Odisha Pollution Control Board Turns to AI, Drones for Pollution Monitoring

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to use drones and artificial intelligence more extensively in environmental monitoring, with the State Pollution Control Board launching a drone-based surveillance system and an AI chatbot as it marked its 43rd Foundation Day on Thursday.

The two technology initiatives were launched virtually during a programme at Krushi Siksha Sadan, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, attended by Forest, Environment and Climate Change and Labour and Employees’ State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia as the chief guest.

The new systems are part of efforts to strengthen the Board’s environmental monitoring capabilities as it oversees pollution levels across urban, industrial and other areas of the state.

Addressing the gathering, Singkhuntia highlighted the Board’s work in tracking air quality in major cities and industrial areas, monitoring the quality of rivers and other water bodies, regulating industrial effluents and promoting scientific management of different categories of waste.

He called for greater involvement of citizens in pollution prevention and urged young people, particularly members of Gen Z, to adopt environmentally responsible practices in their everyday lives.

The Foundation Day programme also marked an expansion of the Board’s infrastructure. Foundation stones for regional office buildings in Cuttack, Koraput, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur were laid virtually.

The Board released four publications aimed at improving awareness and understanding of environmental issues. The publications cover microplastics and nanoplastics, best environmental practices, water pollution and solid waste management.

A memorandum of understanding between the State Pollution Control Board and NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC), Gothapatna, was also exchanged to facilitate cooperation on fly ash management.

Organisations working across industry, mining and healthcare were recognised for their contribution to pollution control and environmental protection. Environment Appreciation Certificates were presented in the three categories, while an Environment Excellence Award was given for the best-performing industrial township.

The Minister said the Board’s work over the past 43 years had involved engineers, scientists, administrative officers and field personnel in monitoring and controlling different sources of pollution.

Principal Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr K. Murugesan, State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Dr Manoj V. Nair and OUAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Prabhat Kumar Roul were among those present.

The programme combined the Board’s 43-year environmental regulatory journey with new digital and technology-based measures aimed at improving pollution surveillance and environmental awareness in Odisha.