World Environment Day was observed by the Institution of Engineers (India), Rourkela Local Centre
Rourkela : World Environment day was observed by the institution of Engineers, India, Rourkela local centre at A.N. Patel Memorial Seminar Hall, Rourkela Local Centre Building, NIT Campus, Rourkela on the topic “Plastic pollution, a major environmental issue” both in online and offline mode. Speaker of the event is Er. P.C Dash, General Manager In-Charge, Environment Engineering, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), SAIL. The Past Honorary Secretary Prof. Singham Jayanthu coordinated the event. Chairman Er. Santosh Kumar Polaki chaired the meeting and delivered a welcome address. The Past Honorary Secretary briefly spoke about the speaker Er. P.C Dash and invited to deliver his speech.
In his presentation Er. Dash deliberated that globally, plastic production exceeds 380 million tonnes annually, with a significant portion ending up as waste. Approximately 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year, contributing to significant environmental damage. While only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled, over 50% of plastic is used only once and then discarded. By 2060, global plastic waste is projected to triple, reaching 460 million tonnes annually. Overproduction and consumption of plastic, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and the persistence of plastics in the environment. Pollution of oceans, rivers, lakes, and land disruption of habitats and harm to wildlife through entanglement, ingestion, and chemical contamination. Reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management, developing alternatives to single-use plastics, and promoting circular economy approaches to reuse and recycle plastic.
The presentation was followed by a brief interactive discussion on the topic among industrialist and academicians. Thereafter, Er. Polaki presented a certificate of merit and a momento to the speaker Er. P.C Dash. The Past Honorary Secretary Prof. Singham Jayanthu proposed a vote of thanks. 23 members and guests participated in the deliberation both online and offline.
Reported by Kunja Bihari Rout
