An Exclusive Interview With Mr. Robin Fernandes Business Unit Head – Capital Goods
1. What key trends have you observed in the water, sewage, waste, and recycling industry over the past decade, particularly in the context of India?
Over the past ten years, India has embarked on a profound journey towards sustainability within the realms of water, sewage, waste, and recycling. The country has seen a marked shift towards integrating comprehensive waste management systems and is heavily investing in sewage treatment infrastructure. Another significant trend is the increasing adoption of zero-waste approaches, which aim to minimize landfill use and encourage recycling and reusability. Additionally, there’s been a surge in the deployment of IoT and AI technologies to optimize the efficiency of these operations, reflecting a broader global trend towards smart, sustainable environmental management practices.
2. Sustainability is a major global concern today. How does IFAT India 2024 plan to promote sustainable practices within the Indian context?
IFAT India 2024 is uniquely positioned to champion sustainability within India by acting as a convergence point for cutting-edge global technologies and the rich, localized expertise of Indian professionals. Our focus is on enhancing sustainable infrastructure and encouraging the adoption of innovative recycling technologies tailored to India’s diverse environmental and socio-economic landscape. Moreover, we aim to foster meaningful dialogues across various stakeholders—ranging from government officials to grassroots organizations—ensuring that sustainability becomes a deeply ingrained principle at every decision-making level.
3. In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges currently facing the water, sewage, and waste management sectors in India? How can events like IFAT India help address these issues?
India’s environmental sector is currently grappling with several critical challenges, including inadequate waste management infrastructure, overburdened sewage treatment facilities, and an escalating demand for clean water against a backdrop of dwindling resources. Rapid urbanization and industrial expansion further complicate these issues. IFAT India plays a crucial role in not just showcasing global solutions but also facilitating the adaptation of these solutions to India’s unique context. Through fostering collaborations and discussions, the event helps bridge the infrastructural and regulatory gaps that currently hinder the efficiency and sustainability of these sectors.
4. How many exhibitors are expected to participate in IFAT India 2024, and how many international pavilions are anticipated to make an impact?
IFAT India 2024 is set to host an impressive lineup of over 500+ exhibitors from around the globe, reflecting the trade fair’s growing stature as a key platform for environmental technology and innovations in the region. We are expecting a robust international presence with more than 25 country pavilions, including powerhouses from Germany, Canada, South Korea, Switzerland and the Netherlands. These international pavilions will bring together a diverse array of technologies, products, and services, offering Indian stakeholders access to the latest global advancements. The strong participation underscores the increasing global interest in contributing to and tapping into India’s burgeoning environmental sector, fostering cross-border collaborations that can lead to the co-creation of solutions tailored to the Indian market.
5. With increasing awareness and regulations around sustainability, how do you see the role of IFAT India evolving over the next decade? What new opportunities or challenges do you foresee?
Looking towards the future, IFAT India is set to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping both regional and global environmental strategies. As sustainability regulations become more stringent and public consciousness around environmental issues grows, IFAT India will evolve from merely showcasing technology to becoming a critical platform for policy development, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. These partnerships will be essential in embedding sustainability more deeply within the global economic framework.
At IFAT India 2024, several special zones have been introduced to enhance the event’s focus on innovation and sustainability. A central highlight is the Startup Innovation Zone, which brings together emerging companies that are driving cutting-edge technologies. This zone creates an ecosystem of innovation by providing startups a platform to showcase their solutions directly to industry leaders and investors, encouraging disruptive technologies and new ideas. Additionally, the Bio Nexus Zone is another key addition, emphasizing biotechnology’s role in addressing environmental challenges. This zone presents bio-based innovations in areas such as waste management and water treatment, highlighting their impact on sustainable development. Additionally, the ULB Pavilion has been introduced to foster dialogue and collaboration between Urban Local Bodies, focusing on sustainable infrastructure projects and the exchange of best practices.
7. What are some of the critical challenges that you believe IFAT can help address for the Indian environmental sector in the coming years by presenting global technologies?
IFAT is crucial in bridging the gap between global environmental technologies and their application within the Indian context. Moving forward, we will focus on presenting solutions for air quality enhancement, sustainable mining practices, and the management of electronic waste—each of which is critical as India continues to industrialize at a rapid pace. By introducing these global innovations, IFAT can help address some of India’s most pressing environmental challenges.
8. Water management and solid waste recycling are critical focus areas for India. What trends in these sectors do you foresee dominating the discussions at IFAT India 2024?
At IFAT India 2024, discussions around water management and solid waste recycling are expected to be dominated by emerging trends such as decentralized water purification systems managed by communities and the application of blockchain technology to improve transparency and efficiency in recycling supply chains. These developments represent the intersection of cutting-edge technology with practical environmental solutions, areas where IFAT continues to lead the conversation.
9. Could you provide details on the expected number visitors at IFAT India 2024?
The event is expected to draw more than 28,000 visitors, including industry professionals, policymakers, academicians, and media representatives. This diverse mix of participants reflects the growing interest and urgency around environmental issues in India and the global community’s commitment to partnering with India in its sustainability journey. The significant footfall will not only provide a platform for networking and business opportunities but also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, contributing to the advancement of India’s environmental goals.
10. What do you envision for the future of IFAT India and the role it will play in shaping the environmental solutions landscape?
Looking ahead, my vision for IFAT India is for it to become a global beacon of innovation and policy in environmental management. We aim to drive the adoption of sustainable technologies and foster a deep-rooted culture of environmental awareness across all segments of society. By doing so, IFAT India will remain at the forefront of the global movement towards sustainability, continuing to shape the landscape of environmental solutions both in India and internationally.
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