Sri City Hosts Seminar on Circular Economy in Collaboration with APPCB

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), in collaboration with Sri City, organised a seminar on “Reduce, Reuse & Recycle (3Rs)-Circular Economy,” emphasising sustainable waste management and resource efficiency. The event brought together APPCB Chairman Dr. P. Krishnaiah, I.A.S. (Retd.), and Mr. C. Selvam, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Tirupati Circle, alongside representatives from industries, forest officials, and environmental experts.

Welcoming the attendees, Sri City Founder Managing Director Dr. Ravindra Sannareddy reaffirmed Sri City’s leadership in adopting circular economy principles. “At Sri City, we prioritise sustainable industrial practices to minimise waste and optimise resource use. Our state-of-the-art recycling center is one among the many measures we’ve implemented to ensure that waste is managed responsibly, protecting the environment from harmful practices. We encourage industries to actively adopt these principles to create a model for sustainable development,” he said. Referring to instances reported in the media about certain industrial units, not necessarily from Sri City, disposing of waste in forested areas and near water bodies, he urged industries to take corrective measures.

Dr. Krishnaiah lauded Sri City’s pioneering efforts in promoting sustainability. “Sri City is setting an example for how industries can transform into sustainable ecosystems. The practices, such as reusing treated wastewater, recycling industrial by-products, and embracing renewable energy, are commendable. However, we must remain vigilant in ensuring waste disposal agencies strictly adhere to regulations. With Sri City’s location in the Pulicat Lake catchment area, industries have an additional responsibility to protect its rich biodiversity and enhance green cover,” he noted. Dr. Krishnaiah emphasised that the ‘3Rs and circular economy’ are not just principles but a necessity for building a sustainable future.

Mr. Selvam stressed the importance of preventing industrial waste dumping in forests and water bodies. “Industrial growth must go hand-in-hand with environmental preservation. Dumping waste in forests severely impacts biodiversity and ecological balance. We need to ensure strict compliance with environmental rules and regulations while adopting sustainable waste practices. I urge industries to take the lead in CSR initiatives such as afforestation, renewable energy adoption, and community waste management projects. Together, we can create a balance between industrial development and environmental conservation,” he said.

Dr. Sudhakar G. Reddy, a sustainability expert from the University of Michigan, USA, in a virtual address emphasised global best practices in waste reduction and sustainability, noting that the 3Rs form the foundation of a sustainable circular economy.

Over 100 HR and EHS managers from Sri City’s industrial units participated in the seminar, actively engaging in discussions and clarifying their queries on sustainability practices. The event reinforced Sri City’s commitment to building a green and sustainable industrial ecosystem.