The Hindu 05.10.2010
Experts focus on making the best use of waste
Special Correspondent
JAIPUR: Experts at a workshop on waste management organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here over the weekend called for “proactive action” by industry, government agencies and society at large for ensuring safe disposal of waste material and gainful utilisation of recycled products.
They emphasised the need for finding out sustainable solutions to the challenges of waste management and minimise the risk posed by hazardous industrial waste to water and environment.
“For a better environment, we must know how to make the best out of waste,” said Rajasthan Minister of State for Environment and Forests Ramlal Jat. He said if sincere efforts were made in the beginning, a clean and hygienic environment could be ensured during the execution of industrial projects.
Waste recycling
The Minister said recycling of the waste material could help protect environment and added that safe disposal of hazardous waste, including the bio-waste, should get the highest priority of industry. He pointed out that the State's environment policy had attached a great significance to scientific waste management.
The speakers pointed out that sustainability of waste management was the key to providing a continuous and effective service satisfying the needs of all stakeholders and end users. The 10 {+t} {+h} Five Year Plan document reveals that the country produces 48 million tonnes of urban solid waste annually and the solid waste generation is approximately 0.4 kg per capita per day.
Principal Environment Secretary V. S. Singh said the industry should not only be eco-friendly but should also comply with the rules and regulations for environment protection. “Business must address the challenges and turn them into opportunities for sustainability,” he affirmed.
‘Revenue earning'
CII State Council vice-chairman S. G. Vyas said waste management was an integral part of contemporary industrial functions, while some industries utilised the waste products of other industries to earn revenue out of it. Param Kannampilly of Concept Hospitality made a presentation on the methods for utilising waste products and making “meaningful solutions” out of them. He said the best practices in the field included preparation of vermi-compost, in-house waste management treatment plants and the use of recycled water.
Experts from all over the country threw light on various subjects such as growing challenges of industrial waste, case studies on mining, technological innovations in municipal solid waste management, plastic waste management, e-waste management and innovations in industrial wastewater management.
