Odisha Launches Drone System to Monitor Industrial Pollution

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has introduced a drone-based monitoring system to strengthen surveillance of industrial pollution and environmental compliance across the state.Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia launched the system on Friday during the OSPCB’s 43rd foundation day. The technology will enable authorities to monitor mining activities, industrial wastewater management and green cover developed by industries. A dedicated drone squad will operate the system.

The minister also laid the foundation stones for four new OSPCB regional offices in Cuttack, Koraput, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur. An AI-powered chatbot for the Board was launched during the event, while the OSPCB and NALCO Research and Technology Centre (NRTC), Gothapatna, signed an MoU on fly ash management. Singhkhuntia stressed that effective environmental protection requires participation from all sections of society and urged young people to promote awareness about pollution prevention and adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Officials including Forest Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, PCCF and HoFF K Murugesan, OSPCB Member Secretary Manoj V Nair and OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof Prabhat Kumar Roul attended the programme. Organisations contributing to pollution control and environmental protection were also felicitated.