Odisha Governor Rallies Youth for Climate Action

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati has called upon the youth to take the lead in building climate resilience and advancing green development.

Speaking at the Odisha Conference of Youth (OCOY) 4.0 at XIM University, Jatni, he emphasised that young people must move beyond discussions and actively design solutions to tackle climate challenges.

Highlighting Odisha’s vulnerability to heatwaves, erratic rainfall, floods, cyclones, and rising sea levels, the Governor stressed that climate change is already impacting agriculture and livelihoods.

He praised youth‑led initiatives such as the Seed Ball programme in Phulbani, tree plantation drives in Jatni and Khalkote, the Blue Flag Beach project in Puri, and awareness campaigns in Similipal.

Kambhampati proposed “Mission 30 by 30,” aiming to spread climate resilience programmes across all districts by 2030, combining local knowledge with science and technology.

He urged adoption of sustainable practices like “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” and Mission LiFE principles, linking them to India’s energy security.

He also underscored the importance of reducing dependence on imported crude oil by promoting electric vehicles, noting that EVs have already been inducted into his official fleet.

The Governor encouraged participants to prepare concrete blueprints during district‑level discussions and the three‑day Youth Parliament.

Other speakers included XIM University Vice‑Chancellor K S Casimir SJ, ESG Ambassador Harsha Bharadwaj, and UNICEF Odisha Chief Prashant Kumar Das.