NewzVille Desk
“Nobody recycles like Nature- Automobile Sector needs to make Nature ideal when Recycling Strategies are planned”. Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav said this while delivering the keynote address at the Special Ministerial Session of the 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Circularity, organized by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), in New Delhi today.
Themed ‘Nature Positive Recycling’, the conference brought together key stakeholders from the automotive industry to discuss sustainable development and circularity. Other dignitaries who participated in the event are Prashant K. Banerjee, ED, SIAM and Vikram Kasbekar, CTO, Hero Moto Corp.
On the occasion, Minister Yadav also unveiled the SIAM Strategy Paper, titled ‘Towards Circular Future in the Automobile Industry: Integrating EPR Regime in Waste Stream Regulation”. On the occasion, Shri Yadav also unveiled the SIAM Strategy Paper, titled ‘Towards Circular Future in the Automobile Industry: Integrating EPR Regime in Waste Stream Regulation”. Other dignitaries on dais included Shri Prashant K. Banerjee, ED, SIAM and Shri Vikram Kasbekar, CTO, Hero Moto Corp.
Yadav commended SIAM for initiating discussions on circularity amidst the rapid growth of India’s automotive sector, now the third-largest market globally in passenger vehicle sales. He emphasized the importance of aligning this growth with environmental sustainability, drawing inspiration from nature’s efficient recycling systems. Emphasizing on ‘Nature Positive Recycling’, the Minister stated that “Nobody recycles like Nature”. He further noted, “We can ever match the scale of production when it comes to Nature and yet there is zero waste. As we take pride in our manufacturing abilities, let us also take a humbling lesson from Mother Nature in managing waste”. The Minister called upon the august gathering to make Nature their ideal when recycling strategies are planned.
Minister Yadav highlighted the significance of transitioning to a circular economy, which he described as an imperative for India’s future.
Yadav emphasized the automotive sector’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). He also stressed the importance of renewable energy for EVs to reduce the environmental impact of battery charging.
The Union Minister called on SIAM and the automotive industry to lead the transition to a circular economy by incorporating recyclable designs, promoting sustainability in dealership operations, and enhancing consumer awareness. Yadav appealed that the dual responsibility of the automotive industry to drive economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. He also encouraged participation in initiatives like the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign, underlining the importance of afforestation in combating air pollution.
