Odisha Pollution Control Board Marks 43 Years With New Environmental Monitoring Initiatives
Bhubaneswar, September 18, 2026: The State Pollution Control Board, Odisha marked its 43rd Foundation Day on Friday with a programme at Krushi Siksha Sadan, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, highlighting the importance of stronger environmental monitoring, pollution prevention and public participation in protecting natural resources.
Odisha’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister, Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, attended the programme as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, the minister highlighted the Board’s four decades of work in environmental regulation and monitoring. He noted that the organisation has been involved in tracking air quality across major urban and industrial locations, examining water quality in rivers and other water bodies, monitoring industrial discharges and supporting systems for managing different categories of waste.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Board’s technical and administrative personnel, including engineers, scientists, officers and field-level staff, to its environmental protection activities.
The minister emphasised the importance of public awareness in tackling pollution. Referring to the Prime Minister’s emphasis on environmental protection and pollution control, he called for greater involvement of intellectuals and young people, including members of Gen Z, in spreading awareness and adopting environmentally responsible practices.
New Regional Infrastructure and Digital Initiatives
The Foundation Day programme also saw the virtual laying of foundation stones for new regional office buildings of the Board in Cuttack, Koraput, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur.
Two technology-oriented initiatives were also introduced during the event. A drone-based environmental monitoring system and an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot were launched virtually, adding new digital tools to the Board’s environmental management activities.
New Publications on Environmental Protection
Four publications focusing on environmental awareness and sustainable practices were released during the programme.
The publications cover subjects including microplastics and nanoplastics, environmentally responsible practices, water pollution and solid waste management. The collection includes a journal focusing on microplastics and nanoplastics, a compendium of environmental best practices, a comic book designed to raise awareness about water pollution and a handbook intended to assist stakeholders in solid waste management.
MoU on Fly Ash Management
An important development during the event was the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha and the NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC), Gothapatna.
The agreement focuses on fly ash management, an area closely associated with industrial operations and the need for responsible handling and utilisation of industrial by-products.
Organisations Recognised for Environmental Contributions
The programme also recognised organisations for their efforts in pollution control and environmental protection.
Environment Appreciation Certificates were presented to organisations in the industry, mining and healthcare sectors. An Environment Excellence Award was also given in the industrial township category to recognise performance in environmental management.
The 43rd Foundation Day programme brought together officials, environmental stakeholders and representatives of different sectors, underscoring the Board’s continuing role in pollution monitoring, environmental regulation, technological adoption and awareness-building across Odisha.
