From clean water to clean energy: Industry leaders mark World Environment Day with climate action plans

Time of India

3 days ago

New Delhi: On the occasion of
World Environment Day
, leaders across sectors—from hospitality and
clean energy
to industrial explosives and electric mobility—reiterated their commitment to
sustainable growth
, underlining initiatives ranging from zero water waste to nitrate-free explosives and circular technology in renewables.
Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North) & General Manager, ITC Maurya said, 'Continuous efforts in the areas of
water conservation
and efficiency have put ITC Hotels in a league of its own. As an endorsement of ITC Hotels' credo of 'Responsible Luxury', we have commissioned numerous initiatives across our hotels. Every drop of water is vital the future, and recycling is a responsibility we must uphold to ensure a sustainable future.'
He added that ITC Mughal in Agra was the first hotel globally to receive LEED® Zero Water certification. 'ITC Rajputana, Jaipur, is the third hotel in the world to receive the LEED® Zero Water certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Further strengthening ITC Hotels' commitment to sustainable practices, SunyaAqua — which processes and bottles international-quality drinking water across our hotels, including ITC Grand Bharat, Gurugram — significantly reduces carbon footprint by eliminating the need for transportation and by replacing Single-Use Plastic (SUP) items with eco-friendly alternatives, thereby mitigating the use of Single-Use Plastic.'
Kidwai noted that the company is 'striving towards a greener future' with initiatives such as LEED® Zero Water certification and stage-by-stage process improvements.
In the industrial explosives segment, Shubham Choudhari, Chief Technology Officer, SBL Energy Ltd, said, 'Sustainability is fast becoming the foundation of industrial decision-making, and the explosives sector is no exception. Electronic detonators, designed for precision blasting, are reducing over-break, ground vibration, and dust generation, making operations safer and more environmentally conscious.'
He added, 'Nitrate-free explosives, such as hydrogen peroxide emulsion formulations, are emerging as viable alternatives that help cut carbon emissions and eliminate nitrate contamination. At SBL Energy, we believe this is the direction the industry must move in.'
From the wind and solar sector, Praveen Kakulte, CEO, POWERCON Group said, 'The Renewable Energy business which fundamentally appears to be clean, also has a huge room for enhancing sustainability measures. Disposal of fibre reinforced plastics used for wind turbine rotor blades, spinners and nacelle, upon completion of its useful life are posing a challenge.'
He added, 'Disposal of Solar PV panels is the biggest challenge that humans are witnessing. Putting the said pollutant to an alternate use is a secondary solution when one surrenders the competency to innovate. Sustainability isn't just a goal, but it's our moral responsibility.'
D.V. Manjunatha, Founder & Managing Director, Emmvee said, 'This World Environment Day, as the global focus turns toward land restoration and building resilience against desertification and drought, we are reminded that clean energy is not just about reducing emissions; it's about restoring balance.'
He added, 'At Emmvee, our commitment to solar innovation is rooted in the belief that renewable energy can empower communities, revive degraded landscapes, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.'
Akshit Bansal, Founder & CEO, Statiq emphasised EV adoption as a pathway to clean air. 'On World Environment Day, we express our vision of an India where people choose
electric vehicles
confidently, without having to compromise on convenience or sustainability.'
Bansal added, 'Our commitment is to make EV charging as seamless and accessible as refuelling a traditional vehicle, ensuring that sustainability and convenience go hand in hand.' He said Statiq aims to power India's EV journey with 'state-of-the-art, reliable charging infrastructure'.
Industry voices across sectors echoed the urgency of adapting technology, policy, and innovation in unison to deliver sustainable outcomes aligned with climate goals.