Nagpur: CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) celebrated 82rd CSIR Foundation Day on 4 October 2024 in the NEERI Auditorium. Prof. RanganBanerjee, Director, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhiwas the Chief Guest on this occasion. Dr. Atul N. Vaidya, Director, CSIR-NEERI and Mr. Prakash Kumbhare, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-NEERI shared the dais.
Delivering a lecture on "The Challenge of Sustainability and Environmental Research," Prof. Banerjee expressed concern over current consumption patterns. He pointed out that the exponential growth across various sectors is directly linked to unsustainable practices. He stated that data from the Intergovernmental Scientific Carbon Observation Network (ISCON) highlights the direct relationship between CO2 concentrations and global temperature equilibrium. The stable temperature regime that has persisted since the Holocene epoch is now being threatened, he added.
Prof. Banerjee advocated for significant reforms in energy systems to limit CO2 emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized that to solve sustainability issues,we need new technologies and a clear understanding of their social and economic effects. He further noted that there are still considerable gaps in our scientific knowledge, necessitating the fostering of curiosity and innovation. Prof. Banerjee also mentioned that a thorough analysis of air pollution, climate change, and energy systems will be key to creating a sustainable future. He described the significant scientific and technological achievements of IIT Delhi and expressed a desire to collaborate with CSIR-NEERI.
In his welcome address, Dr. Atul Vaidya, Director, CSIR-NEERI highlighted the core objectives behind the founding of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). He emphasized the organization’s long-standing mission to drive scientific excellence and technological innovation for the benefit of society. He underlined the need for a balanced approach, where both fundamental science and applied technology work together to address complex societal issues such as climate change and sustainable resource management.
Dr. Debishree Khan conducted the proceedings and Prakash Kumbhare proposed the vote of thanks.
The staff members of CSIR-NEERI, who had completed 25 years of service, and those who had retired during September 2023 and August 2024, were honoured on the occasion. The e-version of Paryavaran Patrika was launched during the event. A book titled Bamboo Diversity in India and Its Role in Surface Erosion Control was also released.
The 'Micro Research Project Competition' was organized under the 'JIGYASA' initiative and prizes were given away to the winners. In the first category (5th to 7th standards), first prize was conferred to Swatantryaveer Sawarkar Vidya Bhawan, Mahal, Nagpur for presenting the model on ‘Plastic Recycling Plant’; second prize was awarded to Lalitha Public School, Wardhaman Nagar, Nagpur for the model on ‘Fire Alarming and Fire Fighting for Forest Fire Using Garbage Electricity’; third prize went to Mundle English Medium School, Nagpur for the model on ‘Smart Dustbin’; and consolation prizes were awardedto Anjuman English Primary School, Nagpur for the model on ‘Rainwater Harvesting’ and Knowledge Gaining Nest Public School Nagpur for the model on ‘Waste Water Treatment Plant’.
In the second category (8th -10th standards), first prize was given away to Somalwar High School and Junior College Nikalas Branch Nagpur for the model on ‘Domestic Water Treatment Plant’; second prize to Lalitha Public School, Wardhaman Nagar, Nagpur for the model on ‘PlastisustainConcrete Initiative’; and third prize was conferred to KarmaneyaSchool of Excellence, Butibori for the model on ‘Sewage Treatment Plant’. Consolation prizes awarded to KendriyaVidyalaya Ordnance Factory Ambajhari for the model on ‘Save Environment with Sustainable Development’ and Narayana Vidyalayam Chinchbhuvan for the model on ‘PREVENTIA’.
In the third category (11th to 12th standards), first prize was conferred to Kendriya Vidyalaya Ordnance Factory Ambajharifor presenting the model on ‘Microalgae Multi-Utility Future Energy Source’’; second prize was given away to SandipaniJunior College, Hazaripahad for the model on ‘Smart Irrigation System: Precision Farming’; and third prize to PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya Ajni for the model on ‘Water Management’.
The Institute was opened to the general public, including students. Approximately 3,132 students from 59 schools and colleges across Nagpur and Vidarbha visited the Institute. CSIR-NEERI scientists briefed the visitors on the Institute's significant R&D activities and achievements, providing practical demonstrations in the laboratories and at the Harit Sangrahalaya. The visitors also had the opportunity to interact with the scientists on various issues related to environmental science and engineering.
