Inaugurating the three-day Congress, former Odisha Chief Secretary Gokul Chandra Pati calls for stronger industry participation in research, sustainable technologies and solutions to emerging environmental challenges
OdishaPlus Bureau
The 17th Odisha Environment Congress (OEC) commenced at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela on Tuesday, bringing together scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives and environmentalists to discuss the role of technology in addressing environmental challenges.
The three-day Congress, being held from November 3 to 5, focuses on the theme ‘Environment and Technology’.
Gokul Chandra Pati, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary of Odisha, inaugurated the Congress as the Chief Guest, while NIT Rourkela Director Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao presided over the inaugural session at the TIIR Auditorium.
Addressing the gathering, Pati called for increased investment in research and development (R&D) to ensure that economic growth does not come at the cost of environmental sustainability. Referring to advances in renewable energy, particularly solar power, he highlighted the need to strengthen energy storage systems, promote sustainable agricultural practices and encourage industries to invest in environmentally responsible technologies.
“We have no alternative to enhancing the R&D investment,” he said, urging greater industry participation in developing and adopting sustainable solutions. He also proposed the establishment of a permanent Environment Innovation Cell at NIT Rourkela to monitor research, formulate actionable recommendations and assist policymakers in addressing environmental concerns.
In his presidential address, Prof. Rao highlighted the gap between environmental awareness and individual action. Referring to NIT Rourkela’s initiatives to reduce plastic waste, he called for collective efforts to make the campus plastic-free. He also suggested practical measures such as conserving water bodies, observing car-free days and adopting sustainable practices in everyday life.
Emphasising the role of young engineers and researchers, he called for innovative approaches to environmental challenges rather than viewing them as barriers to development.
Shri Aurobinda Behera, IAS (Retd.), Chairman of the Odisha Environment Congress, stressed that environmental protection must remain central to technological and economic progress. He cautioned that artificial plantations cannot substitute natural forests and called for greater emphasis on preventing damage to existing ecosystems.
Earlier, welcoming the delegates, Prof. Himanshu Bhushan Sahu, Convenor-cum-Organising Chair, highlighted challenges such as climate change, pollution, water scarcity and biodiversity loss. He also underlined the need for industries to go beyond regulatory compliance and contribute to improving environmental conditions in surrounding communities.
Shri Sudarsan Das, Organising Secretary, OEC, outlined the Congress’s 16-year journey and its role in facilitating dialogue among scientists, policymakers and civil society. Dr. Babu Ambat, Vice-President of OEC, emphasised the importance of strengthening the interface between science and society.
The conference proceedings were released during the inaugural ceremony. Prof. S. K. Palita, Chief Editor of the proceedings, highlighted the research contributions and reiterated the need to align technological advancement with environmental protection.
The Congress will feature technical sessions, research paper presentations and an Environmental Sustainability Exhibition. A dedicated Children’s and Youth Environment Congress is also scheduled for November 4.