Rajasthan: "Chemical products have to be designed keeping in mind the principles of Green Chemistry so that the enormous amount of waste and toxic substances that is generated by the industry is kept under control and they do not become health hazards."

"In academia and industry, there is a great need to develop and practice eco-friendly processes for manufacturing products avoiding chemical pollution and waste generation."

"Further, the relevance of green chemistry should be recognized at the design stage itself for any product so that it comes in harmony with the green concept."

These were some of the recommendations from the experts who participated in the three day National Conference on Green and Sustainable Chemistry held at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS) on February 19-21, 2010.

To develop new processes and chemical products without harming the environment, it was advised to follow twelve principles of green chemistry drafted by Paul Anastas, the father of Green Chemistry.

These twelve principles stresses on design of safer, biodegradable and less hazardous useful chemical products utilizing atom economic and energy efficient processes.

During the deliberations, the researchers shared their outlook towards the "Greener" aspects of chemistry.

Presentations covered a broad range of topics including catalysis, man made cellulosic fibres, green synthesis in drug development, nanotubular suprastructures, pernicious heavy metal extractions from industrial effluents and mesoporous materials.

It was also suggested to perceive the nature's way of synthesis and detailed discussion was held on the novel concepts, reaction mechanisms and synthetic methodologies that are evolving in the pursuit of sustainable and green chemistry development.

The conference called for developing green chemistry curriculum in education at undergraduate level itself.

The need to bring together the industry and academia in well defined mechanism was strongly felt and advocated by the conference.

The conference emphasized that young students and researchers be encouraged to take up research challenges in multidisciplinary areas in order to develop chemical technologies with minimum hazardous impact on environment and human health.

It was agreed on a common platform that there is a need to overhaul the academic laboratory experiments with "greener" ones in order to create awareness among teachers' students and young researchers.

Besides, it was felt that the serious energy shortage in the country has to be tackled without damaging the environment and this can be done by adopting systematic and carefully planned greener approaches.

The organizing committee encouraged the poster presenters by awarding the best poster awards.

The first prize was bagged by Ms. Naisargee Parikh from NIPER, Mohali.

The second prize was awarded to Mr. Bhupendra Mishra from BITS, Pilani and the third prize was given to Mr. Sunny Manohar from University of Delhi.

These young researchers were presented with a certificate and cash prize.

Current status of chemical processes for implementation of clean, eco-friendly and waste minimization and future challenges were highlighted and discussed during the conference.