Bhubaneswar, 18 September (H.S.) : The State Pollution Control Board, Odisha (SPCB) observed its 43rd Foundation Day at Krushi Siksha Sadan, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, on Friday, with Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia attending the event as chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Singkhuntia said that over the past 43 years, the SPCB has played an important role in environmental protection through monitoring, regulation and public awareness initiatives.

He highlighted the Board’s work in monitoring air quality in major cities and industrial areas, testing water quality in rivers and other water bodies, regulating industrial effluents and promoting scientific management of different categories of waste.

The Minister appreciated the contribution of the Board’s engineers, scientists, administrative officers and field personnel, saying their sustained efforts had strengthened environmental monitoring and protection in the state.

Singkhuntia said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised environmental protection and pollution control at both national and international forums. Drawing inspiration from these efforts, he called upon intellectuals and young people, particularly members of Gen Z, to create greater awareness about pollution prevention and adopt environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives.

He stressed that active participation by citizens across society is essential to building a cleaner and healthier environment.

As part of the Foundation Day programme, the foundation stones for SPCB’s regional office buildings at Cuttack, Koraput, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur were laid virtually.

A drone-based environmental monitoring system and an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot were also launched virtually during the event, marking the Board’s move towards greater use of technology in environmental monitoring and citizen services.

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

The programme also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha and the NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC), Gothapatna, for cooperation in fly ash management.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening scientific and institutional approaches towards the management and utilisation of fly ash.

Organisations from different sectors were recognised for their contributions to pollution control and environmental protection.

Environment Appreciation Certificates were presented in the industry, mining and healthcare categories. An Environment Excellence Award was also presented for outstanding 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; SPCB Member Secretary Dr Manoj V. Nair; and OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Prabhat Kumar Roul were among those present at the Foundation Day programme.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda