Bhubaneswar: Odisha reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable and resource-efficient economic growth with a dedicated session on Circular Economy at the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. The session, organized by the Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department in collaboration with the State Pollution Control Board, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss strategies for transitioning from a linear to a circular economic model. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC India) served as the knowledge partner for the session.
Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, inaugurated the session and highlighted Odisha’s industrial strength and abundant natural resources, positioning the state as a frontrunner in India’s circular economy movement. He assured investors and stakeholders of the government’s support in creating a robust policy ecosystem for sustainable development and urged them to align their projects with Odisha’s long-term vision for a Swachh and Viksit Odisha – 2036.
Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Satyabrata Sahu, IAS, welcomed the gathering and emphasized the importance of a circular economy in reducing material consumption, redesigning products for sustainability, and repurposing waste into valuable resources. He noted that Odisha generates over 100 million tonnes of industrial byproducts annually, such as slag, fly ash, dolochar, gypsum, and plastics, offering immense potential for waste-to-wealth initiatives.
As a key highlight, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia unveiled the Vision Framework for Circular Economy, developed by the State Pollution Control Board in collaboration with PwC. The framework outlines strategic interventions to drive Odisha’s transformation into a sustainable industrial hub. Dr. K. Murugesan, IFS, presented the roadmap’s key features, emphasizing its role in resource efficiency and environmental conservation.
The session featured discussions by 11 distinguished speakers and panelists, including N. Subrahmanyam, Scientist E, MoEF&CC, Government of India, Janavi Papriwal, Associate Partner, Circulate Capital, Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, Ex-CMD, NALCO, Co-Convenor, BJP Industry Cell, Odisha, and Dr. Sidhartha S. Padhi, Professor, IIM Kozhikode, Kerala. Shri Debidutta Biswal, IFS, PCCF & HoFF, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the significant participation of investors, government officials, and academia.
The session also saw investment intentions for 28 projects worth ₹4,075 crore, expected to create over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in Odisha’s circular economy sector. Leading investors include Oil India Limited, Re-Sustainability Ltd, Ganesha Ecopet, Epsilon Carbon Ashoka Pvt Ltd, IDVB Recycling Operations Pvt Ltd, Orissa Metaliks Private Limited, Paradeep Phosphates Limited, Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), Rourkela, and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
Odisha’s focused efforts on circularity align with its larger vision of Viksit Odisha 2036, reinforcing its status as a prime destination for sustainability-driven investments. The five-day Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 will conclude with a mega cultural event, open to the public, celebrating the state’s economic and environmental advancements.
