IFAT India 2017: Highlights from the Supporting Program
IFAT India 2017 is gearing up for the start. Three weeks before the event opens, it is clear that India’s leading environmental technology trade fair has grown considerably in terms of the number of exhibitors and space.
The top experts in the Indian environmental sector are also discussing importing topics during the supporting program (Image: IFAT India)
Over 170 companies from 18 countries are exhibiting on an area covering 8,000 square meters. The supporting program will offer additional benefits for exhibitors and visitors alike. In numerous forums, conferences and competitions, it will deal with current topics in the Indian environmental sector. IFAT India 2017 takes place from September 26 to 28 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Mumbai.
Key topic: resource efficiency
Resource efficiency is one of the main topics of the program – in light of the current situation. Just recently, India and the European Union initiated an agreement to work together more closely in this area: the Resource Efficiency Initiative (REI). To push this project forward, the EU is organizing the session block Opportunities and Potential: Innovations in Resource Recovery and Secondary Resource Utilization at IFAT India 2017. The sessions will focus on questions such as: How can India become a resource efficient economy? Which business models are possible to foster the use of secondary resources? And which political strategies are required to implement international standards on the subcontinent?
New items on the program
New to the trade fair is the Environmental Technologies Conference, which is being organized by the Indian think tank The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). On the first day of the fair, there will be CEO forums looking at urban water management, solid waste management and air pollution control. On September 27, renowned experts will deal these topics in more detail with panel discussions and presentations.
IFAT India is also the ideal platform for politics. The Business to Government Forum will be held for the first time, giving government representatives an opportunity to report on current environmental projects and establish contacts with appropriate technology providers. Among the participants who have already signed up is Mr. Manjeet Singh, Principal Secretary for the government in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Proven magnets for visitors
The Active Learning Center, the public’s favorite feature last year, will also offer a host of practical events this year. The Products in Practice event format allows visitors to try out systems for managing heavy rainfall, for example. And in the Water Skills Competition, they can test their knowledge when it comes to operating sewage treatment works and other wastewater treatment facilities. There is also plenty on offer for young people. The University Challenge, now taking place for the third time, will allow students to gain their first experience of integrated resource management.
Strong partners
Numerous industry associations, both national and international, are involved in the extensive IFAT India supporting program. These include the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), the German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA), the Indian Biogas Association (IBA), the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the SDG Foundation, and TERI.
Source: Messe München GmbH
