Pollution is headlining the news almost every day. We hear about it, see it and feel it on an everyday basis. And this problem is only increasing; it is not only threatening our environment, but also posing significant risks to public health and our economic stability.
The problem of industrial pollution is not new, but its implications are increasingly dire as we face unprecedented health and environmental crises. Greenhouse gas emissions, the discharge of toxic chemicals into our waterways, and improper disposal of industrial waste have far-reaching impacts. And considering we are a growing country with an aim to reach net zero emissions, this challenge sits at the nexus of our economic aspirations and environmental responsibilities.
However, considering the pressing need to foster sustainable development, I believe the challenge of industrial pollution offers us an opportunity to reshape our industrial processes with a lens of sustainability.
To do that, the top priority for us should be to adopt a responsibility and accountability mindset. Understanding and recognizing our role in maintaining the health of our communities and environment, and acting accordingly is the need of the hour. We have reached a point where just adhering to regulatory standards is not enough, we must be proactive and exceed legal compliance by creating and adopting best practices in environmental management. Operationally, it means enhancing energy efficiency, investing in cleaner technologies, committing to a circular economy model and minimizing waste production.
Technological advancements and integration in our processes arguably holds the maximum potential to bring the transformation of the industry. Advances in waste recycling, pollution control, clean energy and sustainable materials give us the tools critical to reduce the industrial environmental footprint. What we need today is closer collaboration between the industry and innovators to leverage the technological prowess and propel the industry ahead sustainably.
From policy perspective, we must create a regulatory ecosystem that is forward-looking, encourage the industry to proactively pursue operational excellence, and incentivize sustainable practices. We need a system that bring behavioural change of not looking at sustainable management of environmental issues as peripheral concerns but rather as the foundation of our future industry.
“Industrial Pollution Control Congress 2024” to lead by example by driving a cultural and behavioural shift, and keep sustainability at the centre of your pollution control strategy. It is not enough to mitigate the impact of pollution, we must work towards creating positive environmental impacts. I just want to say that it’s a collective effort and journey for us. It requires unwavering commitment, collaboration, innovation and bold action from each one of us for not only being compliant but also steering the industry towards a healthy and clean future. And as leaders in your fields, you have the capability to do so.
Thank you,
J S KamyotraCo-Chair – Organising Committee, Industrial Pollution Control Congress 2024 &
Former Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board
