BHUBANESWAR, INDIA - WTC Bhubaneswar in association with “Business Standard” one of the leading business daily of India organized a panel discussion on Smart Waste Management here on June 23, 2017. The moderated panel discussion was led by Mr. Dillip Satapathy, Resident Editor, Business Standard with eminent speakers in the panel representing the industry, government and academia. Mr. Ashok Behera, Vice President, Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd., Dr. P.K. Prusty, Senior Environmental Scientist, Odisha Pollution Control Board and Mr.Subrata Panigrahi, Director, Institute of Quality Environment and Management Services Pvt. Ltd. were the three key members of the esteemed panel. 

While initiating the discussion Mr. Satapathy shared his views on the importance of the session on a subject of significance by stating waste management as a major cause of concern. He further elaborated on how the changing lifestyles and industrialization has compelled the society to think about this particular aspect which is having huge impact on the global climate and wellbeing of its dwellers. He also took the opportunity to welcome the panellists and shared a brief introduction of their professional experience and expertise with the august audience. 

Mr. Subrata Panigrahi, while sharing his perspective on the subject advocated for the more and more need for sensitization in this sector. “It is only through creation of awareness that the people could be made to realise that waste has immense potentials for recycling” he added. He deliberated on the need for more educational programs which could highlight the particular waste management techniques for different kinds of waste. He cited an example of how metal and plastic recovery from e-waste could be brought for reuse. He also highlighted that the sector could become more organized with better coordination of the waste handlers with the rag pickers and kabadiwalas. 

While discussing about industrial waste, Mr. Ashok Behera shared his experience on various technical as well as marketability aspects of industrial waste products such as fly ash bricks. He also highlighted the bottlenecks faced in meeting the construction standards as far as fly ash bricks were concerned. 

Dr. P.K. Prusty through his detailed presentation explained to the audience the various types of waste and the different regulatory norms to be followed in handling them. He also put forth the suggestions for overcoming the economic, technical and regulatory barriers to make waste management process a viable and income generating proposition.
Earlier in her welcome address Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan, Manager, WTC Bhubaneswar while welcoming the esteemed dignitaries and delegates mentioned about the objective of the session and stated that There is a growing realization of the negative impacts that wastes have had on the local environment (air, water, land, human health etc.) The challenges and barriers are significant, but so are the opportunities. The discussions would deliberate on how enterprises can profit from their waste reducing, recycling, upcycling and generating energy, while contributing to the Swachh Bharat mission” she added.

The session further witnessed active participation of over 80 participating delegates in an open house discussion adding much value to the program. 

In Photo(L-R): Mr. Subrata Panigrahi, Mr. A.K.Behera, Dr.P.K.Prusty, Mr. Dillip Satapathy, Ms. Nimeshika Natarajan