Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences to implement a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP).
The agreement was formalised at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on April 16, 2026, in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The MoU was signed by Smt. Pooja Mishra, Additional Secretary of the Science & Technology Department, and Dr R.S. Kankara, Director of NCCR. The Chief Minister said MSP will boost Odisha’s blue economy while ensuring marine biodiversity protection. He emphasised that the initiative will set a new benchmark in integrated coastal and marine planning.
Sustainable Ocean Planning began in India in 2019 with cooperation from Norway. Odisha has become the first state in the second phase to adopt MSP after Puducherry and Lakshadweep. Majhi highlighted Odisha’s rich coastal biodiversity and stressed the need for scientific management to balance development with environmental protection.
The Chief Minister also referred to the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) launched last year, which complements MSP by promoting biotechnology for marine conservation and economic growth. He said achieving Odisha’s Vision 2036 and India’s Vision 2047 requires strong coastal economic development alongside climate resilience.
Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra assured full departmental support, while Chief Secretary Anu Garg called MSP vital for maximising marine resource utilisation. Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, said MSP aligns with India’s Vision 2047 by addressing climate challenges. Norwegian Deputy Ambassador Arvin Gadgil reaffirmed Norway’s support, citing Odisha’s maritime heritage and long coastline.
