Odisha State Pollution Control Board has played vital role in environmental protection: Minister Singkhuntia

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026

The State Pollution Control Board, Odisha, has discharged its responsibility towards environmental protection with dedication and transparency over the past 43 years, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia said on Friday.

Addressing the 43rd Foundation Day celebrations of the State Pollution Control Board at Krushi Siksha Sadan, OUAT, here, Singkhuntia said the board has been carrying out crucial work in monitoring air quality in major cities and industrial areas, testing water in rivers and other water bodies, overseeing industrial effluents and promoting proper management of different categories of waste.

 “These achievements reflect the tireless efforts of the Board’s engineers, scientists, administrative officers and field staff,” the minister said.

Singkhuntia, who also holds the Labour and Employees’ State Insurance portfolio, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised environmental protection and pollution control at the national and international levels.

Drawing inspiration from these efforts, intellectuals and young people, particularly members of Gen Z, should raise awareness about pollution prevention and adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives, he said.

 “Only through everyone’s active participation can we build a clean and healthy environment,” the minister said.

The foundation stones for the board’s regional office buildings in Cuttack, Koraput, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur were laid virtually during the programme. A drone-based monitoring system and an AI chatbot were also launched on the occasion.

The minister released four publications aimed at strengthening environmental awareness, including 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.

A memorandum of understanding was also exchanged between the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha, and the NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC), Gothapatna, focusing on fly ash management.

Organisations from different sectors were felicitated 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 conferred 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 K Murugesan, State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Manoj V Nair and OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prabhat Kumar Roul were among those present at the event.