Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo today said Odisha taking environmentally sustainable decision for its own future is the meaning of Odia Asmita.

He was speaking at the Sambad CEO Conclave-2024 in Bhubaneswar.

"Odia Asmita means Odias taking control of their own destiny through their elected representatives by taking the decision-making process of the government into their hands. It also means Odisha taking environmentally sustainable decision for its own future," said Singh Deo.

"No outside forces shall be allowed to exploit our forests and natural resources. While my government is committed towards its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, I would expect the industries to stick to its ESG goals as well," Singh Deo advised the industrialists.

He also assured the industrialists that the new Odisha government will provide them single window clearance to facilitate the establishment and growth of industries. "I want to assure all 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."

"The problem that you face regarding land to establish industries has to go hand in hand with environment issues, which need to be taken care of. When a land is acquired to set up an industry, there is an environmental impact also. You have to take up plantation and other CSR activities," Singh Deo told the industrialists.

"At the third edition of the Sambad CEO Conclave, I call upon all industry captains and stakeholders to stay committed to the ESG factor and make our planet a sustainable living place," he concluded.

Odisha Minister Suresh Pujari also attended the event and urged the CEOs of major companies to support the new Odisha government for development of the state.

Sambad Editor Tanaya Patnaik highlighted the importance of resolving environment-related issues. "As a leading media house, Sambad is always committed towards bringing balance between environment and development. Our efforts are always on to bring the issue of climate change before the government and people," she said.