BHUBANESWAR: On Friday, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) debuted a drone monitoring system intended for industrial oversight within the state.
During the inauguration, held to commemorate the Board’s 43rd foundation day, Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, stated that the new system would simplify the complex processes involved in pollution monitoring.
According to sources, the drone technology will facilitate the oversight of various activities, including mining exploration, wastewater management, and the assessment of green cover established by industries. The operation will be managed by a specialized drone squad, he noted.
In addition, the minister laid the foundation stone for four new regional office buildings of the Board located in Cuttack, Koraput, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur. He also introduced an AI chatbot designed for the Board and announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the OSPCB and the NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC) in Gothapatna focusing on fly ash management.
Singhkhuntia emphasized the importance of collective societal involvement in the efforts of environmental protection and pollution control. He referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advocacy for environmental stewardship, urging young individuals, especially those from Generation Z, to draw inspiration from his message and promote awareness about pollution prevention while adopting sustainable practices in their daily routines.
“Only through everyone’s active participation can we build a clean and healthy environment,” he stated.
During the ceremony, various organizations were recognized for their efforts in pollution control and environmental conservation. Key attendees included Forest Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, PCCF and HoFF K Murugesan, OSPCB member secretary Manoj V Nair, and OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabhat Kumar Roul.
