EIACP (PC-RP) on Environmental Problems of Mining

Date | 23.05.2025

As part of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad's ongoing Centenary Celebrations, and under the Mission LiFE Keynote Lecture Series [2025–26] – “Harnessing Innovation for Environmental Sustainability: Policies, Practices, and Partnerships,” the EIACP Programme Centre (RP) at Department of Environmental Science & Engineering (ESE), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, on Friday, May 23rd, 2025, organized a lecture-cum-interaction session on “Assessment of Air pollution Induced Stress, Tolerance and Accumulated Particulate Matter on the Selected Indigenous Plant Species in Delhi NCR Region” by invited keynote speaker Prof. Arvind K. Nema, Provost, IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi, & Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi, at the Seminar Hall, Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

At the outset of the event, Prof. Alok Sinha – HOD, Department of ESE and Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, warmly welcomed the invited keynote speaker Prof. Arvind K. Nema, along with all the participants. Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta – Dean (Student Welfare) and Professor (HAG), Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, extended a floral welcome to the distinguished guest, adding a gracious ceremonial touch to the gathering. Following this, Ms. Aanchal Susheen, PhD research scholar, Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, delivered a brief overview of Prof. Nema’s academic and professional biography, effectively setting the stage for the lecture.

Prof. Arvind K. Nema, began his lecture by sharing a personal reflection on how he got involved in the field of academia, which resonated with the audience—particularly the young researchers and students—emphasizing the importance of perseverance in pursuing impactful research career. Prof. Nema delivered an insightful and thought-provoking lecture, shedding light on the multifaceted relationship between air pollution and urban greenery. He emphasized how indigenous plant species in the Delhi NCR region respond to the stress imposed by airborne pollutants and their vital role in mitigating environmental impacts in densely populated urban ecosystems. He discussed that urbanization and growth are inevitable, yet urban design, if thoughtfully integrated with other environmental measures, could significantly enhance the dispersion of air pollutants and reduce human exposure. In this context, vegetation, particularly native ornamental plants, holds promise as natural sinks for particulate matter, offering an eco-friendly solution to urban air quality challenges.

A major focus of the lecture was on the evaluation of plant responses using two specific indices — the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and the Anticipated Performance Index (API). These indices help determine whether a plant species is “happy” or “stressed” in polluted environments, offering valuable data on their tolerance levels. Plants with higher APTI and API values are more resilient and can be effectively used in urban landscaping to combat air pollution.

The session witnessed the active participation of 65 attendees, including research scholars, M.Tech. students, faculty members and staff, who actively engaged in the interactive session that followed the lecture. The audience posed insightful questions, reflecting keen interest in integrating green infrastructure with urban planning to foster sustainable development.

At the conclusion of the keynote lecture session, Prof. Arvind K. Neema was felicitated by Prof. Alok Sinha, with a memento as a token of appreciation for his valuable time and for delivering an inspiring and insightful lecture.

The event was organized with the support of Prof. Sukumar Mishra - Director IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and Prof. Dheeraj Kumar - Deputy Director, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and under the guidance of Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta - Dean (Student Welfare) & Professor (HAG), Dept. of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Prof. Alok Sinha - HOD, Department of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), and Prof. Suresh Pandian E. - Associate Professor, Department of ESE & Co-coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP). The event was coordinated by Mr. Bishwajit Das - Programme Officer, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

The lecture added a significant dimension to the Mission LiFE initiative, aligning with its core vision of promoting sustainable lifestyles through informed policies, scientific research, and participatory action. The session not only enriched the academic community but also strengthened the message of integrating environmental resilience into the urban fabric through innovative and nature-based solutions.

Glimpses of Lecture under Mission LiFE Keynote Lecture Series [2025-26]
held on 23.05.2025 at Dept. of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Invited Keynote Speaker Prof. Arvind K. Nema - Provost, IIT Delhi- Abu Dhabi, & Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi along with Prof. Alok Sinha - HOD, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering and Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad; Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta - Dean (Student Welfare) and Professor (HAG), Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad; Prof. Biswajit Paul - Professor, Dept. of ESE; Prof. Anshumali - Professor, Dept. of ESE; Prof. Vipin Kumar - Professor, Dept. of ESE; Prof. Tinesh Pathania - Assistant Professor, Dept. of ESE; and Prof. Saifi Izhar - Assistant Professor, Dept. of ESE at the HOD’s Chamber, Dept. of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Assemblage of Participants at the Seminar Hall, Dept. of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, and welcome address delivered by Prof. Alok Sinha – HOD, Dept. of ESE & Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Prof. S.K. Gupta - Dean (Student Welfare) and Professor (HAG), Department of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, extending a floral welcome to the distinguished guest Prof. Arvind K. Nema - Provost, IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi, & Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi.

Ms. Aanchal Susheen, PhD research scholar, Dept. of ESE, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, reading a brief biography of Prof. Arvind K. Nema.

Prof. Arvind K. Nema - Provost, IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi, & Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi, delivering Keynote Lecture on the topic “Assessment of Air pollution Induced Stress, Tolerance and Accumulated Particulate Matter on the Selected Indigenous Plant Species in Delhi NCR Region”.

Prof. Arvind K. Nema - Provost, IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi, & Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi, delivering Keynote Lecture on the topic “Assessment of Air pollution Induced Stress, Tolerance and Accumulated Particulate Matter on the Selected Indigenous Plant Species in Delhi NCR Region”.

 

Participants including research scholars, M.Tech. students, faculty members and staff attending the Keynote Lecture Session.

 

Prof. Arvind K. Nema delivering lecture during the Keynote Lecture Session.

 

Q&A Session: Participants engaged in the interactive session following the lecture.

 

Q&A Session: Participants engaged in the interactive session following the lecture.

 

Invited Keynote Speaker, Prof. Arvind K. Nema - Provost, IIT Delhi - Abu Dhabi, & Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi felicitated by Prof. Alok Sinha - Head, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering and Coordinator, EIACP (PC-RP), IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, with a memento as a token of appreciation.

Group Photo.

 

EIACP (PC-RP), Dept. of ESE, @IITISM_Dhanbad organized #MissionLiFE keynote lecture - by Prof. A.K. Nema/@iitdelhi, sharing insights on how indigenous plant species respond to air pollution stress & their role in mitigating urban environmental impacts.@moefcc@EIACPIndia pic.twitter.com/2PGporhLdc

— IIT(ISM) EIACP (PC-RP) (@EnvisIit) May 23, 2025

Newspaper Clippings.

 
(Source: Bihar Observer; Dt: 24.05.2025)