Surat Industries Honored for Green Efforts at Conclave

Surat, Gujarat – In a powerful testament to Gujarat’s dual commitment to industrial growth and environmental stewardship, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) and the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) today hosted the “Environment Conclave 2025.”

The event, attended by Union Minister for Water Resources, CR Paatil, and the Minister of State for Environment, saw leading industrial units and cooperative societies from Surat honored for their exemplary contributions to green belt development, water conservation, air quality management, and carbon credit initiatives. The conclave underscored a critical message: sustained industrial progress must go hand-in-hand with robust environmental protection.

“The environment is a current global problem,” emphasized Nikhil Madrasi, President of SGCCI, addressing the gathering of entrepreneurs. “If we do not pay attention to its protection, then we will have to face severe problems in the future. The Chamber, which works for the development of industries, fully recognizes its role in environmental awareness as part of its social responsibility. That’s why we organized this environment-related conclave just one day after our inauguration ceremony.”

The awards ceremony recognized industry leaders across various categories. For green belt development, Category A saw Pandesara Green Environment & Water Welfare Co-Op Society, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd., Coromandel International Limited – Sarigam, Aether Industries Limited, and Larsen & Toubro Limited receive accolades. In Category B, Perstorp Industries India Pvt. Ltd., Gharda Chemicals Limited, Madhusudan Group, and Deccan Fine Chemicals (India) Pvt. Ltd. Ankleshwar were honored for their green initiatives.

Water conservation efforts were applauded, with awards going to Rallis India Limited – Ankleshwar, M/S. Dcm Shriram Limited (Unit: Shriram Alkali & Chemicals), Deepak Nitrite Ltd., M /S. Shree Durga Syntex Pvt. Ltd., and M/S. Shesh Enviro Infra Pvt. Ltd. Meanwhile, Bharat Parenterals Limited, Navin Fluorine International Limited, M/S. Gokul Fabrics Pvt. Ltd, and Ami Organics Ltd. were recognized for their achievements in air quality management. Pioneers in carbon credit initiatives, Arcelormittal Nippon Steel India Pvt. Ltd., K. Girdharlal International Pvt. Ltd., Crystal Crop Protection Limited, Dahej Unit, Superform Chemistries Ltd. U-12 (Upl), and Garden Silks Mills Pvt. Ltd., also received well-deserved awards.

Union Minister CR Paatil lauded Gujarat’s industrial progress while stressing the concurrent efforts in environmental protection. “Gujarat has developed immensely due to industry, and along with it, honest efforts are being made to protect the environment,” Paatil stated. He issued a stark warning about future water scarcity: “To avoid the water crisis that may arise, water will have to be saved. Water conservation, public participation, and public campaigns will make it possible. Water is important to save the environment.” He urged Surat’s industrialists to dedicate resources for water conservation, even for “the eighth generation,” emphasizing that “only if there is water, the money for the eighth generation will be useful.” Paatil also appealed for widespread participation in rainwater harvesting and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree for Mother) campaign.

Dr. Sunilkumar Ambast, Chairman of the Central Ground Water Board Authority, highlighted the alarming decrease in groundwater levels in parts of Gujarat due to excessive extraction. “It has now become necessary to save groundwater and use it wisely. The role of not only the government but also industries and every common man is very important in this,” he asserted.

Sharathkumar Pallerla, Scientist at the Ministry of Environment, reiterated India’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. “This goal is very important to reduce the increasing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions in the environment,” Pallerla said, calling for a coordinated effort from government, industries, agriculture, and citizens.

Manali Bhatt, Deputy Environment Engineer, GPCB, advocated for a “green economy” that fosters employment and industrial development without environmental damage. T.B.N. Singh of the Central Ground Water Authority emphasized the urgent need for rainwater harvesting, water reuse, and treatment plants to combat the increasing demand for water from agriculture, industry, and urban areas. The conclave served as a powerful reminder that a sustainable future for Surat’s industries hinges on collective environmental responsibility.