Utkarsh Odisha- Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 reinforces Odisha’s transition to sustainable development, hosting a session on Circular Economy

Bhubaneswar, 29th, January 2025: On day two of the Utkarsh Odisha- Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, one of the largest investment summits in India, a sectoral session on Circular Economy. The session was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Shri Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, who highlighted Odisha’s commitment to transitioning from a linear to a circular economic model. The Minister emphasized that Odisha, with its industrial prowess and natural resource base, is well-placed to lead the circular economy transition in India. The session was being facilitated by the. Forest. Environment and Climate Change Department, and the State Pollution Control Board, with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC India) as the knowledge partner to the Government on Circular Economy. A total number of about 300 participants, including investors, businesspersons, Government officials, academia, etc. took part in the session, and undertook elaborate discussions on the scope and potential for achieving a “Cradle to Cradle Vision for Swachh and Viksit Odisha – 2036″.

Welcoming the guests. and delegates, Additional Chief Secretary, FE&CC Dept. Shri Satyabrata Sahu, IAS emphasized that the Circular Economy is a model of growth that Reduces material use, Redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource-intensive, and Recaptures ‘waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products and its relevance in the context of Odisha. As Odisha grows, as the industrial powerhouse of eastern India, it is necessary that the State systematically transitions from the traditional linear model to that of a “Circular” model of economic development.
With its rich industrial base and growing urban pockets, Odisha provides abundant ‘Waste to Wealth’ opportunities in secondary raw materials like slag, fly ash, dolochar, gypsum, plastics, etc., with more than 100 million tonnes of this waste being generated from various sources of the State each year. Speaking about the abundant opportunities in the state, the Hon’ble Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha urged investors and stakeholders to align their projects with the state’s circular economy vision. He assured that the Government of Odisha would extend all necessary support to create a robust ecosystem for sustainable growth. The Government is committed to working with the investors’ community and facilitating a suitable policy ecosystem for Circular Economy in Odisha”.

Hon’ble Minister released a Vision Framework for Circular Economy visioning a Swachh and Viksit Odisha – 2036 prepared by the SPCB in association with PWC as their Knowledge Partner. Dr. K. Murugesan, IFS presented the key features of the vision framework which outlines strategic pillars and key interventions required to transform into a circular economic model. The session was graced by 11 speakers and panelists, representing the Government, Industry leaders, and Academia. Some of the invited speakers included Shri N. Subrahmanyam, Scientist E, MoEF&CC, Govt. of India; Ms. Janavi Papriwal, Associate Partner, Circulate Capital; Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, Ex CMD Nalco, Co-Convenor Odisha State, BJP Industry Cell; Dr. Sidhartha S. Padhi, Professor, IIM Kozhikode, Kerala; among others. Shri Debidutta Biswal, IFS, PCCF & HoFF delivered the vote of thanks.

The Government has received intent for various innovative projects on Circular Economy, from several industry leaders, including Oil India Limited, Re-Sustainability Ltd, Ganesha Ecopet, Epsilon Carbon Ashoka Pvt Ltd, IDVB Recycling Operations Pvt Ltd, Orissa Metaliks Private Limited, Paradeep Phosphates Limited, Steel Authority of India Ltd, Rourkela, IOCL, etc. The State has received intent for 28 projects. with total investments of about Rs 4075 crores, which is expected to generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in this niche sector.

The Government is keen to further partner with private players, PSUs, and academia, and facilitate the transitioning of the State into a path of ‘Circular Economy’. Odisha’s push for circularity aligns with its larger vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and contributes to the objective of being a preferred destination for investments in sustainability-driven projects. The five-day event will conclude on Wednesday, January 29 with a mega cultural event and the Conclave being open to the public.