The Odisha government signed an agreement with the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) from the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences to execute a unique marine spatial plan (MSP) aimed at ensuring a balance between the coastal economy and marine environment in the state.

As a result, Odisha became the inaugural state in the nation to launch the second phase of India’s sustainable ocean planning initiative. The formal signing of the agreement took place with Pooja Mishra, additional secretary of the state’s Science and Technology department, and R S Kankara, director of NCCR, present alongside Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Officials stated that the MSP framework aims to systematically distribute and oversee marine and coastal resources to minimize disputes between competing sectors like fisheries, tourism, ports, and offshore energy, while safeguarding vulnerable marine ecosystems. The initiative arises as Odisha’s 574-km coastline faces growing stress from industrial growth, port-oriented development, and vulnerabilities caused by climate change.

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The Chief Minister described the MSP as a pivotal initiative that would enhance the state's blue economy while protecting marine biodiversity. “The strategy aims to enhance sustainable livelihoods for coastal populations and establish a new standard in integrated coastal and marine planning,” he stated, emphasizing the need for economic growth and environmental conservation to work in tandem.

India’s Sustainable Ocean Planning initiative, introduced in 2019 in partnership with Norway, has already been tested in Puducherry and Lakshadweep. Odisha’s addition in the second phase signifies a growth of the initiative into more intricate and resource-demanding coastal areas. The partnership with Norway provides technical knowledge in marine data mapping, ecosystem-based management, and spatial planning resources.

The coastal region of Odisha is abundant in biodiversity and sustains numerous livelihoods reliant on fishing and related activities. Nonetheless, increasing demand from areas like ports, aquaculture, tourism, and renewable ocean energy has heightened the necessity for a scientific and cohesive planning approach. MSP aims to tackle these conflicting needs by utilizing data-informed zoning and regulatory structures.

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The Chief Minister associated the initiative with the state's larger development vision, noting that sustainable coastal management would be essential for realizing the objectives of Viksit Odisha and Viksit India @2047. Launched in August last year, the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) would enhance MSP by encouraging biotechnology-driven strategies for marine conservation and economic growth, he stated.

Union Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran highlighted that the MSP would be vital in tackling climate change issues while promoting economic development. "For India's Vision 2047, development in all sectors needs to align with sustainability." MSP serves as a crucial instrument for enhancing the resilience of the blue economy, he stated.

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Odisha’s Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra stated that the NCCR has created essential models for evaluating climate effects, coastal risk, and effective utilization of marine resources. He guaranteed complete backing from the state government for its successful execution.