World Environment Day Observed at IEI Jamshedpur, Call for Stronger Climate Action

Jamshedpur: The Jamshedpur Local Centre of the Institution of Engineers (India) celebrated World Environment Day with a special programme themed “A Global Call for Climate Action” at its premises on Friday. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from engineers, industry professionals, students, and distinguished guests.

The programme began with a tree plantation drive, reaffirming the commitment towards environmental conservation. Welcoming the gathering, Vinit Kumar Shah, Chairman of IEI Jamshedpur Local Centre and Chief of Manufacturing–Long Products at Tata Steel, highlighted the significance of World Environment Day and stressed the need for collective action to address climate change.

Shah noted that this year’s focus on climate action calls upon individuals, industries, communities, and governments to reduce emissions and build a resilient future. He urged engineers to play a proactive role in environmental sustainability through innovative and responsible engineering solutions. Referring to Jamshedpur’s reputation as one of India’s greener industrial cities, he said the city demonstrates how industrial growth and environmental stewardship can coexist. However, he also cautioned against emerging challenges such as rising temperatures, urbanisation, water scarcity, and waste management issues.

Guest of Honour Priyanka Upadhyay highlighted Tata Steel’s commitment to sustainable industrial development and stressed the importance of collective responsibility in tackling environmental concerns. She said Jamshedpur has emerged as a model of responsible industrialisation through initiatives in green cover enhancement, water conservation, waste recycling, and air quality management. She called upon industries, educational institutions, government agencies, and engineering professionals to work together in promoting sustainability.

Chief Guest Aviroop Sinha, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Saranda, spoke about the global significance of World Environment Day and the need to draw climate solutions from nature. He said the planet is sending urgent signals about climate change, making ecosystem resilience more important than ever.

Highlighting Jharkhand’s efforts to address environmental challenges, Sinha said communities across the state’s rich natural habitats are being mobilised to combat global warming. Referring to the Jharkhand Environment Fair 2026 theme, “Our Land, Our Environment,” he outlined India’s climate commitments, including reducing emissions intensity by 45 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity capacity, generating 50 per cent of cumulative electric power from renewable sources, creating a carbon sink through forests, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

He encouraged engineers to focus on zero-carbon designs, green infrastructure, sustainable mining, environmental impact assessments, and the use of advanced technologies such as drones and IoT for conservation. He also appealed to citizens to plant native species, reduce plastic consumption, strengthen waste management practices, conserve water resources, and adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.