Bhubaneswar: The State Pollution Control Board, Odisha celebrated its 43rd Foundation Day today at Krushi Siksha Sadan, OUAT, Bhubaneswar. Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Labour and Employees’ State Insurance, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, attended the event as the chief guest.
In his address, the Minister said, “For the past 43 years, the State Pollution Control Board has discharged its responsibility towards environmental protection with dedication and transparency. The Board is doing important work in monitoring air quality in major cities and industrial areas, testing water in rivers and other water bodies, overseeing industrial effluents and promoting the proper management of different types of waste. These achievements reflect the tireless efforts of the Board’s engineers, scientists, administrative officers and field staff.”
He further said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised environmental protection and pollution control at the national and international levels. Drawing inspiration from him, intellectuals and young people, particularly Gen Z, must raise awareness about preventing pollution and adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives. Only through everyone’s active participation can we build a clean and healthy environment.”
On the occasion, the foundation stones for the Board’s regional office buildings in Kataka, Koraput, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur were laid virtually. A drone-based monitoring system and an AI chatbot were also launched virtually.
The Minister released four publications on environmental awareness: a journal on microplastics and nanoplastics, a compendium on best environmental practices, a comic book on water pollution, and a solid waste management handbook for stakeholders. This was followed by the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha and the NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC), Gothapatna, on fly ash management.
Organisations from various sectors were honoured for their contributions to pollution control and environmental protection. Environment Appreciation Certificates were presented in the industry, mining and healthcare categories, while an Environment Excellence Award was presented for the best performance in the industrial township category.
Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Dr K. Murugesan, Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board, Dr Manoj V. Nair and Vice-Chancellor of OUAT, Professor Prabhat Kumar Roul, were present at the event.
