Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg (IAS: 1991: OD) reviewed the functioning of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) during a visit to its office on Monday, with discussions focusing on environmental monitoring, regulatory processes, waste management, laboratories, human resources and the Board’s future plans.
Garg, who is also Chairperson of the OSPCB, said environmental protection and industrial development need to be pursued together as Odisha expands across sectors including steel, aluminium, power, mining and petrochemicals. She called for environmental approval and compliance procedures that are transparent, predictable, time-bound and technology-enabled.
Focus on Digital Environmental Monitoring
The Chief Secretary called for a shift towards a more data-driven environmental management system, including online pollution monitoring, automated data collection and digital compliance mechanisms.
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The meeting also discussed making real-time air and water quality information more accessible and strengthening the use of technology in pollution monitoring and regulatory decision-making.
Circular Economy and Waste Management
Garg also emphasised greater reuse and recycling of waste under a circular economy approach. The Board was asked to strengthen systems for managing municipal, industrial, plastic, e-waste, hazardous and construction waste.
The review also covered greater utilisation of industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag, red mud and phosphogypsum in construction, highways and other infrastructure projects.
The Chief Secretary highlighted the concept of “Waste to Wealth”, under which discarded materials can be reused or processed to create additional economic value.
Laboratories and Institutional Capacity
Modernisation of OSPCB laboratories, research infrastructure and technical collaboration with research and educational institutions were also discussed.
The meeting reviewed staffing requirements, vacant positions and the strengthening of the Board’s regional offices, laboratories, legal wing and IT infrastructure. OSPCB Member Secretary Dr Manoj V. Nair made a presentation on the Board’s activities and future roadmap.
Garg also called for greater environmental awareness among students and the public through outreach programmes and digital platforms. The initiatives discussed were linked to the broader ‘Viksit Odisha 2036’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, with the Board expected to contribute to sustainable economic and industrial development.
