In a bid to involve industries in the State’s plan of action to protect the environment, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Friday held an interaction session between the representatives of different industries and the authorities of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on the eve of the World Environment Day on Saturday to discuss and find solutions to the various environment-related issues ailing the industries in the State.
SPCB Member-Secretary Siddhanta Das said, “It is important that industries take a proactive approach to the issues at hand than being reactive to the existing set of guidelines related to environment protection. A proactive approach to issues helps in damage control to a great extent. This can be done by adopting carbon foot printing which ensures a cut in the amount of emissions by 20 per cent to 25 per cent. It is expected that before the Ministry comes up with some regulations, industries think of something to reduce CO2 emissions. We are also planning to cut down the emissions by commissioning an innovative technology, which uses algae to absorb the carbon dioxide emissions.”
Covener of Environment Panel, CII-Odisha State Council Jeevan Mohapatra said, “The State Government is making action plans to handle climate change and related issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, sequestration of carbon and increasing the green coverage.” As per the demands of the industry, the SPCB will be more open in respect to the new laws, guidelines and the procedures for various permissions. These will be uploaded on SPCB’s website and in a few months’ time people can access information directly from its portal,” he said.
At least 40 companies participated in the discussion, out of which JK Paper Mills, Land Mark Dalmia group, Odisha Power Generation Corporation, Rungta Mines; Sun Consultancy and Services. Tata Refractories and Universal Ferro Alloys presented their environment-related issues before the panel.
