Panaji: In an effort to raise awareness on effective waste management and waste generators, Responsible Earth Foundation, organised a ‘Swachh Bharat Nitol Goem Summit’ recently. The summit began with the auspicious lighting of the lamp, as the guests were welcomed on the dais. Following which a video was dedicated in the remembrance of late Adv. Shri. Francisco C J A de Pinto e Souza. The dignitaries present at the function were Shri. Joshua D’souza, MLA of Mapusa Constituency and Deputy Speaker of Goa, Smt. Rashmi Redkar Vice Principal, Director of Municipal Administration and , Shri. Ramesh Verma Secretary Urban Development and Shri. Dr. D.B. Arolkar, Principal of DMC College. Speaking on the occasion, the MLA of Mapusa Constituency and Deputy Speaker of Goa, Shri. Joshua D’souza said, “It is truly an honour to be a part of this summit which aims at creating a cleaner and safer environment for the citizens of Goa. It is very important to educate people, especially our youth and young business owners, that sustainability and economic development should always go hand in hand.”Expressing gratitude, Mr. Gaurav Pokle, MD & CEO of YIMBY, said “If we want to keep our environment clean and save it from the toxic effects of inorganic and non-biodegradable elements present in waste then we need to practise the act of waste management. Waste needs to be recycled and managed efficiently, by segregating them in different segments. Mismanaged waste usually ends up as land and water pollution, which is a growing cause of threat to human health as well as marine life.” Mr. Gaurav Pokle ended on the note of encouragement to the citizens to join hands with the Responsible Earth Foundation initiative and educate their future generation to abide by this practice. As poorly managed waste is still at large, Responsible Earth Foundation raises its requirement for proper awareness and education on waste management to build a sustainable state. The summit brought together enterprising owners, journalists and people from the tourism sector who discovered the potential and importance of waste management, while exchanging the best practices and knowledge.Mr. Abhinav Apte Founder of ComePostVille, Mr. Gaurav Pokle, MD & CEO of YIMBY, and Keynote speaker Mr. Pramod Archarya, the Editor in Chief at Prudent Media, shed light on the Environment Crises and Tourism, Community Participation in Waste Management and Sanitation, Enterprising Future in Environment and more. Followed by the interaction with guest speakers as they suggested strategies for waste management and explained the benefits of maximising waste management. Mementos were venerated to guests as a token of gratitude for gracing the summit with their presence.The second phase of the summit witnessed the primary goal of Waste Management and the Role of Waste Generators, as a holistic plan for Goa’s Waste Management Corporation. While addressing the main agenda, key points were highlighted on Circular Economy Market and Technology Information by the Keynote speaker Mr. Srikrishna Balachandram, an expert in waste recycling at Rekyle. In the third and final phase of the Summit, Shri. Ramesh Verma Secretary Urban Development graced the event with his presence as a Chief Guest. Sharing his experience he said, “There are many simple tasks to help reduce waste that we can practice in our day to day routine. Whether you go to work, school or college, carry refillable bottles, when you go grocery shopping bring your own cloth bag, don’t use plastic straws, stop littering and so much more that can make a difference. Mr. Gaurav Pokle’s efforts are much appreciated as it provides for an effective waste management strategy for the citizens of Goa, to help take our state forward on the road of sustainable development.”Mr. Gaurav Kenkre, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in India, staged additional emphasis on Environment, Social, Governance, and Sustainability Audit, followed by an open panel discussion on GWMC, DMA, and GSPCB, as enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the chance to interact with outstanding speakers and the best presenters.The summit ended with the prize distribution of ‘Swacchta Hi Seva’ and wrapped up with the vote of Thanks by Smt. Rashmi Redkar, Vice Principal, thanking the guests, speakers, honourable MLA and the candidates that were a part of the summit. With great plans and hopes for the future, Responsible Earth Foundation conveys their alleged alliance in making Goa, a cleaner and more sustainable state to live in.
