Odisha Clean Air Programme Expands to 12 Cities | Rs 150 Crore Initiative for Pollution Control
In a bold move to tackle urban air pollution, the Odisha government has rolled out the State Clean Air Programme (SCAP), targeting 12 cities across the state.
This initiative builds on the success of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and aims to improve air quality in both industrial and non-industrial zones.
The cities included in the SCAP rollout—Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar, Belpahad, Bonai, Rajgangpur, Keonjhar, Joda, Barbil, Puri, and Berhampur—were selected based on poor air quality indices and high industrial activity. With a budget of Rs 150 crore and a five-year timeline, the programme focuses on:
- Reducing garbage burning and road dust
- Managing construction debris
- Promoting electric vehicles and cycling
- Conducting awareness campaigns and workshops
- Implementing real-time air quality monitoring
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has partnered with IIT Bhubaneswar to deploy smart technologies like drones and QR codes to monitor fly ash emissions. A citizen-reporting app is also in development, empowering residents to report violations and contribute to cleaner air.
Seven cities—Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Angul, Talcher, Balasore, and Kalinganagar—already benefit from NCAP. Encouraged by positive results, the state is now expanding its efforts to ensure environmental resilience and public health amid rapid urbanisation.
