'Environmental compliance should be voluntary'

Industry should comply with the environmental norms voluntarily, D.N. Pandey, member secretary of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, said Friday, adding that self-regulations would result in huge savings.

"Times have changed. We are now living in a world which really believes in preserving the environment and the mother earth. Compliance should be voluntary and not out of fear," Pandey said while addressing a seminar at "Vastra 2012" exposition at the Export Promotion Industrial Park at Sitapura industrial area here.

Addressing a seminar on "Environmental Issues in Textile Industry", Pandey said the self-regulation could result in huge savings.

Exhibitors from 60 countries, including Argentina, Greece, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, South Africa, Canada, the US and China, are participating in "Vastra 2012", co-organised by RIICO and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Pandey said buyers from around the world prefer producers who follow environment guidelines.

He emphasised the need for zero discharge from Industrial units. "I hope the industry will do it from their heart," he said.

Pandey urged industry to use in their products the huge knowledge base which the country has.

"The Sanganeri prints, tie and dye, block printing and vegetable dyes have been preserved in our country since ancient times. They can be hugely popular abroad if promoted earnestly," he added.

Spread over 5,000 sq mts, the highlights of the "Vastra 2012" event include live demonstrations of traditional craft, business shows, concurrent conferences and buyer-seller meetings. Some 170 exhibitors, covering the entire sector, are participating through 400 stalls.

Naveen Mahajan, managing director of RIICO, said a lot of business meetings were held on the second day of the event. The four-day event started Thursday.