Odisha to Implement Marine Spatial Plan for Sustainable Coastal Growth

Bhubaneswar, April 16: The Odisha government has announced the rollout of a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) aimed at strengthening the state’s blue economy while ensuring the protection of its coastal and marine ecosystems.

An MoU for the initiative was signed between the State Science and Technology Department and the Ministry of Earth Sciences in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday. The agreement was formalized by Additional Secretary Pooja Mishra and Director of the National Centre for Coastal Research, Dr. R.S. Kankara.

The Chief Minister said the MSP would promote sustainable economic development along Odisha’s coastline while conserving marine biodiversity. He described the initiative as a model for integrated coastal and marine planning that would benefit both the environment and local communities dependent on marine resources.

India has been advancing Sustainable Ocean Planning since 2019 in collaboration with the Government of Norway. While the first phase covered Puducherry and Lakshadweep, Odisha has become the first state to implement the programme in its second phase.

Highlighting the state’s rich coastal resources, Majhi noted that increasing developmental pressures and environmental challenges necessitate scientific and balanced management of marine areas. The MSP will cater to key sectors such as fisheries, tourism, ports, and marine energy, while maintaining ecological balance.

The Chief Minister also said the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC), launched last year, would complement the MSP by promoting the use of biotechnology in marine conservation and economic development.

State Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra emphasized the crucial role of the National Centre for Coastal Research in marine studies, including climate impact analysis, economic modelling, and resource optimization. He assured full support from the state government for effective implementation of the plan.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg described the MSP as a key step towards achieving Odisha’s long-term development vision for 2036 and 2047, with a focus on sustainable investment in fisheries, tourism, and marine resources.

Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, M. Ravichandran, stressed the importance of aligning economic growth with climate goals, stating that the MSP would help ensure long-term sustainability of the blue economy.

Deputy Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Arvind Gadgil, highlighted Odisha’s maritime heritage and reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting marine resource management through technology-driven approaches.

Senior officials from the state and central governments, along with representatives from Norway, attended the event.