Seminar on biofuels for driving future economy in Guwahati

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 14, 2024

Pollution Control Board Assam (PCBA) in association with NER Chapter PHDCCI and with support from Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL) organized a Seminar on Biofuels for Driving Future Economy: Challenges and Opportunities at Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati on Wednesday.

The event highlighted the important role of regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders in supporting this transition. Furthermore, agronomy’s role in optimizing crop yields and advancing sustainable farming practices remains crucial in ensuring a reliable, renewable supply chain for biofuel production.

The esteemed dignitaries of the inaugural session were: Prof. Lalnilawma, Minister of State, Rural Development, Horticulture and PHED, Mizoram; Dr. Arup Kumar Misra, Chairman, Pollution Control Board Assam; Dr. Shantanu Kumar Dutta, Member Secretary, Pollution Control Board Assam; S. K. Barua, CEO, North East Gas Distribution Company Ltd.; O. P. Chetry, General Manager, Guwahati Refinery, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Bibhuti Dutta, Resident Director (NER), delivered the Formal Vote of Thanks.

The dignitaries of the technical session include- His Excellency, Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East & NE India; Nikunja Borthakur, Advisor (Corporate Affairs), Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL); Dr. Kuladhar Saikia, IPS, Former DGP Assam Police and Consultant, World Bank; Mrinmoy Pathak, CA and Strategic Director, YouthCove Foundation; and Prof. K. K. Sen, Retd. Director- Planning & Development Department, Academic Dean & Lifetime Member- Assam Sahitya Sabha.

The dignitaries of the event suggested PHDCCI to take the lead and create a Biofuel Development Forum for the North Eastern States wherein representatives from the Oil & Gas PSUs, hydrocarbon & renewable power sector, policymakers, academia, local industries and financial institutions may be included to work for the development of biofuel industry at the grassroot level.

The event was attended by various Government officials, representatives from local industries and local media houses.