State for strict enforcement of environment norms

Amidst rising concerns over the threat posed to the environment, the state government has called for stringent compliance with environment norms by the industries.

"Ideally, 30 per cent of the industrial premises should have green space but field verifications have shown that not all industries are following this norm. We don't want lip service from the industries, rather we have to be really serious on reducing the carbon foot print in the state. Though there are laws to protect the environment, their enforcement is not satisfactory”, Aurobindo Behera, principal secretary (forest and environment), Orissa government said.

Speaking at a forum on 'Pathways for Low Carbon Economic Development in Orissa', organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the British Deputy High Commission, Behera said, “Low carbon development is important for the state. The state government has prepared the Draft Action Plan on Climate Change and we are now giving final touches to it.”

A U Singh Deo, state minister for planning & coordination said “Orissa has identified Climate Change mitigation and adaptation measures across 11 sectors. The implementation of these measures needs an investment of Rs 17,000 crore. The implementation also calls for increased engagements among multiple departments of the state government.”