A national seminar on “Sustainable Environment 2023: Solution to Plastic Pollution” was inaugurated by Minister, Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Paradeep Kumar Amat here on Saturday.
The programme was organised by the Institute of Quality and Environment Management Services (IQEMS) in association with the Odisha State Pollution Control Board and the State Productivity Council.
Minister Amat spoke about the steps taken by the Government in combating plastic pollution and called upon all stakeholders to work together to promote a sustainable environment.
Guest of honour Ashok Kumar Tripathy, Independent Director, SAIL and External Monitor, GAIL, gave the examples of the project relating to sustainable environment by the SAIL. Dr K Murugesan, Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board, referred to the steps taken by the OSPCB and the Government in addressing the plastic pollution problem.
Dr Tapan Chand, well-known industry professional, said business and environment are not in conflict but are in collaboration for promoting sustainable environment. He informed that the aluminium industry is committed to net zero carbon by 2050. And in this direction, the Vedanta is leading the Indian industries in aluminium sector.
He explained that bauxite mining doesn’t destroy forest but helps developing green forest which is for all to see in Damanjodi, Nalco, where reclaimed bauxite mining lands are full of lush green trees. He added that since bauxite seams (ore layers) do not allow water to sip in, big trees with deep roots do not grow on such deposits and only small trees and herbs survive. Once the bauxite layer is removed, the earth becomes fertile to support big trees and thick jungles develop in such areas.