Sustainable Solutions for Industrial Pollution in Odisha: A Case Study of Angul–Talcher, Odisha

The Angul–Talcher industrial belt of Odisha, India, is among the most critically polluted regions in the country, primarily due to extensive coal mining, thermal power generation, metal smelting, and vehicular emissions. This study investigates the multidimensional environmental degradation caused by industrial activities in this region, focusing on air, water, and soil pollution. Employing a qualitative, interdisciplinary methodology—comprising field surveys, stakeholder interviews, emissions mapping, and regulatory analysis—the research identifies key pollution sources and evaluates sustainable mitigation strategies. The findings reveal that outdated technologies, lack of green buffers, improper waste disposal, and regulatory lapses significantly contribute to environmental deterioration and public health risks. A set of targeted interventions, including technology upgrades, clean energy transitions, green belt restoration, and zero-waste protocols, are proposed. The recommendations are benchmarked against national and international best practices and validated through stakeholder engagement. This case study offers a scalable framework for policy alignment, community-driven solutions, and adaptive industrial planning in critically polluted zones.