Varanasi: The Sustainable Development Center (vSDG Center) and the Department of Humanistic Studies, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, jointly organised a one-day seminar on ‘Emerging Environmental Challenges, Technology and Sustainable Development Goals’ on Tuesday.
On waste and resource management, Prof Tripathi cited the waste management system implemented during Maha Kumbh 2025 as an example of large-scale waste processing and resource recovery.
Referring to Indian philosophical traditions, particularly the concept of Dharma, he said respect for natural cycles and ecological balance is essential for long-term sustainability. He said urban development must move beyond infrastructure creation and include ecological priorities. Prof Tripathi delivered a lecture titled “Wisdom Augmented by Algorithms: The Future of Indian Cities”, focusing on how data, artificial intelligence and smart technologies can help build cleaner, more resilient and liveable Indian cities.
The seminar, themed ‘Science, Technology and Society for a Resilient and Sustainable Future’, brought together experts from technology, management, science, environmental studies and the humanities to discuss emerging environmental challenges and explore innovative, technology-driven and socially responsive pathways for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dean, Kotak School of Sustainability and Department of Civil Engineering, IIT-Kanpur, Prof Sachchidanand Tripathi, attended as the chief guest. Prof N. K. Mukhopadhyay, Director-in-Charge and Dean (Faculty Affairs), IIT (BHU), represented the institute as the institutional head. Addressing the gathering, Prof Tripathi stressed the need to integrate traditional Indian wisdom with modern science and technology to tackle environmental challenges faced by Indian cities. Speaking on sustainable urban planning, he emphasised the protection of river floodplains, restoration of lakes, water conservation and sustainable architecture. He also highlighted the need to conserve urban biodiversity by protecting wildlife, birds and their habitats, including those of elephants and sparrows. He specifically highlighted the production of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) as a way to convert waste into a useful resource. Discussing the role of Artificial Intelligence in urban governance, he explained how AI, sensors, cameras and integrated data systems can support predictive governance, climate risk assessment, urban planning and environmental monitoring. He also spoke about AI-based air quality management technologies such as SAAQMS-ML, Near Real-Time Source Apportionment (nRTSA) and Dynamic Hyperlocal Source Apportionment (DHSA), which can help identify pollution hotspots, analyse pollution sources and support targeted interventions to improve urban air quality. The first technical session featured two invited lectures. Prof Anurag Singh from the Institute of Management Studies, Banaras Hindu University, delivered the second lecture on “Digital Technology and Sustainable Consumption: Understanding Consumer Behaviour and Shaping Sustainable Customer Experiences. He discussed the relationship between digital technology, consumer behaviour and sustainable consumption. Both lectures were followed by interactive question-and-answer sessions. The second technical session began with a lecture by Prof Sarfaraz Alam from the Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, on “Navigating a Fractured and Fragile Future in Times of Global Ecological and Political Turmoil. He reflected on the challenges of global ecological and political uncertainties and the need to plan for an increasingly fragile future. The final lecture was delivered by Prashant K. Srivastava from the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, BHU, on “Sustainable Development under Changing Climate. He examined how changing climatic conditions are reshaping development priorities and discussed possible pathways for sustainable growth. The session also included interactive discussions with participants.
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