Bhubaneswar: An assembly committee has recommended that the state govt launch a special drive to inspect all industrial units and strictly enforce pollution control norms, while preparing an urgent action plan to address air and water pollution, keeping climate change implications in focus.The committee, headed by BJP MLA Sudhir Ranjan Pattjoshi, in its report tabled during the budget session, said the forest and environment department should issue show-cause notices to industries to ensure compliance with Odisha State Pollution Control Board norms, particularly creation of green belts to mitigate climate-related impacts. It recommended framing clear guidelines for fly ash management and imposing heavy penalties for illegal dumping. The committee said district administrations should take stringent action against defaulting industrial units and individuals found responsible for such violations.Stressing the need for climate action at the industry level, the panel said all industries should be directed to develop and implement climate change mitigation plans, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. It also called for specific guidelines mandating the utilisation of corporate social responsibility funds only for projects approved by the district administration, with involvement of local public representatives to ensure transparency and community benefits.Highlighting employment concerns, it recommended making local employment a mandate for industries, with a focus on addressing unemployment in surrounding areas through skill development programmes. It also stressed that industries must comply with labour laws and extend equal benefits to contract workers.Taking serious note of illegal mining, the panel recommended preparing a comprehensive action plan to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to detect unlawful activities and take stringent action against offenders.The committee observed that poaching and human-wildlife conflict persist due to inadequate awareness and ineffective enforcement. It recommended awareness campaigns for local communities on wildlife protection, strengthening anti-poaching measures, community-based monitoring and strict punishment for offenders.It further noted that Odisha’s eco-tourism potential remains underutilised and called for increased budgetary allocation to develop world-class eco-tourism centres at key locations, with emphasis on sustainability and community participation. The panel also urged preparation of a roadmap to engage local communities in eco-tourism through training, resources and revenue-sharing models to promote sustainable livelihoods and forest conservation.
