The Odisha government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), which will help accelerate Odisha’s green economic growth through the Green Odisha Initiative.

Managing director, IPICOL (Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha) and IDCO (Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation), Bhupendra Singh Poonia, and chief executive officer (CEO), CEEW, Dr Arunabha Ghosh have signed the MoU in a programme held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Tuesday.

Chief secretary Manoj Ahuja and development commissioner-cum-additional chief secretary Anu Garg were also present.

The initiative will focus on scaling the green economy by promoting various green value chains, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting private capital and leveraging civil society support. Through this collaboration, CEEW will serve as a valuable knowledge partner, supporting the state in translating its vision into action by formalising the Green Odisha Initiative.

Garg said: “The MoU seeks to formalise the Green Odisha Initiative to integrate and mainstream the green economy within the state’s development agenda. This collaborative effort has three pillars viz. energy transition, circular economy and bioeconomy with the twin objective of job creation and green growth. This decision has been a step towards shaping a future that nurtures economic prosperity and natural capital, simultaneously, propelling Odisha towards a resilient and sustainable future.”

CEO, CEEW, Dr Arunabha Ghosh said: “We will work on integrating diverse green economic sectors, including the energy transition, bioeconomy, nature-based solutions and circular economy focusing on forward-thinking approach of Government of Odisha for sustainable development. These sectors not only hold immense potential for creating green jobs but also promise resilient and inclusive economic prosperity. Through the Green Odisha Initiative, CEEW will be a partner with the state in shaping a holistic green economy that benefits the people of Odisha now and in the future.”

Chief secretary Ahuja said: “CEEW needs to be grounded at least six projects in the state within three months by using its unique and action oriented programmes.”

Principal secretary, Industries, Hemant Sharma, principal secretary, housing and urban development, Usha Padhee, principal secretary, skill development and technical education, NBS Rajput, and director, CEEW, Abhishek Jain, were also present at the event.