Press Release
The mining sector in Rajasthan should ensure a 33 per cent green cover. There is a large number of small and large mines in the State; if they ensure a 33 per cent green cover, it will go a long way in ensuring long term environmental sustainability. This was stated by Chairman, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, Government of Rajasthan, Mr Sudhansh Pant, today. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the 5th Edition of ‘The 7Rs Conference: Roadmap for a Greener Tomorrow’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in Jaipur. Mr Pant said that while most of the industrial projects were taking care of the stipulated green cover, the mining sector should also take a cue from them and do their bit for promoting the green environment in the State. Mr Pant said that CII has taken a commendable initiative in creating awareness towards a more sustainable and green environment. He also stated that small steps by everyone will go a long way in making the environment more sustainable. Giving examples, he said that this could be by way of using less water and power and even curtailing the use of ACs. Recycled water should be used for gardening. The lifestyle choices that we make will ensure a greener tomorrow. He also said that the Government of Rajasthan is coming out with an e-waste policy. The draft is ready and has been shared with the stakeholders for their comments and suggestions.
In his theme address the Chief Executive Officer & WTD, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Mr Arun Misra said that Rajasthan has huge potential for solar energy. The potential of this source of energy has to be optimally and effectively utilized. Most investors look into the business, financial and production aspects of the industry. However, now the environmental and sustainability factor is also assessed. He also pointed out that Covid was a wake-up call for all environment conscious projects. And they took steps accordingly.
Managing Director, Glass Solutions & Strategic Projects, Saint-Gobain India Private Limited, Mr Eisenhower Swaminathan said that today buildings are a part of the environmental problem. The carbon dioxide emissions are very high. In view of this, optimum daylighting is a major solution to energy saving. The projects must use high dual energy efficient glass which can also be fire-resistant in their project for saving energy.
The Deputy Head of Plant Operations, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, Mr Mukesh Goyal said that there is only one Earth. No one should forget that. In the Paris Climate Agreement, 700 cities across the world committed to cut emissions as well as countries like the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Many companies have already declared their NetZero goals. Today, digitisation is playing a significant role in ensuring sustainable development.
Executive Director, Godrej Green Business Centre, Mr K.S. Venkatagiri said that three trends are very noticeable. Firstly, the Governments are taking initiative for a greener India. They are playing the role of facilitation. Secondly, the industries and corporations have taken initiative for sustainability goals. While the large industries have already announced such measures, the smaller industries are also taking appropriate steps now. Thirdly, the new technology which is emerging will help foster a green environment, nationally and internationally. He also emphasised that a positive mindset has to be adopted to combat climate change.
Mr Pant also gave away awards to green rating companies which have been adopting green-friendly processes. (Please see box).
Earlier, the Chairman, CII, Mr Gaurav Rungta welcomed the guests and said that the 5th Edition of ‘The 7Rs Conference: Roadmap for a Greener Tomorrow’ has been organised with the objective of creating a buzz and awareness of a sustainable green environment. The vote of thanks was proposed by Vice Chairman, CII, Mr Abhinav Banthia.
The Inaugural session was followed by two sessions comprising of industry leaders discussing, namely- Regulatory Landscape on Environmental Management & Future Ready Green Ecosystems; and Industries in harmony with Nature.
The panels comprised of senior representatives of several companies like Dr. Ashok Kumar, Vice Chairman, Greenscape Eco Management Pvt. Ltd.; Dr. Anil Trivedi, Assistant VP and Corporate Head – Environment, Shree Cement Ltd.; Mr. Radhashyam Kedia, Vice President, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.; Mr. Anil Kumar Jain, Head – Environment & Sustainability, JK Cement Ltd., Dr. Desh Deepak Chaturvedi, Head EHS, DCM Shriram Ltd. Additionally the panels comprised of Mr. P.K. Tripathi, Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board, Western Region and Mr. N Muthusezhiyan, Principal Counsellor, CII-Green Building Centre.
The sessions were chaired by Mr. Anand Mishra, Chairman, IGBC Jaipur and Mr. C Chandru, Chairman CII GreenCo, Rajasthan Forum and Dy. COO, Hindustan Zinc Ltd. Smelter.
Director and Head, CII, Rajasthan, Mr Nitin Gupta said that for managing plastics, CII has been working on a better policy framework such as Extended Producer Responsibility ( EPR) Rules of Plastic Waste Management and end of life plastic management projects.