Jamshedpur, January 4th, 2024: SwitchON Foundation in collaboration with Koru Foundation organized a stakeholder meet at Hotel Sonnet, Bistupur, Jamshedpur, on Environmental Sustainability with special focus on renewable energy, waste management and Green steels to address sustainable issues and environmental challenges and to give a meaningful start to the movement ‘Move for Earth’ in Jharkhand to inspire and celebrate climate action. This workshop convened key stakeholders, including academia, industry, government, grassroots, entrepreneurs, nonprofits to delve into the impact of environmental issues. The workshop facilitated a comprehensive exchange of knowledge and insights among diverse stakeholders. It aimed at identifying innovative solutions and best practices through in-depth discussions, aiming to bridge gaps in understanding and catalyze transformative change focusing on waste management and renewable energy.
Around 50 people attended the stakeholder meet with representatives from industry, academia, govt, and NGOs. The workshop dealt into an insightful discussion on waste management strategies, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Participants engaged in lively exchanges on best practices and explored ways to implement comprehensive waste management systems that align with global sustainability goals. Renewable energy emerged as a key theme, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to clean energy. Discussions on the latest advancements in renewable technologies, policy frameworks, and collaborative initiatives to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy practices were also dealt with. A significant portion of the workshop was dedicated to green steels – an emerging frontier in sustainable manufacturing. Participants explored technologies and methodologies that promote the production of steel with minimal environmental impact, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable steel industry.
Mr Vinay Jaju, Co-Founder of SwitchON Foundation said, “In this stakeholder meeting on environmental sustainability, we bring together community leaders, industry experts, and innovators. With a shared commitment, we delve into practical solutions for waste management and harness the potential of renewable energy.” He further added, “We are hosting a series of activities in cities, towns and villages across Jharkhand to build resilience with future friendly skills, technologies and practices to mitigate the climate crisis our planet Earth faces.”
Padmashree Smt. Jamuna Tudu, Environmentalist said, “It is inspiring to see SwitchON Foundation take proactive steps towards sustainability and pressing environmental challenges that we face today like climate change, deforestation and much more. Your commitment towards reducing the environment footprint sets a positive example for others to follow.”
The event was attended by Sri Saryu Ray, MLA, Jamshedpur East, Padmashree Smt. Jamuna Tudu, Nationally famous Environmentalist, Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ ,Director, Head – Department of Research & Planning Ph.D , XISS Ranchi, Dr Hismi Jamil Hussain, Sustainable Env. Head, Tata Steel, Mr. Satya Prakash, Environmental Scientist, JSPCB, Mr. Alok Suman Sharma, Senior Manager, Tata Steel, UISL, Mr. Ajit Kumar Singh, Director, Centre for Environment, Mr. Prashant Krishnan, Environment Head, Tata Motors, Smt. Anuradha, Horticulturist, Tata Steel.
In a presentation by Tata Group, Dr Hismi Jamil Hussain, Sustainable Env. Head, Tata Steel and Mr. Prashant Krishnan, Environment Head, Tata Motors commented, “At Tata Group, we embrace a visionary commitment: sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030 to spearhead the decarbonization of our operations and value chain. Our relentless pursuit extends to achieving zero waste to landfill and water neutral by 2030, employing a systematic circular economy approach to curtail resource use and waste, exemplifying our dedication to a sustainable and responsible future.”
Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ ,Director,Head – Department of Research & Planning Ph.D , XISS, Ranchi said, “We are very happy that our partner SwitchON Foundation has taken this initiative ‘Move For Earth’. We extend our best wishes for the cycle yatra and we are looking forward to participating in this movement and organizing events for our shared mission to address climate change.”
As part of the Move for Earth Initiative, the six-day Cycle Yatra across Jharkhand by SwitchON Foundation commenced today. The cycle yatra started from Ulihatu, Khunti later in the day and will cover 500 km in Jharkhand passing through Ranchi, Ormanjhi, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Phusro, Dhanbad, Giridih, Madhupur, Deogarh, Jarmundi and culminating in Dumka on January 9, 2024. In Olihatu, Khunti, around 50 cyclists took to the streets with slogans and posters to make citizens aware of climate change.The ride started from Olihatu, Khunti, the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
An indigenous seeds fair was organized with VJGVS which provided a platform for farmers and SHGs to exhibit and exchange traditional seed varieties, fostering awareness and support for sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative aimed at empowering communities and promoting sustainable practices on how to incorporate indigenous knowledge to shape a sustainable future. Along with this some cultural program and archery competition was also organised to engage youth. The riders shall proceed to Ranchi tomorrow from Khunti ground.
Shri. Nitish Kumar Singh, IAS, Deputy Development Commissioner, Khunti expressed “I congratulate SwitchON Foundation for this great initiative and wish them our best wishes for the important task of awareness creation among the youths on environment and climate solutions.”
The main motto of the ‘Move for Earth’ movement is to celebrate and inspire Climate Action with a purpose to build a smarter and brighter future for ourselves, our children, our farmers and life on earth. The whole movement would cover cycling over 4,000 km across different states in East India engaging Farmers, Youth, Government, Financiers, Technologists and Civil Society Organizations through its journey, and offer solutions to community-specific issues related to water, soil, energy and clean air, that are directly impacting the livelihood and health of citizens.
About SwitchON Foundation:
SwitchON Foundation, established in 2008, is a leading non-profit organisation focusing on Environment Sustainability and Equal Opportunities. Operating in 10 Indian states. It leads initiatives in Clean Energy Access, Sustainable Agriculture, Skilling, Clean Air and Sustainable Cities. Key strengths encompass innovative project implementation, capacity building, field support, awareness and advocacy.
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