The State Pollution Control Board, Odisha (SPCB) observed its 43rd Foundation Day at Krushi Siksha Sadan, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, on Thursday, highlighting its efforts towards pollution control and environmental protection.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia attended the event as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, the Minister appreciated the Board for its continued work in protecting the environment over the past 43 years.

He said the Board has been monitoring air quality in major cities and industrial areas, testing water quality in rivers and other water bodies, supervising industrial effluents and promoting scientific management of different types of waste.

The Minister also called for greater public participation in environmental protection. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on environmental protection and pollution control, he urged intellectuals and young people, particularly Gen Z, to create greater awareness about pollution prevention and adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

New Initiatives Launched

On the occasion, foundation stones for regional office buildings of the Pollution Control Board in Cuttack, Koraput, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur were laid virtually.

A drone-based monitoring system and an AI chatbot were also launched to strengthen environmental monitoring and public engagement.

The Minister released four publications focusing on environmental awareness and management. These included a journal on microplastics and nanoplastics, a compendium of best environmental practices, a comic book on water pollution and a solid waste management handbook for stakeholders.

MoU on Fly Ash Management

An MoU was also exchanged between the State Pollution Control Board and the NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC), Gothapatna, for improved fly ash management.

Organisations from the industry, mining and healthcare sectors were felicitated for their contributions to pollution control. Environment Appreciation Certificates were presented, while an Environment Excellence Award was given for outstanding performance in the industrial township category.

Senior officials, including Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, PCCF and HoFF Dr K. Murugesan, SPCB Member Secretary Dr Manoj V. Nair and OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Prabhat Kumar Roul, attended the programme.

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