The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering celebrated World Environment Day on June 05, 2023, initiating awareness of the need to combat the climate crisis posed by global plastic pollution. The department organised two invited lectures from industry experts to expound on the theme of World Environment Day 2023, “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”. Efficient ways to tackle plastic pollution in the country and local waste management systems and policies were key points of discussion. Prof. K V Jayakumar, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal and Mr M V Chary, President, Jindal Urban Waste Management, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, were the invited speakers.

Prof. K V Jayakumar lent thought-provoking insights into the types of water and how marketing strategies sell water at high prices to consumers. He also shared his experience of his visits to other countries in Europe and Asia where water is utilised wisely. Apart from water and plastic pollution, he also addressed the pressing issue of climate change happening over the years and the consequent increase in temperature. Prof. Jayakumar also suggested the book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson, which is often viewed as a landmark work of environmental writing, focusing on the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment.

Mr M V Chary shared in-depth information about the Jindal Urban Waste Management at Guntur, stating the various source of waste, collection points, transportation to the Jindal Waste – Energy Plant, and how waste is converted to energy (through incineration) at the plant. Unique aspects of the plant were also discussed at length, along with a video presentation demonstrating the complete working of the plant. The interactive session with Mr Chary, wherein he shared his expertise in the industrial sector, was beneficial for the students.

A pledge was taken by all participants at the end of the seminar emphasising the importance of saving the environment, sustainable resource management and the need of awareness among all in reducing the pollution as well as global warming and climate change.

Dr Karthik Rajendran, HOD of the Department, delivered the welcome address and the event witnessed an active participation of 85 participants which constitutes Professors, Faculty, PhD Scholars, Undergraduate students from various departments. There were also faculty and scholars from neighbouring colleges such as Acharya Nagarjuna University, Sidhartha Mahila Kalasala and Ministry of Culture, New Delhi.