Noted writer and columnist of Rourkela Debendra Mohanty (72) passed away on Saturday in Cuttack in his son’s house while undergoing treatment for his kidney ailment. Mohanty, who hailed from Bhadrak district, had been residing at Rourkela after his superannuation from the Rourkela Steel Plant. His analytical write-ups on effects of industrialisation and social issues were highly appreciated. He was editor of bimonthly magazine Nabapatra. He was also a founder-member of the Rourkela Intellectual Forum and till his last breath was its president. He was associated with many social organisations of the steel city and felicitated for his contribution to literature by several institutions.