Bhubaneswar: The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Odisha, celebrated its 43rd Foundation Day at Krushi Siksha Sadan, OUAT, in the capital city on Friday.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia attended the event as chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, “For the past 43 years, the State Pollution Control Board has discharged its responsibility towards environmental protection with dedication and transparency. The Board is doing important work in monitoring air quality in major cities and industrial areas, testing water in rivers and other water bodies, overseeing industrial effluents and promoting the proper management of different types of waste. These achievements reflect the tireless efforts of the Board’s engineers, scientists, administrative officers and field staff.”

According to him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised environmental protection and pollution control at the national and international levels. Drawing inspiration from him, intellectuals and young people, particularly Gen Z, must raise awareness about preventing pollution and adopt environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives, added the Minister.

On the occasion, foundation stones for SPCB’s regional office buildings in Kataka, Koraput, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur were laid virtually. A drone-based monitoring system and an AI chatbot were also launched.

The Minister released four publications on environmental awareness: a journal on microplastics and nanoplastics, a compendium on best environmental practices, a comic book on water pollution, and a solid waste management handbook for stakeholders. This was followed by the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha, and the NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC), Gothapatna, on fly ash management.

Several entities from various sectors were honoured for their contributions to pollution control and environmental protection. Environment Appreciation Certificates were presented in the industry, mining and healthcare categories, while an Environment Excellence Award was presented for the best performance in the industrial township category.

Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Dr K. Murugesan, Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board, Dr Manoj V. Nair and Vice-Chancellor of OUAT, Professor Prabhat Kumar Roul, were present at the event.