The CSIR–National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR–NEERI), Hyderabad Regional Centre, in association with the NEERI Sustainability Hub and the Indian Association for Environmental Management (IAEM), organised a one-day National Workshop on “Ecosystem Restoration: Role of Industries & Regulators (EcoRes2026)” at the CSIR–IICT campus in Hyderabad on 9 October 2026.

 

The workshop brought together representatives from scientific institutions, industries, regulatory bodies and the environmental sector to deliberate on sustainable ecosystem restoration, natural resource conservation and climate resilience. It highlighted the need for an integrated approach combining scientific knowledge, technological interventions, effective policies and community participation to address the environmental challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, industrialisation and climate change.

Dr. Eklabya Sharma, Padma Shri awardee and eminent ecologist, attended the workshop as the Chief Guest. Emphasising the importance of community ownership in ecosystem restoration, he said that government investment, effective regulation, scientific expertise and appropriate technologies were essential for achieving long-term results. He underscored the need to empower local communities to manage natural resources sustainably and prevent environmental degradation.

Dr. Sharma advocated an integrated approach to ecosystem restoration, encompassing natural resource conservation, groundwater recharge, sustainable water management, air quality improvement and waste management. Highlighting the conservation of Himalayan ecosystems, Dr. Sharma emphasised the importance of a multifunctional landscape approach, good scientific practices and technological interventions for biodiversity conservation. He called for stronger collaboration among industries, scientific and technological institutions, and policymakers, stressing that a broader, long-term vision was essential for protecting and rejuvenating ecosystems

 

Shri A. V. Ranganath, IPS, Commissioner, Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), attended the workshop as Guest of Honour. He outlined HYDRAA’s roles and activities in lake restoration, emphasising the importance of community participation in restoring lakes and rejuvenating degraded lands into ecologically sustainable landscapes.

Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR–IICT), and Guest of Honour, highlighted the contribution of CSIR laboratories to environmental sustainability and ecosystem restoration. He also spoke about the impact of CSIR research on the Indian economy and stressed the need for collaboration among industries, scientific and technological institutions, and policymakers to address environmental challenges.

Shri S. N. Shastry, Chemical Industry Specialist, emphasised the need for a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration. He stated that projects should deliver meaningful impacts on ecosystems and landscapes through clearly defined outcomes and broader objectives. He advocated circular and regenerative approaches to industrial activities and collaborative governance, calling for a shift in focus from ecosystem restoration to ecosystem resilience.

 

Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR–NEERI and Chairman of EcoRes2026, welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of the workshop. Dr. Shaik Basha, Chair, CSIR–NEERI Hyderabad Regional Centre, briefed the participants on the workshop’s technical sessions.

 

The workshop underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships among industries, scientific and technological institutions, regulators, policymakers and local communities to advance ecosystem restoration, enhance ecosystem resilience and promote environmental sustainability.

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