Clean India: Turning waste in to Wealth

India Inc. launched its Clean India initiative with the first Waste Management Conclave in New Delhi July 3, 2015. [caption id="attachment_8124" align="alignleft" width="300"]

Panelists at India Inc. Waste Management Conclave in New Delhi[/caption] The board theme was around 'Turning Waste into Socio-Economic Opportunities for India' but the deliberations threw up a wide spectrum of views, thoughts and ideas around achieving an effective and efficient waste management system for modern India. Nitin Gadkari, the country's minister in charge of transport, described Clean India as the “pivotal plank” to achieve the government's overall “sabka sath sabka vikas” (development for all) goal. He explained: “The government is working on conversion of waste into wealth. Policy decisions have already been taken. “Politics is an instrument of social and economic reforms. We don't mix politics with development. Politics is only for elections, development is for the future of the country.” Prakash Javadekar, India's Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, set the scene by laying out the general direction in which the Narendra Modi led government's Clean India initiative is headed. He said: “Swachch Bharat requires a change in rules, laws and their implementation as well as making people participate in the effort. To that end, the media has an important role to play. [caption id="attachment_8122" align="alignright" width="300"]

Hon. Prakash Javadekar, Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India in conversation with Siddharth Zarabi- Editor, Bloomberg TV India.[/caption] “Waste Management in India will need to not only embrace new technologies and innovation but also ensure participation of households and people.” Commissioner Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime & Fisheries at the European Commission, highlighted the partnership being offered by Europe to support India in delivering this ambitious programme. “I believe the European Union can bring some real added value here. My message is that it can be done,” he said, specifically congratulating India's efforts in the field of Clean Ganga. India Inc. CEO Manoj Ladwa defined the conclave as a first of its kind effort to identify the opportunities where foreign and Indian private sector players can bring in expertise and innovation to deliver mutual economic benefits. [caption id="attachment_8121" align="alignleft" width="300"]

Nitin Gadkari, Hon'ble Minister for Transport, Government of India[/caption] He explained: “A well-structured and sustainable Waste Management system would be a catalyst for improved public health and reduce the burden on the public purse. “An effective strategy will eventually also be a driver behind India emerging as a key player in the $1-trillion global circular economy, fuelling jobs and growth.” *This event was covered by Bloomberg TV with parts aired live. http://goo.gl/6YJfrs http://goo.gl/Iyqalc