Odisha Expands Clean Air Initiatives with New State Program and Stricter Monitoring
Odisha's state government is escalating its efforts to combat rising air pollution. During a high-level meeting, top officials emphasized the need for more effective monitoring systems across all districts. This directive aims to strengthen the state's clean air initiatives and ensure sustainable development.
The 6th Management Committee meeting, led by Chief Secretary ManojAhuja, convened on Friday to review pollution control measures. The central theme of the discussion was the urgent need to enhance the oversight of environmental regulations at both state and district levels. Chief Secretary Ahuja stressed that current monitoring frameworks must be made more robust. The meeting, held at LokSevaBhavan, included senior officials from critical departments such as Forest and Environment, Agriculture, Transport, and Urban Development. During the session, Smt. Uma Nanduri, the Member Secretary of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board, presented various proposals for discussion. This multi-departmental presence highlights the government's integrated approach to tackling pollution.
Strengthening National Clean Air Goals
A significant portion of the review focused on the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). This central initiative is already active in seven major industrial cities within Odisha, including Rourkela, Cuttack, and the capital, Bhubaneswar. The program's primary objective is to achieve a substantial reduction in airborne particulate matter. Officials are working toward a 40 percent decrease in both PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations over the next five years. The committee reviewed long-term strategies under NCAP, which target key emission sources like industrial factories, diesel vehicles, road dust, and the open burning of waste. The program also advocates for a transition to cleaner energy, promoting solar power, wind energy, and the adoption of electric vehicles.
Expanding Efforts with State-Level Action
Recognizing that pollution is not limited to major industrial hubs, the state has launched its own complementary initiative. The State Clean Air Programme (SCAP), inaugurated by the Chief Minister on June 5, 2025, extends the fight for air quality to twelve additional cities. These locations, including Barbil, Paradip, Puri, and Sambalpur, were identified as having high pollution levels but were not covered under the national program. To fund this ambitious expansion, the government is considering a proposal for 150 crore rupees to be disbursed in phases between 2025 and 2030. The Pollution Control Board presented its detailed action plan for implementing SCAP.
In his concluding remarks, Chief Secretary Ahuja issued clear directives for the path forward. He called for both NCAP and SCAP to be managed using robust, data-driven strategies. He mandated streamlined institutional management and instructed departments to coordinate closely with District Collectors to ensure effective implementation. The Chief Secretary emphasized that future development, driven by population growth and industrial needs, must not come at the cost of air quality. He concluded by highlighting the critical importance of increasing green cover through extensive tree plantation campaigns.
