BHUBANESWAR: On Friday, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) introduced a drone-based monitoring system designed to oversee industrial activities in the state.

During the launch, which coincided with the Board’s 43rd anniversary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia stated that this initiative will simplify the complex task of pollution monitoring.

According to sources, the drone system will facilitate the surveillance of various activities, including mining exploration, wastewater management, and the monitoring of green cover established by industries. The operation will be managed by a specialized drone squad, he added.

The minister also initiated the construction of four new regional offices for the Board located in Cuttack, Koraput, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur. Additionally, an AI chatbot was introduced, and a memorandum of understanding was signed with the NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC) in Gothapatna for the management of fly ash.

Singhkhuntia emphasized that environmental conservation and pollution mitigation require collaboration from all segments of society. He urged the youth, particularly Generation Z, to draw inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to environmental issues, encouraging them to promote pollution prevention and adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives.

“Only through everyone’s active participation can we build a clean and healthy environment,” he remarked.

During the event, various organizations were honored for their efforts in pollution control and environmental sustainability.

Present at the ceremony were Forest Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, PCCF and HoFF K Murugesan, OSPCB member secretary Manoj V Nair, and OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabhat Kumar Roul.