The 16th International Conference, EnviroVision 2024, organised by the Indian Environmental Association (IEA), concluded on January 20th, 2024, successfully bringing together a diverse array of environmental professionals, experts, and enthusiasts. Resuming after a pandemic-induced hiatus, the conference took place at a pivotal time, focusing on Environmental Technologies and Management. IEA also conferred the Lifetime Acheivement Award to Dr Deepak Kantawala for his contribution to the cause of environment and Sustainability.
Challenges in Converting Wastes
Dr Atul N Vaidya, Director of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in his Prof. Soli Arceivala Memorial Address, after providing an overview of the activities at NEERI, enlightened the audience on the challenges in environmental technologies in converting waste to wealth (useful products) as different from chemical technologies. He said that circular economy involves both upcycling and downcycling. Dr Vaidya in his holistic presentation said that it is important to introspect on human beings indulging in overuse, misuse and exploitation of resources, wasteful consumption etc including damage to nature, while animals observe the laws of nature.
Reducing Carbon Emissions and Prospects of Hydrogen Economy
Padma Shri Prof G D Yadav, well decorated and well-known scientists, former Director and Vice Chancellor of ICT expounded articulately on what needs to be done to address environmental issues, global warming and climate change. He said that while Net Zero is being widely bandied about it is not the solution but net negative is the solution. He said that talking of eliminating CO2 etc shows a lack of understanding as CO2 is a needed compound. What is needed is to address the issue of its emissions into the atmosphere, minimising or eliminating carbon emissions as otherwise global temperatures will rise making life on earth difficult. He elaborated on the emerging energy situation where more and more energy generation will be through renewables. The most prospective and viable energy-cum-chemicals production would be hydrogen generated from water, using renewable energy.
Prof Yadav also explained about the various atmospheric cycles. The world is moving into a recycling mode and recycle engineering will become the new name of chemical engineering, he quipped. He was also critical of the talk of banning plastics, which is a versatile material that has led to the saving of forests. The problem, he said is with the throwaway culture. Returning plastics packaging by incentivising would be the best option. Plastics, he said can be depolymerised or recycled.
A Prelude to Environmental Ingenuity
Earlier IEA President MA Naik welcomed the gathering. An overview of EnviroVision-2024 was given by conference chairman Lalit Vashista. The technical session on Environment Social Governance (ESG) delved into corporate culture, compliance, and sustainability. Technical sessions extended into water-related topics, exploring ground breaking wastewater treatment methods and advanced oxidation processes. These were concluded with insights into energy-efficient zero liquid discharge and bio-methanation practices for a sustainable future. There was a technical session on air quality evaluation and efficient vapor recovery systems. Transformative practices of solid waste management, including converting plastics into oil and addressing plastics in water bodies were discussed. There were insightful presentations on cavitation, air quality index, anaerobic digestion and water resource management. The digital/AI/IOT session showcased discussions on IoT in municipal waste sewage, presentations by industry giants ATE Huber and Ion Exchange Ltd, and insights into the digitalization of water assets. There was a thought-provoking panel discussion on the topic.
Prior to the second day conference, there was a one day workshop co-ordinated by Prof Shyam Asolakar, IIT Mumbai. In this workshop the fundamental principles of ZLD were discussed such as with respect to membrane technologies and advanced strategies. This was followed by interactive sessions chaired by Ajay Popat, President, Ion Exchange where case studies and practical application were presented.
Conclusion
A significant highlight was the well-deserved presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Deepak Kantawala. As a teacher, consultant, technocrat, and a remarkable human being, his influence and wisdom have left an indelible mark and in particular in the field of environment.
