Aafrin Kidwai The day-long CII International Waste to Worth Conference on Friday saw a series of engaging discussions by industry stalwarts on various topics revolving around the theme of “Achieving a circular economy through the 3Rs.”
In his welcome address, Mr Palaniappam, Chairman, CII Task Force on Waste to Worth – CEO, Mahindra Waste to Energy said, “The CII Task Force on Waste to Worth is working to facilitate better practices in the sector as well as collaborate and work with key stakeholders in the area. We are optimistic that these efforts will have an impact on waste management.”
Attended by over a thousand delegates, the online conference saw the announcement of the winners of the CII 3R awards, as follows:
- Excellence in 3R For Industry (Managing Own Waste) – Tata Steel, Mahindra Accelo
- Excellence in Municipal Solid Waste: Zigma Enviro Solutions and Saahas Zero Waste
- Excellence in Design, Innovation and Developing Product Generating Zero Waste at User End – Praj Industries
- Excellence in Managing Plastic Waste – NEPRA, Sarthak
- Excellence in Managing E-Waste — EXIGO Recycling
Speaking at the inaugural session, during which the winners were announced, Prof K Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India said, “The winners are setting high standards for how we handle our waste. This pandemic is a wake up call. It is a very important time for us to work together to solve the waste management challenges facing our country.”
Dr Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Grand Jury, CII 3R Awards and Chairman, Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology Commission said, “If you do a lifecycle analysis, investments in technological innovation will payback much better than what we can possibly imagine and waste to wealth will become a way of life. The 3R awards, can be leveraged to motivate the industry and create a movement. Collective action is essential to achieve our goal for a Clean India.”
Highlighting the importance of promoting waste management technologies in India, Dr. Neeraj Sharma – Secretary, Technology Development Board, GoI reminded attendees of the challenges facing India in the waste management sector. “78 million tonnes of waste is produced in urban Indian while 97 tonnes is produced in rural India each year – but only 15 percent is being treated. The Technology Development Board has funded a few companies within the sector and we want to encourage more start-ups to take our support. This Conference will help us potentially identify such companies, which we can support in our mission for a clean India.’
Mr Chandrajit Banerjee – Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry described the CII’s various initiatives in waste management. “The CII has been working towards the 3Rs for managing waste effectively by bringing together all the players in the sector, including technology providers, investors, waste management companies from India and abroad on a single platform to deliberate on innovative technology solutions towards keeping India clean in a sustainable manner and encourage the adoption of 3R practices. The CII has been supporting government initiatives towards phasing out the single-use plastics industry. We have been also successfully running a pilot project waste to manure in Delhi in association with East Delhi Municipal Corporation. I take this opportunity to congratulate all the companies who are consciously and actively engaged in waste management initiatives. We want to assure you, that the CII is committed to recognizing the goals of SBM and scientific waste management in the country.”
Ms. Martina Tauberová, – Deputy Minister, EU Affairs and Foreign Trade, Ministry of Industry and Trade, The Czech Republic said the conference demonstrates how a circular economy is closely intertwined with waste management. “Let me assure you that the Czech Republic also recognises its importance and has developed a sound waste management framework. Over the next 15 days, we will be showcasing Czech companies that are operating in waste recycling.”
There were four panel discussions during the conference, which continued till 5.30pm. Check out our website for highlights on each of the sessions.
Organized in association with the Technology Development Board, GoI and supported by Swachh Bharat Mission, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, GoI, the Czech Republic is a partner country this year for an accompanying virtual exhibition that will continue till November 15.
Register here to visit the virtual exhibition.
