The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Citizens Foundation on Thursday organised the fifth edition of its annual flagship event, Green Conclave on the theme "Greener and Better Tomorrow."
The conclave was organised on a virtual platform.
The fifth edition of the Green Conclave deliberated on some important environmental sustainability issues.
The forum highlighted and tried to address some immediate gaps where policy intervention can help accelerate implementation of a circular economy, promote resource efficiency and help create a climate resilient Indian Industry.
Addressing the conclave Praveen Jha, additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and director (Extension Forestry), South Chotanagpur, stated that in the recent past, extreme climate events such as drought, floods, extreme temperatures have been ruining lives.
The direct impact on human life is tremendous and there have been almost five lakh human deaths across the world in the past 20 years.
The additional death due to malnutrition, diarrhea, malaria and heat stress would be to the tune of 2,50,000, he said.
"There is an urgent need to reduce air pollution and also provide safe drinking water , he said, adding that the Union urban development ministry in the National Clean Air Programme -2020 has stated that there must be a reduction in air pollution by 30 per cent by 2024.
Addressing the conclave, Tapas Sahu, vice-chairman, CII Jharkhand State Council and managing director of Highco Engineers Pvt Ltd said that in the era of globalization, industries, irrespective of the sector, size or location, should reduce the environmental impacts of their processes and products, by using resources more efficiently, phasing out toxic substances, substituting fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, enhancing corporate responsibility and reducing risks to the environment, climate and people.
He pointed out that cities today are facing multiple challenges, emerging from an ever increasing demand for services, crumbling infrastructure and climate change.
"Access to safe water, fresh air and sanitation to all is one of the key challenges," he explained.
Navin Prakash Srivastava, general manager, SAIL - Bokaro Steel Plant said," Our nature has the ability to clean itself, only there is a need to reduce human intervention. Health and environment, both are interconnected and we have to restore the ecosystem. As an industry, we have to be proactive and reduce our carbon footprints."
Peeyush Mohit, chief operating officer, O2 Power Private Limited, Prashant Krishnan, head - Environment, Tata Motors Ltd, Siddheshwar Saha, DGM, Tata Cummins Pvt Ltd, Gaurav Anand, chief manager - Business Excellence, Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Ltd and several other speakers addressed the conclave.
