The Odisha government has announced the launch of the State Clean Air Programme (SCAP), covering 12 cities across the state.
This initiative follows the success of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and aims to curb rising pollution levels in both industrial and non-industrial urban centers.
Cities included in the SCAP rollout are Jharsuguda, Brajrajnagar, Belpahad, Bonai, Rajgangpur, Keonjhar, Joda, Barbil, Puri, and Berhampur. These areas were selected based on poor air quality indices and industrial activity. The programme will span five years with a budget of ₹150 crore.
Key focus areas include:
- Reducing garbage burning and road dust
- Managing construction debris
- Promoting electric vehicles and cycling
- Conducting awareness campaigns and workshops
- Real-time air quality monitoring
The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has partnered with IIT Bhubaneswar to track fly ash emissions using drones, QR codes, and other smart technologies. A citizen-reporting app is also in development, enabling residents to report violations and contribute to cleaner air.
Seven cities—Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Angul, Talcher, Balasore, and Kalinganagar—are already covered under NCAP, and recent improvements in air quality have encouraged the state to expand its efforts.
This ambitious programme reflects Odisha’s commitment to public health and environmental resilience in the face of growing urbanization and industrialization.
