Intl meet on solid waste management begins 'morrow

800 delegates from nine countries to descend on city

The third international conference on Solid Waste Management (IconSWM-2012) and Exhibition on Municipal services, clean technologies and machineries is organised by International Society of Waste Management, Air and Water (ISWMAW) and Centre for Quality Management (CQM) of Jadavpur University, Kolkata from July 30 to August 1 at the Infosys campus.

Addressing a press meet here on Saturday, head of Mechanical Engineering department and department coordinator of Centre for Quality Management System at Jadavpur University Sadhan K Gosh, who is also chairman of IconSWM, said, union minister of State for Urban Development Saugata Roy would inaugurate the programme. Medical education and district incharge minister S A Ramdas would preside over, exhibition would be inaugurated by Opposition leader Siddaramaiah, mayor M C Rajeshwari would be guest of honour and MLA M Sathyanarayana would be the chief guest.

Nine countries

Elaborating on the conference, he said, about 800 delegates would participate from nine countries- Australia, Germany, UK, Japan, Taiwan, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh apart from India. The conference would witness nearly 160 papers spread over more than 40 technical sessions in three days. About 300 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), over 25 research institutes of India and abroad, over 25 government authorities would participate and would have exhibition showcasing the achievements of ULBs, government industries, educational institutions, NGOs in industrial services and solid waste management.

Gosh said, the objectives of the conference being conversion of concepts, implementation of strategies, researches and thought processes. the theme discussion would include issues such as policy and regulatory framework, waste to energy, treatment technology and innovative waste solution, economic instrument and financing methods, anaerobic digestion, composting, best practices in waste management, international cooperation, municipal governance and also case studies.

Considering the stellar performance of Mysore City Corporation, Mysore was chosen for the conference this year. Apart from award of excellence in SWM to municipality and municipal corporation, award of excellence in SWM for industries, temples, ULBs would be given, he added.

Responding to a query related to hoteliers opposing providing accommodation at Infosys for such programmes, MCC commissioner M R Ravi said, Infosys would be providing free accommodation and the premises has all facilities of global excellency at a roof, which would add to the advantage. 

Deputy commissioner P S Vastrad, mayor Rajeshwari and Jagannath were present.