Odisha Charts Aggressive Clean Air Strategy in 6th Pollution Control Committee Meet
Bhubaneswar, Nov 1 — In a decisive push for cleaner air, Odisha convened its sixth Pollution Control Committee meeting on Friday at Lok Seva Bhavan, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
The session brought together senior officials from key departments, including Forest & Environment, Agriculture, Urban Development, Transport, Industry, and Water Resources.
The committee reviewed progress under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which targets a 40% reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 levels over five years in cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, and Talcher.
It also expanded the State Clean Air Programme (SCAP) to 12 additional cities, including Paradip, Sambalpur, and Berhampur.
Member Secretary Uma Nanduri presented proposals focused on tackling pollution sources such as road dust, construction debris, diesel emissions, and industrial discharge.The committee emphasised long-term solutions like renewable energy adoption, afforestation, and green zone development.
Odisha proposed a Rs 150 crore annual budget for SCAP from 2025 to 2030. The Chief Secretary urged departments to collaborate with district collectors to ensure sustainable urban and industrial growth without compromising air quality.
