The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), Odisha, marked its 43rd Foundation Day with a commemorative event held at the OUAT Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar.
The celebration convened key policymakers, environmental scientists, and academic leaders to review annual achievements and outline future strategies for environmental protection.
Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, Minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, and Labour & Employees’ State Insurance, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Member Secretary Manoj V. Nair (IFS) delivered the welcome address and presented the Board’s Annual Performance Report for 2025–26, emphasising the strategic objectives behind the annual commemoration.
Key Speeches and Releases:
Distinguished dignitaries addressed the assembly, including:
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Dr K. Murugesan (IFS): Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force
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Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma (IAS): Principal Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department
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Prof. Prabhat Kumar Roul: Vice-Chancellor, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)
To support public awareness and regulatory compliance, four new environmental publications were officially released during the event:
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A specialised journal on microplastics and nanoplastics
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A compendium documenting best environmental practices
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An educational comic book addressing water pollution
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A comprehensive stakeholder handbook on solid waste management
Memorial Lecture and Recognition:
Dr Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar, delivered the ‘Prof. Dr Mahendra Kumar Rout Memorial Lecture’, offering insights into sustainable scientific approaches to environmental challenges.
The Board also presented the ‘Environment Excellence Award’ and ‘Environment Appreciation Certificates’ to selected institutions in recognition of their contributions to pollution abatement and sustainable operations.
The proceedings were coordinated by Additional Chief Environmental Engineers Er. Sitikantha Sahu and Er. (Mrs.) Prasanti Swain. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sri Mitrasen Majhi, Chief Environmental Scientist of the Board.
