Bhubaneswar, Aug. 9: The state government plans to open a state-of-the-art environment museum and exhibition centre here shortly to create awareness among citizens about the various aspects of the environment and its protection.

The proposed museum will be constructed in line with the ones in Japan and Hong Kong. Sources said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) would assist the administration in designing the museum and exhibition centre.

"We have decided to develop a state-level environment exhibition centre in Bhubaneswar for awareness and simplified demonstration of environment management system, such as sewerage management, solid waste management, water pollution and air pollution," said an official of the housing and urban development department.

The Japanese government has developed such a facility in Kitakyushu city for awareness and education of schoolchildren. The centre in Japan has various sections that introduce topics, such as the history of Kitakyushu City's triumph over environmental pollution, environmental issues facing the city as well as the Earth and the city's goal to become an eco-city of the future.

Environmental messages are projected for future generations onto globe-shaped dome theatre ceiling and the information library allows visitors to browse and borrow environmental study materials such as books or videos. "Associates of Jica suggested the idea and we have decided to work on it," said the official.

"The state capital has been selected under an eco-city programme of the United Nations. We have been assigned different tasks to ensure sustainable development of the city. We have got resources such as the Chandaka forest and now we need to utilise it in proper manner. The new facility will aid our efforts," said mayor Ananta Narayan Jena.

Environmentalists welcomed the move. "Under the smart city mission, the administration is focusing on a concrete and IT-based infrastructure. However, it is good that they are also thinking in line with saving the environment. Such a museum will have a good impact on future generations," said environmentalist Sailabala Padhi.

An official of the housing and urban development department said that they would prepare the concept plan for the project by the end of August including brief scope of the work. "We will identify of a suitable land plot and hire technical experts to prepare the detailed project report for the museum," said another official of the department.