 5000 children from all over Orissa took the test on the 21st September 2003. Of these about 100 children were selected for advanced training in Bhubaneswar one third of that number from Western Orissa, one third from South Orissa and one third from the coastal Orissa. They were trained in

two batches for a period of one week which was also attended by some of their teachers. This had a good impact on the children and teachers who attended it. The entire programme was supported by the National Board for Higher Mathematics.

14. Initiative on Biotechnology:

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Biotechnology today is a fast growing frontier area with immense technological benefits to the society in diverse areas such as food security, nutritional supplement, medicine health care products and industrial applications. Considering diversified resources of the State, this cutting edge technology has a potential to shape the economy of the State.

A State Biotechnology Board has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister in order to plan and implement measures for encouraging Biotechnological research and applications, for promoting industrial activities pertaining to Biotechnology in the State including setting up of Biotechnology parks, for developing human resources in the field of Biotechnology, and for establishing centres of excellence etc. A Vision document entitled "Biotechnology Vision for the State of Orissa for the Tenth Five Year Plan" has been prepared and was released by Hon'ble Chief Minister on 27.6.2003. The document will provide guidance for promotion of activities in Biotechnology most suited to the State with a view to economic progress and societal development along with creation of employment opportunities in the State. The information contained in the document will be of great value to research and development institutions as well as to potential investors in the State.

It has been decided to create a corpus in the Science & Technology Department for giving fillip to the ongoing efforts for development of Biotechnology in the State. A sum of rupees 11.00 lakh during 2002-2003 and rupees 28.00 lakh during 2003-2004 has been provided for development of Biotechnology in the State. It is envisaged to support short-term result oriented projects/activities, such as holding of seminars/workshops and research and development projects on biotechnology.

Action has been initiated for organisation of a investors'/entrepreneurs' meet on Biotechnology at Bhubaneswar. Steps for setting up a Biotechnology Consortium for Orissa and establishment of a Biotechnology Park in the State will be initiated after input from