Odisha Charts Integrated Blue Economy Roadmap for Sustainable Marine Growth

Bhubaneswar, May 15 : The Odisha government has initiated the preparation of a comprehensive Blue Economy roadmap aimed at harnessing marine resources for sustainable economic growth, employment generation and coastal development across the state.

The initiative was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhavan earlier this week.

Officials said the roadmap will be developed based on recommendations from the Global Summit on Blue Economy-2026 held in Bhubaneswar in March this year.

With a coastline of nearly 575 km along the Bay of Bengal, Odisha is aiming to build an integrated strategy for the responsible utilisation of ocean and coastal resources while maintaining environmental sustainability.

The proposed Blue Economy framework focuses on promoting marine-based industries, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal infrastructure, innovation and livelihood generation through coordinated action among multiple government departments.

The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department has been designated as the nodal agency for implementing Blue Economy initiatives in the state. Departments including Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Water Resources, Energy, Science and Technology, Commerce and Transport, and Tourism will work together under a convergence framework for effective project execution.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Commissioner-cum-Secretary Prem Chandra Chaudhary presented proposed interventions and future plans during the meeting.

The Bhubaneswar-based City Knowledge Innovation Cluster (BKIC) will function as the knowledge partner for the initiative.

During the review meeting, the Chief Secretary directed officials to prepare a target-oriented roadmap with clear timelines, partnerships and implementation strategies. She also proposed the formation of a task force under her chairmanship to monitor and coordinate Blue Economy projects.

A Technical Advisory Group comprising experts, research institutions and biotechnology industry representatives will also be constituted to assist in policy planning and implementation.

Among the major proposals discussed were the establishment of a “Blue Economy Hub (B-Hub)”, scientific expansion of shrimp farming under the proposed “Odisha Shrimp Mission”, promotion of deep-sea fishing, artificial reef development, seaweed cultivation and wider use of the “Fisher Friend” mobile application to provide weather and marine-related information to fishermen.

The meeting also reviewed progress on modernisation of fishing harbours at Dhamra, Paradip, Chandipur and Astaranga, along with development of fish landing centres, hygienic wholesale fish markets, integrated aqua parks and hatcheries for high-value fish and crab species.

Emphasising the significance of the sector, the Chief Secretary said Blue Economy initiatives have the potential to emerge as a major driver of Odisha’s economic growth and directed all concerned departments to submit specific proposals and nominate nodal officers for better inter-departmental coordination.