Bhubaneswar, Oct13 (UDN): As Dr. Haribabu Kambhampati prepares to step down as Odisha Governor following the latest gubernatorial reshuffle announced by President Droupadi Murmu, his tenure has drawn attention for its emphasis on environmental sustainability, renewable energy and improvements in higher education.
Kambhampati assumed office on January 3, 2025, and served as Odisha Governor for approximately one year and nine months. He is set to be succeeded by Braj Mohan Ram, a senior BJP leader from Jharkhand, following the presidential announcement on October 12, 2026.
During his time in office, Kambhampati promoted environmentally responsible practices at Lok Bhavan and encouraged universities across Odisha to strengthen academic standards, improve infrastructure and adopt sustainable campus management practices.
Lok Bhavan Earns Platinum Green Campus Certification
One of the notable milestones of Kambhampati’s tenure was Lok Bhavan receiving the Platinum Green Campus certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
According to the reported assessment, Lok Bhavan scored 88 out of 100 points under the council’s Green Campus Rating System, securing the highest rating. It also became the first Lok Bhavan in the country to receive the Platinum rating under the revised IGBC Green Campus Version 1 framework.
The recognition reflected efforts to improve energy efficiency, conserve water and expand green cover across the Governor’s official premises.
Lok Bhavan’s installed solar power capacity reached 635 kW, while more than 80 per cent of its campus remained under greenery. Water conservation measures reportedly reduced water consumption by over 35 per cent.
Another significant initiative was the transition of the Governor’s official motorcade to electric vehicles, highlighting the potential for public institutions to reduce their dependence on conventional fuels.
Push for Academic Excellence and University Reforms
Beyond environmental initiatives, Kambhampati focused on strengthening higher education in his capacity as Chancellor of state universities.
He emphasised the need to fill vacant teaching positions, improve academic standards and ensure transparent, merit-based faculty recruitment. These measures were aimed at strengthening teaching quality and improving the overall functioning of higher educational institutions.
He also encouraged universities to pursue accreditation, upgrade infrastructure and adopt renewable energy solutions. The promotion of solar power and green campus certification formed part of his broader push to make educational institutions more sustainable.
His approach linked academic development with institutional accountability and environmental responsibility.
From Mizoram Raj Bhavan to Odisha Lok Bhavan
Before his appointment as Odisha Governor, Kambhampati served as Governor of Mizoram from 2021 to 2025.
An engineer by training, he holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering and a PhD in Control Systems from Andhra University. Before entering politics, he worked as an associate professor at the university’s engineering college.
His academic background and experience in public service informed his emphasis on higher education, institutional development and sustainability during his tenure in Odisha.
Braj Mohan Ram to Take Over as New Governor
President Droupadi Murmu appointed Braj Mohan Ram as Odisha’s next Governor as part of a wider reshuffle involving six states.
Ram, a senior BJP leader from Jharkhand, previously represented the Palamu Lok Sabha constituency for three consecutive terms and served in the undivided Bihar Legislative Assembly.
His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter at Lok Bhavan, following Kambhampati’s focus on green governance and higher education.
As the transition approaches, the sustainability initiatives and university reforms undertaken during Kambhampati’s tenure remain key highlights of his time in Odisha’s constitutional office.