- 25 December, 2024
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CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) organized a one- day workshop on Sustainable Waste Management: Challenges & Opportunities in the NEERI Auditorium on 16 December 2024.
The Chief Guest Padma Shri Dr. Sharad Kale, Former Scientist, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and the Guest of Honour Shri Mahesh Patil, Chairman, Goa State Pollution Control Board inaugurated the workshop and addressed the participants. Several eminent dignitaries, including Dr. Sukumar Devotta, Former Director, CSIR- NEERI; Dr. N K Verma, Former Additional Director, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB); Shri P. N. Parameswaran, BEIL Infrastructure Ltd; Shri V. Vinay, Chief Sustainability Officer, PPL; Dr. Nitin Labhsetwar, Chief Scientist and Chair, Environmental Resource Planning and Management Vertical, CSIR-NEERI; Dr. M.P. Patil, Chief Scientist and Chair, Waste Management Vertical, CSIR-NEERI; Dr. Amit Bansiwal, Sr. Principal Scientist and Co-Chair, Sustainable Environmental Processes Vertical, CSIR-NEERI and Dr. A. Ramesh Kumar, Principal Scientist, Waste Management Vertical, CSIR-NEERI participated in panel discussions held after the inauguration.
Padma Shri Dr. Sharad Kale emphasized the importance of maintaining nature's equilibrium, stating, "whatever we take from nature, we must give back to preserve its balance." He cautioned that humanity is currently consuming resources at 1.4 times the Earth's capacity and highlighted the urgent need to achieve 100 percent resource recovery to sustain future generations. Dr. Kale underscored the critical role of sustainability in resource management and stressed the importance of recognizing our responsibilities towards nature. He called for the development of practical, replicable methods that can be easily adopted by others to promote sustainable practices at a larger scale.
Shri Mahesh Patil shared his long association with CSIR-NEERI, which began in 1978 when he worked on mine reclamation projects. He emphasized that waste should not be viewed merely as ‘waste’ but as a valuable ‘resource.’
Shri Patil highlighted the importance of convincing industries to adopt effective waste management practices by demonstrating their economic benefits. He pointed out that the focus has expanded from just industrial waste to also addressing the increasing problems of urban waste. He underscored the need for widespread environmental education and collective efforts to address waste management challenges and promote sustainable practices.
In his welcome address, Dr. Atul N. Vaidya, Director, CSIR-NEERI emphasized the need to move beyond mere compliance and focus on the sustainability of resources rather than treating them as waste. He highlighted the importance of viewing sustainability from the perspective of resource management. Dr. Vaidya provided an example, pointing out the need to assess whether supply chains are environmentally sustainable, stressing the importance of adopting green practices in all aspects of resource utilization.
Dr. M P Patil gave an overview of the workshop. Dr. Amit Bansiwal proposed the vote of thanks.
Dr. Debishree Khan, Scientist, CSIR-NEERI conducted the proceedings.During the panel discussions, experts shared valuable insights and explored innovative strategies on topics such as the remediation of contaminated sites, solid waste management and the circular economy, with a focus on advancing sustainable waste management practices.
