EIACP (PC-RP) on Environmental Problems of Mining

Date | 26.02.2025:

As part of the ongoing centenary celebrations of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, the EIACP Programme Centre at Department of Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) in association with the Society of Environmental Science and Engineering (SESE), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad organized an insightful keynote lecture under the Mission LiFE: Lifestyle for Environment Keynote Lecture Series [2024-25] on 26th February 2025 at GJLT, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Invited Keynote Speaker - Dr. Partha Chakravarty, MD, Rigel Bioenviron Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata, India and an alumnus of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, delivered an insightful and thought-provoking lecture on the topic “Waste to Wealth Initiative: Converting Waste Organics to Valuable Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) Bio-plastic, Bio-CNG, Bio-derivatives via Cost Effective Techniques”.

At the heart of Dr. Chakravarty’s lecture was a fundamental question: Can we completely eradicate plastic from our lives? The reality, as he pointed out, is that modern society is deeply reliant on plastic, making its complete elimination nearly impossible. The real challenge, therefore, lies in tackling the mounting crisis of non-degradable plastic waste, which persists in the environment as a harmful pollutant, threatening ecosystems and human health alike. In response to this pressing issue, Dr. Chakravarty presented a transformative solution - biodegradable bio-plastics derived from organic waste. Unlike conventional plastics that linger in nature for centuries, these innovative PHA-based bio-plastics decompose naturally, leaving no toxic residue behind. His research and technological advancements offer a sustainable alternative, enabling a shift towards environmentally friendly materials without compromising the benefits of plastic that society depends on. A key aspect of his lecture was the emphasis on cost-effective waste-to-resource conversion techniques, making large-scale adoption of such solutions feasible in India. He highlighted how these technologies align with the Mission LiFE campaign, promoting sustainable production and waste reduction, while also contributing to India's Net Zero Mission by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and synthetic plastics.

The event saw an enthusiastic participation of 125 attendees, including UG/PG students, research scholars, faculty members, and staff, all of whom were inspired to think critically about sustainable waste management and innovative bio-solutions. Following the lecture, Dr. Chakravarty conducted a hands-on laboratory demonstration, showcasing the process of bio-plastic production from sludge, giving participants a practical understanding of the technology and its real-world applications. Additionally, he presented documentary videos highlighting innovative waste-to-wealth solutions and engaged in an interactive discussion with B.Tech students, answering their thought-provoking questions and deepening their understanding of sustainable plastic alternatives.

This event was organized under the guidance and support of Prof. Alok Sinha (HOD, Dept. of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP Centre), Prof. S.K. Maiti (Professor (HAG), Dept. of ESE), Prof. S.K. Gupta, (Dean - Student Welfare & Professor (HAG), Dept. Of ESE), and Prof. Suresh Pandian (Assoc. Professor, Dept. of ESE & Co-coordinators, EIACP Centre). The event was sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Govt. of India.

Glimpses of the Mission LiFE Keynote Lecture held on 26.02.2025.

Assemblage of participants at GJLT, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad for the Keynote Lecture Program.

Mr. Siddharth Amareshwar - 3rd year,B.Tech & Coordinator, SESE delivering the welcome address.

Prof. S.K. Maiti - Professor (HAG), Dept. of ESE, presenting a floral bouquet to Dr. Partha Chakrabarty as a token of warm welcome and appreciation.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty - MD, Rigel Bioenviron Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata, India, lighting the lamp.

Prof. S.K. Maiti lighting the lamp.

Prof. S.K. Gupta - Dean (Student Welfare) & Professor (HAG), Dept. Of ESE, lighting the lamp.

Prof. Suresh Pandian - Associate Professor, Dept. of ESE & Co-coordinators, EIACP Centre lighting the lamp.

Prof. Tinesh Pathania - Assistant Professor, Dept. Of ESE, lighting the lamp.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty, delivering an insightful and thought-provoking lecture on the topic “Waste to Wealth Initiative: Converting Waste Organics to Valuable Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) Bio-plastic, Bio-CNG, Bio-derivatives via Cost Effective Techniques”.

Participnats including UG/PG students, research scholars, faculty members, and staff attending the Keynote Lecture Program.

An interactive Q&A Session being held after an insightful keynote lecture.

Prof. Alok Sinha - HOD, Dept. of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP Centre, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Prof. S.K. Maiti felicitating Dr. Partha Chakraborty with a memento as a token of appreciation for his time and invaluable insights.

Prof. Alok Sinha and Prof. S.K. Maiti sharing a few words of appreciation and insights.

Mr. Nikhil R. - 3rd year, B.Tech. & Head of Research division, SESE delivering vote of thanks at the end of the program.

Group Photo

Newspaper Clippings.

Prabhat Khabar - 27.02.2025

Dainik Bhaskar - 27.02.2025

Bihar Observerr - 27.02.2025

Other News Sources: आईआईटी धनबाद में वेस्ट टू वेल्थ पर व्याख्यान का आयोजन (www.livehindustan.com; Dt: 27.02.2025)

Glimpses of the Dr. Partha Chakravarty visiting Dept. of ESE, EIACP Centre and Labs of the Department.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty interacting with HOD/ESE and other Faculty Members of the Department in the HOD Chamber.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty interacting with HOD/ESE and other Faculty Members of the Department in the GSM Conference.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty visited EIACP Centre at Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty visited various UG/PG and Research Labs present in the Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty interacted with the Research Scholars.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty conducted a hands-on laboratory demonstration along with Prof. Alok Sinha & Prof. S.K. Maiti.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty engaged in an interactive discussion with B.Tech students.

Students inspecting the products made form Bio-plastics.

Students actively participated in the demonstration lab.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty along with Prof. Alok Sinha and Prof. S.K. Maiti answering the student’s thought-provoking questions and deepening their understanding of sustainable plastic alternatives.

Dr. Partha Chakravarty showed documentary videos highlighting innovative waste-to-wealth initiatives.