Dharmendra seeks Centre-of-Excellence on Marine Biotechnology in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought the personal intervention of Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan in setting up of a Centre-of-Excellence on Marine Biotechnology at Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar to facilitate preservation of Odisha’s delicate marine ecosystem and promote sustainable use of ocean resources.

In a letter to the Health Minister, Pradhan informed that Odisha’s coastline provides sustenance and employment to millions and has been at the centre of PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a marine-led Blue economy.

There are several infra-projects coming up along the coast that will unlock the true potential of Odisha’s economic growth, he said.

Keeping in mind PM’s clarion call for balanced economic growth with ecological conservation, the research-intensive CoE will have favourable outcomes in management of local bio resources eco-conservation efforts and optimal utilisation of marine resources, said Pradhan.