Odisha Govt Not To Allow Industries To Harm Environment & Exploit Resources, Says Dy CM

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo on Friday said the state government would not allow any industry to harm the environment and exploit its natural resources.

“Our government will take all possible steps for rapid industrialisation in the state. At the same time, it will ensure environmentally sustainable development. No outside forces will be allowed to exploit our forests and natural resources,” said Singhdeo while speaking at CEO conclave of regional newspaper Sambad in Bhubaneswar.

Stating that the BJP government in the state was committed towards Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, he appealed to the industries to stick to its parameters.

He assured the investors of streamlining the process for setting up the industries in the state by removing the hurdles faced by them at present. “The new government will provide single window clearance to facilitate establishment and growth of industries. I assure that when we say we will give you single window clearance for industries, we mean it and we are not going to make you run around,” he said.

Singheo further said the BJP had promised during the elections to accord top priority to Odia Asmita if it comes to power. “As per the promise, the government will keep Odia Asmita in mind while taking all decisions. It will let the people of the state decide their own destiny through their elected representatives by participating in the decision-making process of the government,” he added.

Speaking at the conclave, Minister Suresh Pujari said the government has already taken some major decisions within two days of assuming power. “Now, the farmers can sell paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal. The government will provide gift voucher of Rs 50,000 to the women under Subhadra Yojana within 100 days. Besides, steps will be taken to set up a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore for maintenance and development of Jagannath temple in Puri,” he said.