As part of its Golden Jubilee celebrations and World Environment Day, the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) organized a National Conclave on Sustainable Environmental Solutions. The event brought together eminent policymakers, technocrats, and researchers to deliberate on innovative and actionable strategies for environmental sustainability in India.

The Conclave was inaugurated by Prof. V. K. Ramachandran, Chairperson of the Kerala State Planning Board, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, Prof. Ramachandran emphasized that the impact of floods and landslides, often preceded by drought, highlights the urgent need for science-based studies and interventions to build resilience in the era of climate change. The event was also graced by Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST; Dr. G. Shankar, Architect and Founder, Habitat Technology Group; and Prof. N. V. Chalapathi Raju, Director, NCESS.

The conclave served as a platform to showcase CSIR-NIIST’s impactful research and technologies that address real-world environmental challenges, including climate-resilient solutions in water management, waste-to-resource technologies, and green innovations for communities.

A key highlight of the event was the technology transfer of CSIR-NIIST’s engineered modular wetland system (patent filed) for greywater treatment and reuse at the household level. Greywater, which constitutes nearly 75% of total household wastewater, is often discharged untreated into soak pits, posing serious environmental and public health concerns. Developed by a team led by Dr. Krishnakumar B. from the Environmental Technology Division, the modular system is compact, energy-free, and scalable, and produces reuse-quality water suitable for applications such as gardening, horticulture, and toilet flushing. On the sidelines of the conclave, CSIR-NIIST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with V-Tech Instrumentation (India) Pvt. Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram, for the field implementation and commercial rollout of this innovative technology.

In his presidential address, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, underscored the institute’s enduring mission of translating cutting-edge science into practically viable and socially relevant solutions. He also highlighted the institute’s leadership in the National Mission on Sustainable Packaging Solutions, led by CSIR-NIIST, which aims to accelerate India’s transition toward a plastic-free and environmentally responsible future. “Our initiatives in sustainable packaging are aligned with the country’s march toward a circular economy and greener industry practices,” he added.

With its convergence of thought leadership and scientific advancement, the CSIR-NIIST Golden Jubilee Conclave marked a major milestone in the institute’s journey, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in science-led transformation

***

NK

(Release ID: 2133785)