Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday called for a development model that balances economic growth with environmental protection, stressing the need for cleaner technologies and climate-resilient planning to address growing environmental challenges.
Addressing the third Earth Again Conclave-2026 at the Utkal University Auditorium on Friday, the governor said climate change was no longer a distant threat. Changes in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and extreme weather events are already affecting agriculture, water resources, health and livelihoods, he said.
The conclave, organised by the Sambad Group, was held around the theme “Gen C-Generation Climate”. The governor urged young people to become ambassadors of climate-friendly practices and incorporate environmentally responsible habits into their everyday lives.
Kambhampati said tackling climate change requires coordinated action from the government, educational institutions, industries, media and citizens. He also highlighted the importance of the industrial sector to employment and economic growth, while stressing that industrial expansion must be accompanied by greater environmental responsibility.
He called for wider adoption of technologies that can reduce pollution, conserve energy and water, minimise waste and protect natural resources. He also encouraged young people to consider electric vehicles and other clean transportation options.
Referring to initiatives at Lok Bhavan, the governor highlighted the installation of a 635 kW solar power plant and said his official cavalcade had started using electric vehicles. He also encouraged universities to install solar energy systems on their campuses and provide free electric vehicle charging facilities to students and staff for at least a year.
Kambhampati advocated greater use of the RESCO model for renewable energy projects and called upon universities across Odisha to work towards obtaining Green Certification.
He also urged young people to plant trees throughout the year under the principle of “every person plants a tree”. Referring to initiatives at Lok Bhavan, he highlighted measures including IGBC Green Certification, expansion of green cover, creation of safe habitats for birds and animals, and rainwater harvesting for water conservation.
According to the governor, measures such as expanding solar energy, promoting electric vehicles, conserving water and reducing waste can also contribute to India’s energy security. Such efforts, he said, could reduce dependence on imported crude oil and help conserve foreign exchange. He also referred to government subsidy schemes aimed at encouraging the adoption of clean energy.
“Saving the Earth must begin at home,” the governor said while emphasising the role individuals can play in addressing environmental challenges.
He also praised the Sambad Group for its environmental awareness initiatives, including Climate Panchayat, Green Campus, Youth Engagement and Environment Assembly, conducted through print, television, radio and digital platforms.
During the event, Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, was felicitated.
Odisha Minister for Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services, Suryabanshi Suraj, Eastern Media Limited CMD Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Utkal University Vice-Chancellor Professor Chandi Prasad Nanda and others also addressed the gathering. Sambad and Kanak News Editor Tanaya Patnaik delivered the welcome address.
