Ecological systems play a crucial role in supporting life on earth at different hierarchical levels. They form the life support system without which economic activity would not be possible. There are many signs that the collective global economic activity is dramatically altering the self repairing capabilities of the global ecosystem. Our ability to change economic and ecological systems, and the rate of spread of the impacts of these changes, far exceeded our ability to predict the full extent of impacts.
In order to address the future priorities in dealing with environment related issues including the increasing need to disseminate the objective and results of research (technological advancements) to a wide range of stakeholders and for the scientific community to continue its efforts to resolve anthropogenic induced environmental problems, and the gravity and complexity of the ensuing disastrous threat to the delicate ecological system for human activity, we must act now to spur the adoption of emerging technologies of home and abroad.
In this context, VRS & YRN College, Chirala, Prakasam(Dist), Andhra Pradesh (India), had organized a two-day national conference on “Emerging Technologies in Environmental Science (EMERTEK 2010)” during 22nd and 23rd October under the joint sponsorship of University Grants Commission (SERO), Hyderabad, and Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), Hyderabad.
The essence of organizing this seminar, EMERTEK 2010, was to serve as a link between science, policy-practice and decision-making in the quest for synergetic sustainable technological solutions for environmental problems.
The seminar focused on various environmental remediation problems and measures for restoration of self-repairing mechanism of global ecosystem and brought together academicians, scientists, researchers, engineers, managers, students, and various other stakeholders, to facilitate exchange of ideas, information, as well as to foster collaboration and co-operation amongst professionals, and executing authorities interested in this domain.
The Call for Papers, issued through different modes, had attracted overwhelming response from academicians, researchers, practicing engineers, NGOs, scientists and students.
Around 110 abstracts were received. 70 in-house faculty and 150 registered faculty + researchers + implementing authorities and student delegates participated in the deliberations. The inaugural programme started with invocation by students and followed by Jyoti Prajwalana by all the dignitaries on the Dias as a traditional mark of inauguration of the Conference.
The Inaugural Keynote Speech was given by Dr. K. Mrutyanjaya Reddy, Director General, APSRAC, on “Disaster Management and Mitigation through Geo informatics” followed by technical sessions which included lead lectures covering all proposed themes.
Lead Lectures:
- Prof. K. Mukkanti – “Pollution and Control Technologies”
- Shri Khadar Saheb – “Solid Waste Management”
- Dr. M. V. Rao – “Coastal Environmental Management with Special Reference to East Coast”
- ILTD Chirala – “Industrial Environmental Health and Safety”
- Prof. Sankara Pitchaih & Prof. John Paul – “Role of Earth Scientists in Environment Problem Solving”
Besides these, Panel Discussions had taken place with the constructive and fruitful suggestions from the Session Chairmen, rapporteurs and delegates. Dr. K. M. Reddy was the Chief Guest of inaugural day and Prof. K. Viyanna Rao, the Honorable Vice Chancellor I/C of Acharya Nagarjuna University, was the Valedictory Chief Guest.
Conference proceedings were released by the Chief Guest and Guests of Honor on the Valedictory Day. Three best papers were chosen from the technical paper presenters by the panel of judges and were presented with prizes and certificates.
