Odisha is set to become the first of India’s nine coastal states to implement a Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) framework, a significant move towards enhancing its blue economy. This initiative follows the successful launch of MSP in Puducherry and Lakshadweep earlier in 2023.
Chithra Arumugam, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, announced that the Odisha government will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) as part of the Indo-Norway Ocean Initiative, focusing on sustainable ocean governance.
On September 19, a high-level review meeting, chaired by State Development Commissioner Anu Garg, brought together NCCR officials and representatives from various state departments to discuss the MSP framework’s implementation. A steering committee will be established to oversee the rollout, with each department appointing a nodal officer to facilitate data sharing with the NCCR.
Experts suggest that MSP could harness Odisha’s underutilized 575-km coastline, primarily engaged in maritime trade, tourism, and fisheries. Marine economist Abhishekh Agrawal emphasized that the framework could attract investments, create jobs, and promote long-term sustainability for the region.
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