OSPCB Unveils Digital Green Governance Roadmap for Sustainable Development
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has reiterated its commitment to balancing rapid industrial growth with sustainable environmental management by promoting technology-driven governance and streamlined regulatory processes.
The emphasis emerged during a comprehensive review meeting of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), chaired by Chief Secretary and OSPCB Chairperson Anu Garg.
The review focused on strengthening environmental governance, enhancing regulatory efficiency, promoting circular economy initiatives, and modernising environmental monitoring systems.
Officials highlighted the need to ensure that Odisha’s expanding industrial sectors, including steel, aluminium, mining, power, and petrochemicals, continue to grow while adhering to robust environmental safeguards.
During the meeting, the OSPCB outlined four strategic priorities: digital and paperless environmental clearances, real-time monitoring and compliance systems, waste-to-wealth initiatives under a circular economy framework, and modernisation of laboratory infrastructure.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg emphasised the importance of simplifying environmental approval mechanisms through technology-enabled solutions and transparent procedures.
The board was directed to strengthen online services and improve predictability in regulatory processes to enhance the state’s ease of doing business ecosystem.
A major focus of the discussions was the adoption of circular economy practices.
Authorities stressed the reuse of industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag, red mud, and phosphogypsum in construction activities and infrastructure projects.
Improved management of plastic, electronic, hazardous, and construction waste was also highlighted as a key priority.
The meeting further underscored the importance of upgrading environmental laboratories, expanding public awareness initiatives, improving access to air and water quality data, and strengthening institutional capacity across regional, legal, and information technology divisions.
Officials noted that these initiatives align with the vision of Viksit Odisha-2036 and Viksit Bharat-2047, aiming to promote sustainable industrialisation, green infrastructure, and environmentally responsible economic development.
The board’s current initiatives and future roadmap were presented by Dr Manoj V. Nair, Member Secretary of OSPCB.
