Nagpur, 5 June 2026

 

CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) celebrated World Environment Day on 5 June 2026. Dr. Rakesh Mishra, Director, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bengaluru and former Director, CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, was the Chief Guest. Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR-NEERI, and Shri Prakash Kumbhare, Scientist-F, CSIR-NEERI, were also present.

Delivering a lecture on ‘Environmental Surveillance and One Health’, Dr. Mishra highlighted the role of metagenomics and environmental surveillance in monitoring pathogens, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and ecosystem health. Referring to wastewater surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said environmental monitoring enabled early detection of infection trends and viral variants, supporting timely public health interventions.

He emphasized that AMR is an emerging global challenge and highlighted national initiatives such as the Alliance for Pathogen Surveillance Innovations (APSI) and the National One Health Mission for monitoring pathogens through wastewater, air and other environmental matrices. Stressing the One Health approach, he said human, animal and environmental health are closely interconnected and require coordinated action.

Dr. Mishra also underscored the importance of collaboration among scientific institutions, government agencies and communities for building resilient surveillance systems and strengthening health preparedness.

In his welcome address, Dr. S. Venkata Mohan highlighted CSIR-NEERI’s contributions in air and water quality management, wastewater treatment, waste valorization and eco-restoration, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to sustainable environmental solutions.

On the occasion, an MoU was signed between CSIR-NEERI and TIGS to strengthen collaborative research and innovation. Two White Papers — ‘Industrial Ecology in the Indian Context’ and ‘Environmental Health Risk Atlas and Action Framework for the Vidarbha Region’ — were released. The book ‘Fungal Diversity in CSIR-NEERI Nagpur’ was also unveiled. Certificates of Excellence were presented to students participating in the Student Research & Innovation Expo for their innovative ideas and science models.

 

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PIB Nagpur | Saurabh Khekde/Darshana Rane

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