THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
KASHIPUR, MAY 26, 2026
In a nail-biting finish, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB)
defeated Utkal Aditya Refinery by just 3 runs in a closely contested 20-over
friendly cricket match, turning the Cricket Stadium at Oshapada Township into a
vibrant venue where sport met a strong message on environmental sustainability.
The match was organised by Utkal Alumina International Ltd, a subsidiary
unit of Hindalco Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, under the leadership
of Unit Head Rabi Narayan Mishra, with the objective of promoting awareness on
environmental sustainability and green practices. OSPCB, after winning the
toss, opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 194 runs, setting up
a tense chase for the opposition.
Utkal Aditya Refinery responded with a spirited batting effort, keeping
the contest alive till the final overs, but eventually fell short by a narrow
margin, making it one of the most exciting friendly encounters held at the
venue in recent times.
The event saw participation of around 59 members from OSPCB along with
senior representatives from the refinery, adding both competitive spirit and
camaraderie to the occasion.
The programme was graced by several dignitaries including Sitikantha
Sahu, Additional Chief Engineer; Babita Singh, Regional Officer, Balangir;
Debabrata Sethi, Environment Engineer; Santosh Panda, Senior Environment
Engineer; Satyanarayan Nanda, Regional Officer, Sambalpur; Anup Mallick,
Regional Officer, Rourkela; Ashok Kumar Bhoi, Regional Officer, Rayagada; Repu
Kumar Sahoo, Deputy Engineer, Rayagada; along with Rabi Narayan Mishra, Unit
Head, UAIL; and Mazhar Beig, Project Head, Aditya Refinery.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries underscored the urgent need to
mitigate pollution hazards, discourage the use of polythene, and ensure
judicious use of natural resources to prevent environmental degradation and
promote a sustainable future.
Senior Environment Engineer Dilip Das further emphasized the importance
of environmental protection, encouraging citizens to adopt bicycles wherever
feasible as a sustainable alternative to cars.
Beyond the cricket field, the event also carried a strong ecological
message, as a plantation drive was conducted where dignitaries planted
saplings, reinforcing the commitment to environmental sustainability.
The entire programme was successfully coordinated by the Environment team
led by Surendra Sheoran, Chandan Choudhary, Subhramanyu Kund, and other
members, making the initiative a blend of sportsmanship, awareness, and
community engagement.
