The Department of Environmental Science and Engineering (ESED), IIT Bombay, celebrated World Environment Day 2026 on 5th June 2026, by organizing a programme under the theme “Inspired by Nature: For Climate. For Our Future.” The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry experts, researchers, students and community members to discuss pressing environmental challenges and sustainable solutions.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Ravindra Gudi, Deputy Director (FIA), IIT Bombay. Distinguished speakers included Dr. Nitin Kareer, Former Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra; Prof. Amita Bhide, Professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai; Prof. N. C. Saha, Former Director, Indian Institute of Packaging; Mr. Kedar Sohoni, Founder, Green Communities Foundation; Prof. Pradip Kalbar, Professor, ESED, IIT Bombay; Prof. Sanjeev Chaudhari, Professor, ESED, IIT Bombay and Prof. Subhankar Karmakar, Professor and Former Head, ESED, IIT Bombay.
The talks addressed key themes including climate risk, water governance, sustainable packaging, plastic waste management and climate resilience. A key highlight of the event was the presentation on the IIT Bombay Arsenic Filter, showcasing IIT Bombay’s research-driven efforts to provide affordable and effective solutions for safe drinking water. The event witnessed the participation of around 80 attendees, including students, faculty members, research scholars and external guests.
As part of the celebrations, the IIT Bombay Research Hub for Green Energy and Sustainability (GESH IITB) also organized a Campus Sustainability Tour, offering students, staff and their families an opportunity to explore the Institute’s sustainability initiatives firsthand. Participants visited the campus’s composting and biogas facilities, pelletization and gasification plants, greywater treatment systems and the innovative sustainable housing project developed by Team Shunya. The tour highlighted how IIT Bombay integrates research, innovation and operational practices to advance environmental sustainability.
Together, these initiatives reinforced IIT Bombay’s commitment to environmental awareness, sustainability research and creating impactful solutions for a greener future.