Bhubaneswar: Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Union Science & Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan urging the latter for setting up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Marine Biotechnology at Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar.

"Odisha's long and beautiful coastline has been one of the hallmarks of the State for centuries. It provides sustenance and employment to millions who are engaged in pisciculture & fishing, travel tourism and trade & logistics. For the past six years, Odisha's coastline has been in focus for the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision for a marine-led Blue economy," said Pradhan in the letter.

"World famous sites like Puri Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun temple, Chilika Lake and Bhitarkanika National Park form the backbone of Odisha's tourism and allied industry. Projects like the expansion and development of Paradip Port, IOCL Paradip refinery, Paradip Smart Port city, development of Dhamra LNG Terminal. Digha - Gopalpur coastal highway and development of fishing harbours at Paradip and Balasore will unlock the true potential for marine-led economic growth in Odisha and eastern India," mentioned Pradhan in the letter.

"As has been reiterated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, such industrial economic growth must be balanced with ecological conservation. It is essential to invest in the preservation of delicate marine ecosystems such as the nesting sites of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles and mangrove ecosystems while developing novel approaches using marine biotechnology. I am made to understand that ILS, Bhubaneswar has been undertaking scientific research in this area with a proven body of publications & patents which have led to favourable outcomes for management of local bio-resources, eco-conservation efforts and optimal marine resource utilization," said Pradhan.

He sought Harsh Vardhan's personal intervention for facilitating setting up of a Centre of Excellence on Marine Biotechnology at Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar.