Date | 02nd December 2024:
The EIACP Programme Centre (RP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, on 02.12.2024 organized a keynote lecture under its Mission LiFE Keynote Lecture Series (2024-25), titled "Integrative Approaches to Sustainable Development: Innovations, Challenges, and Solutions". The invited keynote speaker, Dr. M. Velan, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), Kancheepuram and Former Advisor, Environment, Projects & Business Development at NLC India Ltd., delivered an insightful lecture on "Balancing Environmental Protection with Industry Sustainability: A Case Study of a Successful Mining Industry".
Dr. Velan began his keynote lecture by addressing the adverse environmental impacts of mining, including land degradation, loss of biodiversity, water pollution, and disruptions to local ecosystems. He emphasized that while mining is integral to industrial development, unregulated practices pose significant risks to the environment and nearby communities.
A major highlight of the lecture was the presentation of the Integrated Farming System (IFS) as a transformative approach for eco-restoration of mine sites. Dr. Velan explained how IFS can convert barren mine spoil into productive agricultural land by leveraging eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices. This system incorporates a circular economy model, integrating activities such as crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and aquaculture to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.
Dr. Velan shared successful case studies of transforming degraded mining areas into fertile agricultural fields. These efforts not only restore ecological balance but also generate livelihood opportunities for communities residing near mining regions. He underscored the importance of community engagement, capacity-building, and partnerships with local stakeholders to ensure the success of such initiatives.
Dr. Velan called for a collaborative approach involving industry, government, and academia to achieve long-term ecological restoration and sustainable development. The session inspired participants to explore practical solutions for achieving a balance between industrial sustainability and environmental protection. The event was well-received and concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where Dr. Velan addressed queries on sustainable development practices and their scalability in different industrial contexts. Around 50 Research Scholars, Faculty Members and Staff attended the lecture programme, held at Seminar Hall, Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. At the end of the session, Dr. M. Velan was felicitated with a memento by Prof. Alok Sinha, HOD, Dept. of ESE and Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, in recognition of his valuable contribution to the event and his dedication to promoting sustainable development practices.
Glimpses of Mission LiFE Keynote Lecture Series held on 02.12.2024
Invited Keynote Speaker Dr. M. Velan, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM), Kancheepuram and Former Advisor, Environment, Projects & Business Development at NLC India Ltd.
Invited Keynote Speaker Dr. M. Velan, delivering a lecture on "Balancing Environmental Protection with Industry Sustainability: A Case Study of a Successful Mining Industry".
Invited Keynote Speaker Dr. M. Velan, talking about Integrated Farming System (IFS) as a transformative approach for eco-restoration of mine sites.
Dr. Velan interacting with the participants during the Q&A Session.
Dr. Velan felicitated with a memento by Prof. Alok Sinha, HOD, Dept. of ESE and Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.
Dr. M. Velan, interacting with the Faculty Members of the Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
Dr. M. Velan, interacting with the Faculty Members of the Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
Newspaper Clippings:
(Source: Bihar Observer; Dt: 03.12.2024)