CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) celebrated World Environment Day on Saturday with Radhakrishnan B., Municipal Commissioner as the chief guest. Dr D S Pai, Head, Climate
Research and Services, India Meteorological Department, Pune, joined as main speaker and Dinni Lingaraj, Group Manager, Corporate Sustainability Programme, Wipro Limited, Bengaluru was the guest speaker. Dr S Chandrasekhar, Director, CSIR-NEERI and Dr Sadhana Rayalu, Senior most scientists, CSIR-NEERI were also present on this occasion.
Radhakrishnan emphasised on the long-term collaboration of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) with leading research and academic Institutes of Nagpur including CSIR-NEERI. The knowledge shared by scientists and academicians lays foundation for effective planning and successful implementation of NMC’s development projects, he added. Radhakrishnan informed that CSIR-NEERI has always supported NMC in various ventures. He appreciated the efforts of CSIR-NEERI to combat COVID-19 pandemic. He urged scientists to explore and propel nature-based solutions to restore urban ecosystems. He stressed on the need to create more green spaces in city to increase biodiversity, as urban green spaces act as a component of an ecosystem.
Radhakrishnan exhorted that technology advances in solid waste management is need of the hour. He appealed the CSIR-NEERI scientists to work together for rejuvenation of Nag river and lakes restoration in the city.
Delivering a speech on ‘Climate Services for Society’, Dr Pai expressed concern over the impacts of climate change. He stated that the risks associated with climate change can be reduced through climate services. He informed that India’s climate services effectively convey information to users in India and South Asia for decision-making to reduce risks due to climate change. The climate services facilitate to take smart decisions for the society and policy makers. This helps society to cope with current climate variability and limit the economic and social damage caused by climate-related disasters, he added.
Speaking on ‘Citizen-led Ecorestoration: Experiences and Reflections’, Lingaraj detailed about the eco-restoration activities undertaken by Wipro Ltd. to achieve net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2040 and a 55% reduction by 2030. Explaining the eight governing principles of sustainability, he mentioned that Wipro has engaged the community and students for eco-restoration in various cities. Urban waste management, community gardening and ground water management have been given priority, he added. Lingaraj also stated about the Butterfly Park and Wetland Park created in the campuses of Wipro. Highlighting sustainability education, he said that Wipro earthian is one of the largest environment programmes reaching out to more than 11000 schools and 1500 colleges. Speaking on the collaboration with Bangalore Sustainability Forum (BSF), he informed that BSF undertakes citizen–led eco-restoration projects including biodiversity, urban climate change, urban water and urban waste management.
In his opening remarks, Dr S Chandrasekhar, Director, CSIR-NEERI highlighted the importance of World Environment Day. He asserted that CSIR-NEERI has rendered significant contributions in the area of eco-restoration since its inception. But, our scientists have still to do much more, as restoring ecosystems can play a major role in further controlling global warming and climate change.
The students and teachers from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and other schools prominently participated in this programme under ‘Jigyasa’ and ‘Vigyan Jyoti’ schemes of Government of India. They interacted with the experts on various environmental issues.
This event was broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook.
