Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) held its 131st council meeting today at the Lok Seva Bhavan, focusing on enhancing its environmental monitoring and pollution control systems. The meeting, chaired by Chief Administrative Secretary and OSPCB Chairman Manoj Ahuja, underscored the board’s critical role in ensuring clean air, safe drinking water, and a healthy environment.
During the meeting, Ahuja emphasized the need for advanced technological upgrades to the OSPCB’s monitoring systems. With the advent of real-time, remote environmental monitoring technologies, the board aims to enhance its ability to track air quality, industrial emissions, and water pollution across various bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
The meeting reviewed the outcomes of the previous council session held on February 29, 2024, and discussed the approval of the annual reports for 2022-23 and 2023-24. A significant proposal was presented for the establishment of a Center for Environment Monitoring and Data Analysis. This center is expected to play a pivotal role in environmental management by providing advanced monitoring, project facilitation, and data analysis capabilities to better address pollution issues.
Additionally, the board discussed engaging PhD research students in its research, development, and coastal cell projects to foster academic and practical contributions to environmental protection. A proposal for arranging funds for biomedical waste management was also considered, highlighting the board’s commitment to addressing diverse aspects of pollution control.
The meeting was attended by Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Dr. K. Murugesan and other board members, all of whom contributed to the discussions aimed at strengthening the board’s capacity to manage and mitigate environmental pollution effectively.