DW BUREAU / PATIALA

Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) hosted Dr. Balbir Singh, Health Minister, for a high-level meeting with researchers and faculty members focused on sustainability initiatives in the region.

Held at the Thapar campus, the meeting was attended by the Prof. Padmakumar Nair, Director, Prof. Ajay Batish, Deputy Director, Dr. Gurbinder Singh, Registrar, and Prof. Siddique, Dean (Sustainability), who led a dedicated team of researchers to present the progress of key in-house projects.

These included insights in pioneering efforts in 'Thapar Model' for enhancing treatment of wastewater in rural ponds along with innovative water-saving technologies for agricultural irrigation by Prof. Amit Dhir & Dr. Karun Verma.

Prof. Anoop Verma presented a Thapar Model of Zero waste campus. The Thapar Zero Waste Model is a self-sustaining, circular waste management framework that minimise a landfill dependency through segregation, composting, recycling, and community participation.

It has been successfully operational within the Thapar campus, which now diverts over 95% of its waste away from landfills. In a significant step towards making Patiala a model of sustainable urban living, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (TIET) has joined hands with the Patiala Municipal Corporation to replicate its Zero Waste Campus Model across various wards in the city.

The move is aimed at drastically reducing landfill waste and establishing a decentralized, community-driven waste management system.

The discussion emphasised practical applications and scalable models that can support the state's environmental goals.

The Minister was accompanied by a delegation led by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), along with senior officers from various stakeholder Departments. The visit provided a collaborative platform to align research initiatives with governmental strategies aimed at ecological sustainability.

(editor@dailyworld.in)