ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA) and its regional centres observed the World Environment Day (WED) on 5th June, 2023 with the theme ‘solution to plastic pollution’ to create awareness among the public on protection and conservation of environment. A similar theme (Beat Plastic Pollution) was adopted in WED- 2018 also indicating the importance mitigating plastic pollution.
Dr. P.S.G. Krishnan, Principal Director, Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Chennai was the chief guest and in his talk he highlighted that reduction, reuse, recycling and segregation are the methods to minimise the plastic pollution. He further briefed on alternatives developed for plastic that are biodegradable and outlined the different measures taken by the administration like banning of single use plastics, and increased thickness of polythene bags to 120 μm. He opined that ‘say no to littering’ is the best solution for controlling pollution.
At Kakdwip Research Centre (KRC), Dr. Sankar Prasad Paik, Associate Professor, Sundarban Mahavidyalaya, Kakdwip delivered a talk on ‘Protection of Environment’.
Dr. R. Saraswathy, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIBA in his welcome speech explained the background of World Environment Day celebration. She also described our efforts in spread of green cover in the institute as well as in neighbouring school campuses. The institute planted about 100 saplings of different trees on this occasion.
Dr Kuldeep Kumar Lal, Director, in his presidential address stated that though plastics are for good, their management has to be better. He emphasised need to look into our contribution on keeping the environment safe for the future generation. Tree plantations were organised in CIBA regional centres at Kakdwip, West Bengal and Navsari, Gujarat in connection with the WED 2023.
Dr. N. Lalitha, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIBA presented vote of thanks and the programme was moderated by Dr. Satheesha Avunje, Scientist, ICAR-CIBA.
ICAR-CIBA observed World Seaweed Day – 2023
Director ICAR-CIBA emphasised the importance of brackishwater seaweeds and their untapped potential which could contribute largely to food, employment and prosperity of the country. He also stated the importance of further research and development in the field of brackishwater seaweed cultivation and utilization. Dr. P. Nila Rekha, Principal Scientist, gave a overview of brackishwater seaweeds and its culture practices. Subsequently Director ICAR-CIBA have released a pamphlet that provides a comprehensive culture practice of two species Agarophyton tenuistipitatum and Gracilaria salicornia. Dr. Adhi Visvanathan, MD, M/s. Pinnacle Bioscience of the company delivered a talk on seaweeds and its role in carbon mitigation, component of bioplastic, application in pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and many others commercial products
