Bhubaneswar, 02 October (H.S.): Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday called for a development model that balances economic growth with environmental protection, stressing the need for cleaner, smarter and climate-resilient growth.

Addressing the third edition of the Earth Again Conclave 2026, organised by the Sambad Group at the Utkal University Auditorium here, the Governor said climate change was no longer a distant concern, as erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and extreme weather events were increasingly affecting agriculture, water resources, health and livelihoods.

Speaking on the theme “Gen C – Generation Climate”, he urged young people to become ambassadors of climate action and adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives.

“Climate action is not the responsibility of one institution or one section of society. It is a shared responsibility,” the Governor said, emphasising the need for coordinated efforts involving governments, educational institutions, industries, media and citizens.

He said industries play a crucial role in generating employment, supporting livelihoods and driving economic growth, but development must be pursued with greater environmental responsibility. He called for wider adoption of technologies that reduce pollution, conserve energy and water, minimise waste and protect natural resources.

Urging young people to adopt electric vehicles and cleaner modes of transportation, Dr. Kambhampati highlighted the 635-kW solar power station at Lok Bhavan and said the Governor’s convoy had also shifted to electric vehicles. He suggested promoting solar power units on university campuses and allowing students and staff to charge electric vehicles free of cost for at least one year. He also encouraged wider adoption of the RESCO model for renewable-energy projects.

The Governor urged universities across Odisha to obtain green certification and called upon young people to plant trees throughout the year under the principle of “Each One, Plant One.” He cited Lok Bhavan’s IGBC green certification, expansion of green cover, enclosures for animals and birds, and water-harvesting pits as examples of environmental initiatives.

He said measures such as solar energy adoption, electric mobility, water conservation and waste reduction could also contribute to energy security by reducing dependence on imported crude oil and conserving foreign exchange. He also highlighted government subsidy support for promoting clean-energy adoption.

“If we want to save the earth, let the first step be taken at our own doorstep,” the Governor said.

Dr. Kambhampati commended the Sambad Group for promoting environmental awareness through its print, television, radio and digital platforms. He appreciated initiatives such as Climate Panchayats, Green Campuses, youth engagement and Paribesh Vidhan Sabha for encouraging greater public participation in environmental protection.

During the conclave, Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, was felicitated for her contribution to environmental awareness and advocacy.

Minister of Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, and Odia Language, Literature and Culture Suryabanshi Suraj, Eastern Media Limited CMD Soumya Ranjan Patnaik and Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda also addressed the gathering.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda