Bhubaneswar: Odisha has initiated steps to prepare an integrated roadmap for the development of the Blue Economy sector with a focus on sustainable use of marine resources, employment generation and coastal development.
A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg was held at Lok Seva Bhawan here recently to discuss strategies for continuous growth in the sector by leveraging the state’s marine resources.
The discussions were based on recommendations emerging from the Global Summit on Blue Economy–2026 held in Bhubaneswar on March 13 and 14.
Officials said Odisha, with a 575-km-long coastline along the Bay of Bengal, plans to adopt an integrated approach balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department was designated as the nodal department for Blue Economy initiatives in the state. The department’s Commissioner-cum-Secretary Prem Chandra Chaudhary presented proposed action plans covering coordinated initiatives involving multiple departments.
A convergence framework will be developed with participation from departments including Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Water Resources, Energy, Science and Technology, Commerce and Transport, and Tourism. The Bhubaneswar City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BCKIC) will serve as a knowledge partner.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to prepare a comprehensive Blue Economy roadmap with integrated planning and clearly defined stakeholder participation.
A task force headed by the Chief Secretary will be constituted for monitoring and coordination of Blue Economy initiatives, while a Technical Advisory Group comprising experts, research institutions and biotechnology industry representatives will also be formed.
The meeting also reviewed proposals for establishing a “Blue Economy Hub (B-Hub)” and implementing initiatives such as the Odisha Shrimp Mission, Deep Sea Fishing Mission, artificial coral reefs, sea-based fish farming, seaweed cultivation and dissemination of real-time weather and sea information to fishermen through the “Fisher Friend” mobile application.
Progress of projects including modernization of fish landing centres at Dhamra, Paradip, Chandipur and Astaranga, development of hygienic wholesale fish markets, integrated aqua parks and hatcheries for high-value species, crabs was also discussed.
Chief Secretary Garg stressed that development of the Blue Economy sector would play a crucial role in accelerating Odisha’s economic growth and asked all departments concerned to submit specific proposals and nominate nodal officers for better coordination.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary of the Science and Technology Department Chitra Arumugam, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, and secretaries and senior officers of various departments.
