Bhubaneswar, Feb 25: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced Notified Area Council (NAC) status for Birmaharajpur town in Subarnapur district on Sunday.

The decision came hours after the locals expressed their ire over the State government's alleged apathy in declaring NAC status to their subdivision town in western Odisha.

In protest, locals reportedly disfigured portraits of the Chief Minister at different places in the town. The protesters had also threatened to declare a bandh in the area on Monday if their demand was not met.

On Saturday, the Chief Minister had announced the formation of 34 new NACs in 20 districts and the upgradation of five existing NACs into municipalities.

After the formation of 35 more NACs including Birmaharajpur and 5 additional municipalities, the total number of urban local bodies in the State will increase to 154. 

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