The Government of Odisha has taken a major step toward sustainable coastal development by signing a memorandum of understanding to implement a marine spatial plan aimed at strengthening the blue economy while ensuring ecological safeguards. The agreement was formalized between Additional Secretary of the Science and Technology Department Pooja Mishra and National Centre for Coastal Research Director Dr. R. S. Kankara under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Describing the initiative as a forward-looking and transformative move, the chief minister emphasized that the Marine Spatial Plan will play a crucial role in boosting Odisha’s blue economy while safeguarding marine biodiversity. He highlighted that the initiative will support local coastal communities, improve economic opportunities, and establish a benchmark for integrated coastal and marine planning in India.

Odisha has become the first state in the country to implement the second phase of India’s Sustainable Ocean Planning program, a collaborative effort between the Government of India and the Government of Norway that began in 2019. The initial phase of the program was earlier implemented in Puducherry and Lakshadweep, making Odisha a key player in advancing sustainable marine governance.

Highlighting the importance of the state’s coastal and marine resources, Chief Minister Majhi noted that Odisha is rich in biodiversity and natural assets that significantly contribute to livelihoods and economic growth. However, with increasing developmental pressures, environmental challenges, and rising sectoral demands, there is a growing need for scientific and strategic management of marine ecosystems. The Marine Spatial Plan is expected to address these challenges by balancing the needs of fisheries, tourism, port development, ocean energy, and other sectors while ensuring long-term ecological sustainability.

The Chief Minister also pointed to the launch of the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor, which aims to promote the use of biotechnology in marine conservation and economic development. This initiative is expected to complement and strengthen the Marine Spatial Plan by fostering innovation and sustainable practices in coastal management.

Aligning with the broader vision of a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047, the initiative underscores the importance of integrating economic growth with environmental responsibility. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Government of Norway for its continued support and acknowledged the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in driving development initiatives across the state.

The event also witnessed participation from key officials, including Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences M. Ravichandran, and Deputy Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy Arvin Gadgil. Additional Chief Secretary Chitra Arumugam presented an overview of the Marine Spatial Plan programme, outlining its objectives and implementation strategy.

This strategic move positions Odisha at the forefront of sustainable ocean planning in India, setting an example of how economic development and environmental conservation can go hand in hand through innovative policy frameworks and international collaboration.