Rourkela: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela will host the 17th Odisha Environment Congress (OEC) from November 3 to 5, bringing together more than 300 delegates from across the country to deliberate on emerging environmental challenges and explore technology-driven solutions for sustainable development.
The three-day national-level conference will be held on the theme “Environment and Technology” and will bring together scientists, researchers, academicians, environmentalists, policymakers, administrators, social activists and students to discuss the role of technological advancement in addressing environmental concerns while maintaining ecological balance.
The details were announced at a press conference held at NIT Rourkela on October 30 by Prof. Himanshu Bhushan Sahu, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Chairman of the SDG Committee, NIT Rourkela; Sudarsan Das, Organising Secretary of the Odisha Environment Congress; and Prof. Bibekanand Mallick, Chairman of the Press and Public Relations Committee, NIT Rourkela.
Gokul Chandra Pati, former Chief Secretary of the Government of Odisha, will inaugurate the Congress on November 3, while Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, will preside over the inaugural session.
Dr. Mrinal Kanti Biswas, Regional Director of the Central Pollution Control Board, Kolkata, and Prof. Aditya Patra of IIT Kharagpur will deliver keynote addresses. Prof. Padmaja Mishra, former Vice-Chancellor of Rama Devi Women’s University; Dr. Aravinda Behera, former senior administrator and Chairman of the Odisha Environment Congress; and Dr. Babu Ambat, Director of the Centre for Environment and Development, Thiruvananthapuram, will also participate in the inaugural session.
P. K. Jena, former Chief Secretary of the Government of Odisha, will attend the valedictory session as the Chief Guest.
The Congress will feature nine technical sessions, with more than 70 scientists, researchers and experts scheduled to present their research papers and posters on various environmental themes. The conference proceedings, comprising 59 research articles, will also be released on the opening day. The publication is expected to contribute to research, policy discussions and initiatives relating to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
A special session on “Science and Society” will focus on strengthening the relationship between the scientific community and society. Jagadananda, former State Information Commissioner of Odisha, will address and moderate the session. Discussions will centre on linking scientific research with everyday experiences, traditional knowledge and community perspectives, particularly those of people affected by environmental changes and the degradation of natural resources.
Researchers and students will present their work through poster presentations, providing an opportunity to exchange innovative ideas and research findings. Awards will be given to the best posters based on their quality, relevance and presentation.
An Environmental Sustainability Exhibition will also be organised alongside the Congress. Government agencies, industries and non-governmental organisations will showcase their products, services, innovations and best practices in environmental protection and sustainable development.
The Children’s and Youth Environment Congress, scheduled for November 4, will be another major attraction. Eminent writer Das Benhur will attend the programme as the Chief Guest. It will engage school and college students through debates, public speaking, essay writing, painting and other environment-related activities.
Two initiatives, “TechGen Jury” and “GreenThon,” will be among the highlights of the youth programme. Under TechGen Jury, students will act as climate jurors and present their verdicts on Rourkela’s environmental conditions and challenges. GreenThon will provide a platform for students to develop innovative and practical solutions to environmental problems.
The three best teams in GreenThon will each receive a cash award of Rs 50,000 to support the implementation of their ideas. An Environment Parliament will also provide young participants with an opportunity to deliberate on environmental concerns, express their views and propose solutions. The organisers have appealed to schools and colleges to encourage active student participation.
The Congress will also confer four awards recognising contributions to environmental protection, scientific research, corporate environmental responsibility and youth engagement. These include the Prof. Radhamohan Green Ambassador Award, Padma Shri Ajay Parida Young Scientist Award, S. B. Mishra Green Corporate Award and Abasara Beura Young Environmentalist Award.
Over the past 16 years, the Odisha Environment Congress has provided a platform for discussions linking environmental concerns with science, research, policymaking and society. The 17th edition aims to further strengthen this engagement by examining how modern technology can help address environmental challenges while safeguarding ecological balance.
The organisers emphasised the importance of collaboration among researchers, policymakers, industries, civil society organisations and local communities to translate scientific knowledge into effective environmental action.
The press conference was attended by Siddhanta Panda, Jagabandhu Panda, Bikash Maharaj, Aravinda Das and other members of the SDG Committee.
