The implementation of ‘ Green Chemistry and engineering principles’ and development of ‘green technologies’ are paramount for ensuring sustainable development of human race, said the Governor of Uttarakhand, Krishan Kant Paul while addressing the first international conference on Green Chemistry/ Engineering and Technologies for Sustainable Development (GCET-2017) at Punjab University, Chandigarh on Thursday.
He expressed happiness at the fact that the UGC has awarded the Punjab University and Florida Polytechnic University a collaborative project under “Indo-US 21st Century Knowledge Initiative”, aimed at developing Green Chemistry/Engineering and Technologies for education, research and outreach for sustainable development. The Governor said the conference will primarily have to address the global challenges being faced by the scientific community of the world. He said that challenges like ever increasing industrialization, containing the volatile organic and synthetic pollutants and improving the quality of air and water face the scientific community. On use of “Green technologies” the Governor said, “Chemistry is involved in every aspect of our life. I greatly appreciate this venture of the organisers to bring eminent scientists, technologists and experts from all over the world to explore the interdisciplinary aspects of green Chemistry to tackle major environmental problems.”
The Governor said that the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21) raised concern about climate change and subsequent emphasis on developing green technologies and implementing green chemistry/engineering principles demonstrates the urgent need for collaborative initiatives on research, education and outreach activities between developed and developing nations.
He expressed the hope that that the conference would be able to create and provide a genuine platform for fruitful discussion on innovative methods and novel technologies in the frontier areas of Chemistry that may benefit our society at large.
The Vice Chancellor (VC) of Punjab University, Chandigarh Arun Kumar Grover, President, Florida Polytechnic University, USA Randy Avent, Head of Department (HOD) of Chemistry, Punjab University, P Venugopalan, Dr Jaspreet Dhau of Florida Polytechnic University and others were present on the occasion.