World Environment Day Celebrated At RINL

World Environment Day was celebrated at the multipurpose hall of Ukkunagaram club of RINL, the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam steel plant, today.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest of the program, Shri Atul Bhatt, CMD, RINL said that “Environment protection runs in our blood and it is part of the business processes at RINL. It is everyone’s responsibility to save our planet for future generations. All of us should come together to resolve this issue and make planet earth a greener, healthier and happier place to live”, Shri Atul Bhatt said.

Highlighting RINL’s concerted efforts towards environment protection, Shri Atul Bhatt said that “At RINL, we are giving utmost importance to Environment by implementing the latest clean & green technologies and ensuring production with best Environmental control systems.

“In order to prevent soil erosion and conserve water, extensive rain harvesting is being practiced at RINL. During 2023-24 alone, RINL has saved more than 1025 Mega Gallons of water through various water saving schemes and rain water harvesting. Green cover is always maintained in and around the Visakhapatnam steel plant and about 5.5 Million trees have been planted since inception.” Shri Atul Bhatt said.

“RINL has always emphasized environmental friendly practices and RINL is among the first Steel plants in India to be certified for ISO 14001 standard for Environment. In order to mitigate global warming & conserve natural resources, number of clean technologies that utilise waste heat, waste gas, pressure energy, solid wastes and sludge have been adopted and RINL is a pioneer amongst steel plants in India in ensuring a clean and green environment.”, Shri Atul Bhatt emphasized.

Shri Atul Bhatt said that he is happy to witness an overwhelming response to all the events organized by the Environment Department of RINL and he congratulated all the prize winners of the various competitions. Shri Atul Bhatt also specially congratulated our Green Awardees who have worked hard for betterment of the environment at VSP. Sri Atul Bhatt also complimented the agro-forestry division of town administration department of RINL for taking up a special drive of planting 400 coconut trees in ukkunagaram township as part of the world environment day celebrations.

Shri Atul Bhatt thanked Sri K. Ramesh, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, APPCB and other members from Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board for their constant support and guidance which enriched RINL in fulfilling our obligations towards a clean environment. Shri Atul Bhatt also complimented the Environment Management Department of RINL (EnMD) for organizing the event successfully.

Speaking on the occasion, the guest of honour, Shri K. Ramesh, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, APPCB (AP Pollution control board), Government of AP specially complimented RINL management for developing outstanding Green belt for the past several decades which is very unique not only in Visakhapatnam steel plant but in the industrial sector. Shri K Ramesh lauded the efforts being taken by RINL towards protection of environment and appreciated RINL for being the lowest consumer of water in the steel making process compared to many other steel plants in the Indian steel industry.

Earlier, led by Shri Atul Bhatt and Shri K Ramesh, all the dignitaries and participants took the LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) Pledge that they all will make all possible changes in their daily life to protect the environment.

Shri Atul Bhatt, Shri K. Ramesh, Directors of RINL presented “Green awards” to various department teams and individual employees for their significant contribution towards the environment in their respective working areas. The dignitaries presented Prizes to winners in poster, essay and slogan competitions were also presented by the dignitaries on the occasion.

Shri G. Phani Kumar, GM (Enmd) –I/c RINL welcomed the gathering. Earlier a powerpoint presentation about various environment conservation measures adopted at RINL towards environment protection through clean technologies was also presented on the occasion.

Shri A. K. Bagchi, Director (Projects) & additional charge Director (Operations), Dr. S.C. Pandey, Director (Personnel), Shri. G.V.N. Prasad, Director (Commercial), RINL and Shri A.M. Haneef, senior commandant, CISF, VSP also presented Green awards.

Shri Mukunda Rao, Environmental Engineer, APPCB (AP Pollution control board), Governmen of AP, CGMs, Senior Executives, Members from various associations like Steel Executives’ Association, trade Unions, SC & ST Association, OBC Association, WIPS, School Children also actively participated in the program.