Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Wetlands Authority has reviewed measures to strengthen the conservation and management of wetlands across the state while considering a series of major infrastructure and renewable energy proposals, including thermal power expansion and large-scale floating solar projects.
The fifth meeting of the Authority was held at Lok Seva Bhavan Saturday under the chairmanship of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia.
A key focus of the meeting was the proposed constitution of dedicated District Wetland Committees to improve monitoring, protection and management of wetlands at the district level. The committees will function under the chairmanship of respective District Collectors, with the concerned Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) serving as Member-Conveners.
The Minister directed officials to expedite the processing of wetland-related proposals while ensuring due consideration of environmental concerns and statutory requirements.
Among the major proposals examined were Odisha Power Generation Corporation’s (OPGC) proposed 1,320 MW expansion of the IB Thermal Power Station and GRIDCO’s floating solar projects of approximately 3,500 MW at Hirakud and 225 MW (Phase-I) at Upper Indravati.
The Authority also considered OPGC’s proposal for a 10 MW floating solar project at its intake channel, coupled with a 2 MW/8 MWh battery energy storage system.