CSIR-IMMT Celebrates World Environment Day -2025

By Our Correspondent

Bhubaneswar, Jun 5 : CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar, celebrated World Environment Day on 5th June 2025 with great enthusiasm through awareness initiatives and plantation activitiesaligned with the global theme“Beat Plastic Pollution”

The day began with a congregational gathering and fruit sapling plantation at the Bose-Einstein International Residence (BEIR) within the CSIR-IMMT campus. The planation was graced by Dr.Laxmidhar Besra, Director-In-Charge & Chief Scientist, along with scientists, research scholars, staff members, and children, symbolizing a collective commitment to environmental sustainability.

The afternoon session featured the main program of the World Environment Day celebration. Dr. Rajesh Roshan Dash, Professor at IIT Bhubaneswar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Mr. Santosh Kumar Pattajoshi, Senior Area Manager (Environment), Tata Steel Ltd., joined as the Guest of Honor. In his welcome address, Dr.Laxmidhar Besra commended the consistent efforts of the Environment & Sustainability Department in organizing meaningful Environment Day activities every year.

Dr. Nabin Kumar Dhal, Head of the Environment & Sustainability Department, highlighted ongoing environmental research at CSIR-IMMT. He also spoke about key technologies developed and commercialized by the institute, such as Potash Enriched Biochar, building bricks and materials from fly ash and industrial wastes, showcasing CSIR-IMMT’s commitment to sustainable innovation.

Mr. Santosh Kumar Pattajoshi shared valuable insights into various environmental challenges and highlighted the critical role of industrial responsibility in addressing them. He also highlighted about the application of plastics in steel production and road construction. The keynote address by Dr. Rajesh Roshan Dash centered on the global theme, delivering an engaging talk on strategies to “Beat Plastic Pollution.” He emphasized the importance of plastic segregation at the source to facilitate recycling and discussed the implications of microplastics on human health.

As a prelude to the celebration, a Research Conclave competition was held on 2nd June 2025 for research scholars. During the conclave, Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director, CSIR-IMMT, encouraged participants to present practical and implementable solutions aimed at making the campus plastic-free. The event highlighted several innovative ideas, and the winners were recognized for their contributions in areas such as plastic waste management through thermochemical gasification, advanced recycling techniques, seaweed-based bioplastics, and geo-polymer-based biodegradable packaging materials.

Additionally, meritorious students who achieved excellence in their 10th and 12th board examinations were felicitated, encouraging the younger generation of CSIR-IMMT families. The students also engaged in interactive discussions with scientists on environmental issues.

The World Environment Day 2025 was well coordinated by Er. R Sathish, Dr. R Boopathy and Dr. Manish Kumar of Environment & Sustainability Department.