Hyderabad: Experts Call for Action Beyond Awareness on World Environment Day

 Hyderabad: On the occasion of the World Environment Day, environmentalists and sustainability advocates stressed the need for practical measures to address environmental challenges, arguing that awareness campaigns must be backed by action on the ground.

Environmentalist B.V. Subba Rao said municipal waste generated daily in cities could be used more effectively. He noted that a significant portion of organic waste from vegetable and flower markets in Hyderabad can be converted into fertilisers.

“The important role is carried out by rag pickers as waste segregation efforts rely heavily on them. They help recover materials such as paper and plastic that can be recycled and reused,” he said.

Environmentalist Dr Narasimha Reddy said that though nearly 50 per cent of wet waste is removed, the State can still generate thousands of tonnes of fertiliser from the remaining organic waste, he said.

Dr Reddy called for wider government support for sustainable practices, including procurement of different varieties of pulses and better utilisation of organic resources.

Dr Irfan Khan, founder of EBG Group, said environmental responsibility must become part of everyday decision-making by governments, businesses and communities. He highlighted the EBG Foundation's Sambhav Hai initiative, which aims to develop climate-conscious villages through afforestation, water conservation, waste management and regenerative agriculture.

“Climate action, economic progress and community development can coexist. The future of sustainability will be defined by measurable action on the ground," Dr Khan said.

The initiative began earlier this year with the adoption of Charla Thanda village in Nalgonda district. EBG Foundation plans to support 50 villages in the first phase, with future expansions, partnering with institutions and government agencies.

Suresh Goyal, additional director of EBG Foundation, said environmental programmes must focus on outcomes that directly benefit communities.

“Climate action cannot remain confined to policy discussions. Communities must become active participants in reducing carbon footprints, strengthening water security and improving waste management practices,” he said.

Navneet Oberoi, vice president of True Blue Advisory, said younger generations are paying greater attention to sustainability while evaluating employers and organisations.

“Today’s workforce is becoming more conscious of environmental responsibility, digital footprints and conscious consumption. Sustainability has to be reflected in everyday actions and not just communication,” he said.

Keerthana Chandrasekaran, co-founder of Bunjy Digital, said consumers are now demanding greater accountability from companies on environmental commitments.

“People are looking for specific and measurable outcomes. Brands are increasingly being judged by their actions rather than sustainability messages alone,” she said.