TERI and Deendayal Port Authority Host Final Conference on “Transition of Business Operations to Water Neutrality”

14 June 2024, New Delhi: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) successfully concluded a pivotal conference on the “Transition of Business Operations to Water Neutrality.” This event marked the culmination of a collaborative effort to implement sustainable water management practices within the port’s operations and its surrounding ecosystem under phase one of the study.

The event was inaugurated by the chief guest, Mr. Nandeesh Shukla, IRTS, Deputy Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority). He shared his extensive knowledge and discussed the goals he aims to achieve in the near future at DPA and its vicinity. During his welcome address, Dr SK Sarkar, Distinguished Fellow, TERI, emphasized the concepts of 3M (Measure, Manage, and Mitigate) and 7R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Redesign, Rethink, and Regulate). He motivated attendees to adopt water conservation and rainwater harvesting practices, stressing the need to prevent water misuse and maximize the use of every drop.

Special addresses were given by Mr. Mahesh H. Puj, President, Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce & Industries; Mr. FM Modi, Regional Officer, GPCB; and Mr. Mahesh Gupta, President, Kandla Liquid Tank Terminal Association. A keynote address was delivered by Mr. Bhagwat Swaroop Sharma, Head of Environment, Adani – Mundra & Tuna Ports. Ms Priyanka Vadrevu, Research Associate, TERI, presented on the “Implementation of Water Neutrality at DPA Kandla,” recommending further steps to advance water neutrality across DPA establishments.

Water neutrality, a strategic approach to balance unavoidable water consumption through various measures, is the cornerstone of this initiative. The methodology focuses on reducing the water footprint across all operations, products, and infrastructure, and offsetting residual water footprints to achieve equilibrium in the port’s water balance.

A panel discussion on “Transition of Business Operations to Water Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities for Ports” was chaired by Dr Ranjana R. Chaudhuri, Head & Associate Professor, TERI-SAS. The panel included Mr. Mahesh Gupta, Mr. Tejabhai Kangad, Ex-President, Gandhidham Chamber of Commerce & Industries; Capt. KK Sharma, Vice-President, Maithri Aquatech Pvt. Ltd.; and Dr Karthikeyan, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj.

The conference concluded with closing remarks from Dr SK Sarkar, Mr. Nandeesh Shukla, Mr. V. Raveendra Reddy, Mr. Bhagwat Swaroop Sharma, and Mr. Rajendra Prasad Bethi. Mrs Sangeeta Khilwani expertly anchored the program, which featured a compelling skit on water conservation by the Awaaz Nukkad group from Delhi. The workshop concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Ms Priyanka Vadrevu.

The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to engage in substantive discussions, exchange insights, and chart a course toward realizing the vision of water neutrality. Through collective action and shared commitment, participants explored pathways to embed sustainability into the maritime domain, fostering a paradigm shift towards a more resilient and responsible future.

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