The mining sector in Rajasthan should ensure a 33% green cover, an official said on Tuesday, adding if the small and large mines in the state ensure green cover, it will go a long way in ensuring long term environmental sustainability.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 5th Edition of ‘The 7Rs Conference: Roadmap for a Greener Tomorrow’ organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board Chairman Sudhansh Pant said that while most of the industrial projects were taking care of the stipulated green cover, the mining sector should also take a cue from them and do their bit for promoting the green environment.
Pant said that CII has taken a commendable initiative in creating awareness towards a more sustainable and greener environment.
He also stated that small steps by everyone will go a long way in making the environment more sustainable.
Giving examples, he said that this could be a way of using less water and power and even curtailing the use of ACs. Recycled water should be used for gardening.
The lifestyle choices that we make will ensure a greener tomorrow. He also said that the government of Rajasthan is coming out with an e-waste policy. The draft is ready and has been shared with the stakeholders for their comments and suggestions.
In his theme address, the Chief Executive Officer & WTD, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Arun Misra said that Rajasthan has huge potential for solar energy.
The potential of this source of energy has to be optimally and effectively utilised. Most investors look into the business, financial and production aspects of the industry.
However, now the environmental and sustainability factor is also assessed. He also pointed out that Covid was a wake-up call for all environment conscious projects. And they took steps accordingly.
MD, Glass Solutions & Strategic Projects, Saint-Gobain India Private Limited, Eisenhower Swaminathan said that today buildings are a part of the environmental problem.
The carbon dioxide emissions are very high. In view of this, optimum daylighting is a major solution to energy saving. The projects must use high dual energy efficient glass which can also be fire-resistant in their project for saving energy.
Pant also gave away awards to green rating companies which have been adopting green-friendly processes.
The Inaugural session was followed by two sessions, namely – Regulatory Landscape on Environmental Management & Future Ready Green Ecosystems; and Industries in harmony with Nature.
Director and Head, CII, Rajasthan, Nitin Gupta said that for managing plastics, CII has been working on a better policy framework such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Rules of Plastic Waste Management and end of life plastic management projects.
