Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards accelerating green economic growth, the Planning and Convergence Department of Odisha Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) today. The agreement aims to advance sustainable development in Odisha through the Green Odisha Initiative.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg. The MoU was formally signed by Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Managing Director of IPICOL and IDCO, on behalf of the Odisha Government, and Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of CEEW.
The Green Odisha Initiative seeks to scale up the state’s green economy by fostering green value chains, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting private capital, and leveraging support from civil society. CEEW will act as a knowledge partner, supporting the Odisha Government in translating its green vision into actionable programs.
Addressing the event, Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-ACS, underscored the importance of the collaboration. “This MoU represents our shared commitment to accelerating green economic growth in the State of Odisha. The initiative focuses on three key pillars—energy transition, circular economy, and bioeconomy—with the twin objectives of job creation and sustainable growth. It is a decisive step towards shaping a resilient future where economic prosperity and natural capital thrive in harmony,” she stated.
Highlighting the partnership, Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of CEEW, said, “We are committed to integrating diverse green economic sectors, including the energy transition, bioeconomy, nature-based solutions, and circular economy. These sectors hold immense potential for generating green jobs and fostering inclusive economic growth. Through the Green Odisha Initiative, we look forward to supporting the state’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable development.”
In his keynote address, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasized the need for tangible outcomes within a short timeframe. “Based on research and data collected from various departments, CEEW must ground at least six projects in Odisha within the next three months using its unique and action-oriented programs,” he urged.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary of Industries and MSME Department Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, and Principal Secretary of Skill Development & Technical Education Department NBS Rajput. Representatives from the Planning and Convergence Department and the CEEW, including Abhishek Jain, Director, also participated in the discussions.
The collaboration marks a critical step in integrating and mainstreaming the green economy within Odisha’s development agenda. By focusing on key sectors like renewable energy, bioeconomy, and circular economy, the initiative will not only foster green growth but also contribute significantly to job creation and sustainable progress in the state.
With the Green Odisha Initiative, the Odisha Government reiterates its commitment to a future that combines economic prosperity with environmental resilience, propelling the state towards becoming a model of sustainable development in India.