Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government plans to strengthen its coastal environmental research and pollution monitoring infrastructure by developing the coastal ecosystem facility at Paradip into a Centre of Excellence, with an emphasis on science, data and technology.
The proposal was discussed at the 135th board meeting of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB), chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg (IAS: 1991: Odisha), at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The meeting reviewed measures to modernise environmental monitoring systems, upgrade laboratory infrastructure and improve the use of technology in pollution control.
Garg emphasised that the facility should evolve beyond the functions of a conventional laboratory and become an integrated centre supporting scientific research, data analysis and technology-based environmental protection.
Paradip Centre to Focus on Coastal Research
The proposed upgrade is aimed at strengthening Odisha’s ability to monitor and assess environmental conditions along its coastline.
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The Centre for Management of Coastal Ecosystem at Paradip is expected to play a more prominent role in coastal environmental monitoring and analysis as part of the state’s broader efforts to improve pollution management.
The initiative reflects a push towards combining scientific research with modern monitoring tools to support environmental assessment and decision-making.
Odisha Plans Technology-Driven Pollution Monitoring
The board meeting also discussed the wider adoption of technology to improve the collection and analysis of environmental data.
The proposed measures include:
- Robotic water monitoring: Expanding the use of robotic technology for water-sample collection and environmental monitoring.
- Drone-based air surveillance: Using drones to strengthen air-quality monitoring and environmental surveillance.
- Command-and-control centre: Establishing a centre at the OSPCB headquarters in Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, to improve coordination and make monitoring more data-driven.
- Laboratory modernisation: Upgrading existing facilities to strengthen testing and environmental assessment capabilities.
The proposed command-and-control centre is intended to support better coordination of environmental information and help officials make more informed decisions on pollution management.
New Office Infrastructure Proposed Across Odisha
The meeting also considered proposals to strengthen the board’s administrative and regional infrastructure.
Plans for constructing office buildings in the following locations were discussed:
- Cuttack
- Jharsuguda
- Koraput
- Kalinga Nagar
- Bhubaneswar
- Keonjhar
- Sambalpur
The modernisation of the laboratory at Patia in Bhubaneswar was also taken up for discussion.
These proposals form part of the broader effort to improve the state’s capacity to conduct environmental testing, monitor pollution and support regulatory activities across different regions.
Focus on Scientific and Data-Based Environmental Governance
The measures discussed at the meeting point towards a more technology-oriented approach to environmental management in Odisha.
Strengthening coastal research, improving laboratory infrastructure and introducing advanced monitoring methods could help the state improve the collection and analysis of environmental data.
The proposed initiatives also highlight the growing role of digital systems and technology in pollution control, particularly in monitoring air and water quality.
As the plans move forward, their implementation will determine how effectively the upgraded facilities and monitoring systems contribute to coastal protection and environmental governance across Odisha.
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