Bhubaneswar: The state of Odisha is preparing to create a detailed Fly Ash Atlas aimed at the scientific management of fly ash generation, availability, and utilization, as well as tracking its distribution from producers to end users. Chief Secretary Anu Garg shared this information on Thursday, highlighting that the initiative seeks to establish a clear database regarding fly ash across the state to enhance management practices.
This decision was made during the 135th Board meeting of the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) held on the same day. In addition, the meeting, which Garg led, outlined plans to advance research focused on the biostabilisation and biotransformation of fly ash in partnership with academic and research institutions.
The board also assessed various strategies to bolster the technical and institutional capabilities of the OSPCB, modernize laboratory facilities, promote research initiatives, and strengthen coastal environmental monitoring efforts. A significant focus was placed on a proposal to establish the Centre for Management of Coastal Ecosystem (CMCE) in Paradip, which is envisioned as a Centre of Excellence for coastal environmental analysis and monitoring. Garg emphasized that the Paradip center should evolve beyond a simple laboratory to become an integrated hub for science, data, and technology dedicated to coastal protection.
During the meeting, plans for constructing dedicated regional offices for the OSPCB in locations such as Kataka, Jharsuguda, Koraput, Kalinganagar, Bhubaneswar, Kendujhar, and Sambalpur were discussed, along with modernization efforts for the laboratory situated in Patia. Garg highlighted the importance of incorporating green building practices, rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and vermicomposting into the new infrastructure.
Further, the board deliberated on establishing a Command and Control Centre at the OSPCB headquarters to enhance the speed and data-driven nature of environmental monitoring. This proposed center will unify laboratory data, water sample testing outcomes, and field inspection insights to facilitate quicker analyses and improve decision-making processes. The board also advocated for augmenting water sample collection and monitoring through robotic technologies and expanding field inspections using drone technology. Garg called for collaborative efforts to foster a clean, science-based, technology-enabled, and citizen-focused environmental governance framework in Odisha.
