By Manoranjan Dash

Rourkela: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela is all set to host the three-day 17th Odisha Environment Congress (OEC) from November 3rd to 5th. The theme will be "Environment and Technology".

The three-day national conference will bring together over 300 scientists, researchers, academicians, environmentalists, policymakers and students to discuss environmental challenges and technology-driven solutions.

The detailed information regarding the OEC was announced at a press conference by Prof. Himanshu Bhushan Sahu, Chairman, Local Organising Committee and SDG Committee, NIT Rourkela; Shri Sudarsan Das, Organising Secretary, Odisha Environment Congress; and Prof. Bibekanand Mallick, Chairman, Press and Public Relations Committee, NIT Rourkela.

Shri Gokul Chandra Pati, IAS, former Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, will inaugurate the Congress, with Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, presiding over the inaugural session. Dr. Mrinal Kanti Biswas of the Central Pollution Control Board, Kolkata, and Prof. Aditya Patra of IIT Kharagpur will deliver keynote addresses. Shri P. K. Jena, IAS, former Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, will attend the valedictory session as Chief Guest.

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OEC 2026

1. 300-plus participants: Scientists, researchers, policymakers, environmentalists and students to deliberate on environment and technology
2. Research showcase: Nine technical sessions, over 70 paper and poster presentations, and an exhibition on environmental sustainability
3. Youth participation: Children's and Youth Environment Congress to feature competitions, Gen Z Jury, GreenaThon and Environment Parliament

The Congress will feature nine technical sessions and over 70 research paper as well as poster presentations. Conference proceedings comprising 59 research articles will be released on the opening day. A special session on "Science and Society", moderated by Shri Jagadananda, former State Information Commissioner of Odisha, will explore connections between scientific research, traditional knowledge and community perspectives.

An Environmental Sustainability Exhibition will showcase innovations and best practices by government agencies, industries and NGOs.

The Children's and Youth Environment Congress on November 4 will feature debate, essay writing, painting and other competitions. Initiatives such as "Gen Z Jury", "GreenaThon" and Environment Parliament will encourage young people to engage with environmental issues. The three best GreenaThon teams will each receive ₹50,000. The Congress will also confer four awards recognising contributions to environmental protection, scientific research, corporate responsibility and youth engagement.

Continuing its 16-year legacy, the OEC aims to strengthen collaboration among scientists, policymakers, industries and communities towards a sustainable future.