By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: The National Green Metal Conference 2024, which is themed ‘Balancing the Metal Eco-Systems: Towards Green Sustainability’, has commenced at a private hotel in Bhubaneswar. This event is organized in association with the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha, and the Biju Patnaik National Steel Institute (BPNSI). Scheduled for the 6th and 7th of February, the conference provides a crucial platform for industry stakeholders, experts, academics, institutions, and policymakers to discuss and strategize the future of the metal and mining sector’s ecosystem.
The conference commenced with a distinctive touch, as guests were presented with flower pots. This unique gesture was further highlighted by the inauguration ceremony, which involved watering the plants that were gifted. This act not only symbolized the conference’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also set a tone of ecological mindfulness for the proceedings.
Dr. K. Murugesan (IFS), Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board, Odisha, extended a warm welcome to the attendees, while Mrs. Ruchika Chaudhry Govil, (IRS), Additional Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, conveyed her greetings and message. She emphasized the critical challenges of sustainable development and climate change, underscoring the need to achieve ‘zero’ carbon emissions by 2070. This goal is supported by the presence of major Indian metal producers at the conference.
Shri N N Sinha (IAS), Secretary, Ministry of Steel, Government of India, delivered a message through virtual mode. Following him, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Jena (IS), Chief Secretary of Odisha, spoke as the chief guest. He highlighted the Odisha government’s commitment to state development and environmental protection, expressing confidence that collaboration with the country’s leading metal producers would help achieve these targets.
Mr. Pritam S. Purkayasta, Director of BPNSI, elaborated on the conference theme. Nihar Ranjan Sahu, Chief Environment and Environmental Engineer, State Pollution Control Board, Odisha, expressed gratitude to the guests and participants.
The conference’s four sessions focused on India’s climate change vision, innovations in the steel and aluminum sector, and the future of metal production in the context of the circular economy. Over two days, the conference aims to showcase the latest technology trends in environmental pollution control, monitoring, circular economy, and technological advancements in areas such as alternative energy, sustainable mining, and economic management. The goal is to facilitate a smooth transition towards a green environment.
This conference offers a unique opportunity for industry and mining organizations to learn about the latest in climate change mitigation technologies, environmental monitoring, and data acquisition and storage. It also fosters knowledge exchange, contributing to the advancement of the mining and industrial sector and the overall progress of the metallurgical sector.
