EIACP (PC-RP) on Environmental Problems of Mining

Date | 05th August 2024:

On Monday, 05.08.2024, the EIACP Programme Centre (RP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad, in association with The Institutions of Engineers (India), Dhanbad Local Centre, organized a Keynote Lecture as part of the Mission LiFE Keynote Lecture Series (2024-25) - Integrative Approaches to Sustainable Development: Innovations, Challenges, and Solutions. The keynote lecture, titled "Smart Solutions for Environmental Applications" was delivered by the keynote speaker Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta, Professor (HAG), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, IIT (ISM), Dhanbad.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. Biswajit Paul, Professor, Dept. of ESE, followed by an inaugural address by Prof. Alok Sinha, Head, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering and Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. Prof. Paul extended his gratitude to the keynote speaker and acknowledged the presence of The Institutions of Engineers (India) Members, Faculty Members, Staff, M.Tech Students, and Research Scholars who all attended the lecture. Prof. Sinha in his inaugural address highlighted the significance of the Mission LiFE initiative in promoting sustainable lifestyle practices and the integration of smart technologies in addressing environmental challenges. Prof Sinha also talked about the newly launched initiative Ideas4LiFE, launched by Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Changeon on 29th July 2024 at Dogra Convention Hall, IIT Delhi. The Ideas4LiFE initiative aims to collect innovative ideas that encourage environmentally friendly behaviors, and to generate practical and impactful solutions that support Mission LiFE’s vision of fostering a citizen-centric, environment-friendly lifestyle while combating climate change.

Following the opening addresses, the keynote lecture by Prof. S.K. Gupta delved into the innovative applications of smart technologies in addressing pressing environmental challenges. Prof. Gupta's presentation highlighted the transformative potential of smart solutions in various environmental sectors, from pollution monitoring and resource management to climate change mitigation. His insights were particularly valuable in illustrating how emerging technologies can be harnessed to create more sustainable and efficient systems. Prof. Gupta in his keynote lecture highlighted three innovative techniques in environmental science and engineering:

1. Modular Underground Rainwater Harvesting System: This pilot project at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, funded by DST under an Indo-EU project, features a modular infiltration ditch system for rainwater harvesting. It collects rainwater from roofs, stores it in an infiltration basin to recharge groundwater, and prevents flooding. The system, which includes on-site analogue and remote digital monitoring, requires no expensive land and is hidden underground. It purifies rainwater through a series of cleaning shafts and layers before it reaches the groundwater, offering a scalable urban water conservation solution.
2. Rapid Organic Waste Stabilizer (ROWS): The ROWS machine converts solid organic waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer in 4 to 6 hours. The end product, rich in Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), represents a significant advancement in nutrient recycling, promoting the concept of “From Nature to Nature.”
3. Integrated River Health Investigation System (IRHIS): This real-time river health monitoring system sends early warnings on flooding and pollution. Equipped with safety alarms, video cameras, and advanced sensors, IRHIS facilitates early detection of flooding, theft, and critical pollution levels, aiding decision-makers in real-time.

Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, joined the event towards the end. In his address, Prof. Dheeraj Kumar underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing environmental sustainability. Prof. Dheeraj Kumar's presence further emphasized the institute's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and interdisciplinary research.

The lecture was attended by 50 nos. of participants, which included The Institutions of Engineers (India) Members, Faculty Members, Staff, M.Tech Students, and Research Scholars, who were highly engaged throughout the lecture, contributing to a vibrant Q&A session at the session's end. Prof. Gupta's discussion not only showcased innovative study and research work but also sparked thoughtful dialogue on the future directions of environmental science and engineering. Prof. Gupta’s presentation exemplified the Ideas4LiFE initiative’s goals by showcasing innovative smart technologies that address key environmental challenges, thus inspiring and engaging young minds in research and development. The discussion highlighted how these technologies can be scaled to promote a citizen-centric, environment-friendly lifestyle and combat climate change, reflecting Ideas4LiFE’s commitment to impactful research and global adoption.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Biswajit Paul, who expressed appreciation for the enlightening presentation and the active participation of all attendees. The Keynote Lecture Series, under the Mission LiFE initiative, successfully reinforced the importance of innovative and integrative approaches to achieving sustainable development goals, setting the stage for future research and discussions in this vital field.

Glimpses of Keynote Lecture delivered by Prof. S.K. gupta under Mission LiFE Keynote Lecture Series on 05.08.2024

(L to R)Prof. Alok Sinha - Head, Dept. of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT(ISM), Prof. S.K. Gupta - Professor(HAG), Dept. of ESE, IIT(ISM) and Prof. Biswajit Paul, Professor, Dept. of ESE, IIT(ISM) during the Mission LiFE Keynote Lecture Series (2024-25).

Prof. Biswajit Paul - Professor, Dept. of ESE, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad delivering the welcome address.

Prof. Alok Sinha - Head, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering and Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad delivering the inaugural address.

Prof. Dheeraj Kumar - Deputy Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad during the Mission LiFE Keynote Lecture Series.

Keynote Speaker: Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta - Professor (HAG), Dept. of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad delivering the keynote lecture on the topic "Smart Solutions for Environmental Applications".

Keynote Speaker: Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta - Professor (HAG), Dept. of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad delivering the keynote lecture on the topic "Smart Solutions for Environmental Applications".

Participants, which included The Institutions of Engineers (India) Members, Faculty Members, Staff, M.Tech Students, and Research Scholars, actively participated in the program and were highly engaged throughout the lecture.

Keynote Speaker: Prof. S.K. Gupta,Professor (HAG), Dept. of ESE, IIT(ISM) felicitated by Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.