Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre Calls for Sustainable Industrialisation to Protect the Environment

The Karnataka government is dedicated to fostering a green ecosystem that maintains the long-term economic value of natural resources while preserving their integrity, according to state Minister Eshwar B Khandre. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Karnataka ESG Summit 2024, he emphasised that rapid industrial growth should not harm the environment.

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Balancing Growth and Sustainability

Minister Khandre highlighted the need to balance economic development with environmental sustainability. He stressed addressing risks like pollution, resource overuse, and waste management. The government aims to create policies focusing on waste management, air quality improvement, lake rejuvenation, and pollution control to achieve this balance.

Khandre also noted that as industries grow, integrating sustainability principles at every stage is crucial. "Every sector must align with green technologies and sustainable practices to thrive within the boundaries of environmental stewardship. We cannot separate growth from responsibility," he stated.

Opportunities for Emerging Economies

Emerging economies like India have unique chances to adopt advanced solutions for sustainability, Khandre mentioned. He advocated for inclusive green growth that prioritises both environmental benefits and social equity. Investing in human capital and promoting fair redistribution policies can help build an economy serving both the planet and its people.

The minister praised CII for organising the ESG summit, which focuses on transitioning towards a net-zero economy. As the world moves towards a low-carbon future, businesses must play a key role in driving sustainability. "Sustainability is not just a policy; it should be embedded in every aspect of a company's operations," Khandre stressed.

Corporate Commitment to ESG

N Venu, Chairman of CII Karnataka State Council 2024-25 and MD and CEO of Hitachi Energy, spoke at the event's inaugural session. He stated that companies understanding ESG's value protect their operations from risks and position themselves for sustainable growth. Addressing material impacts across the ESG value chain helps attract sustainable investments and maintain competitiveness.

B Santhanam, CEO Asia Pacific and India Region of Saint-Gobain India Pvt Ltd, shared his company's initiatives like rainwater harvesting at their Chennai factory. "We collect 15 crore kilolitres from the roof. Our roofs are clean, and the water is pure enough to drink straight," he said. This system sustains them for 225 days annually.

Santhanam urged companies to make ESG more than a boardroom topic. True commitment requires CEOs engaging daily in ESG matters with sustainability teams influencing company direction. A White Paper on ESG approaches for MSMEs was also released during the summit's inaugural session.

Recognising ESG Contributions

The second edition of the summit launched CII Karnataka ESG Recognitions, honouring companies like BEL, Wipro, and Tata Hitachi Construction for advancing ESG practices. The summit covered topics such as decarbonising industries, promoting renewable energy, and effective water and waste management.

Panels focused on fostering green innovation, sustainable financing, and procurement practices. The event saw participation from across Karnataka, highlighting the importance of advancing sustainability in various sectors.

The summit underscored the need for businesses to prioritise green technologies and take tangible steps toward achieving net-zero emissions. By embedding sustainability into operations, companies can significantly impact global climate goals while ensuring long-term growth and competitiveness.