SMVDU, Katra: A Two-day International Conference on Renewable Energy for Sustainable Environment: Challenges and Remedies kick started in SMVDU on 20th March 2017, organized by Dept. of Energy Management. The event marked the presence of many dignitaries with Mr. Chander Parkash, Hon'ble Minister for Industries and Commerce, J&K Govt. being the Chief Guest on the occasion, Prof. N. K. Bansal, Ex Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, Prof. D. Bhddhi, Vice Chancellor Suresh Gyan Vihar University in Jaipur, Prof. N. A. Rahim, UMPEDA Centre, University of Malaya, Malaysia.

The conference started with a welcome address by Dr. Sanjeev Anand, Convenor of the conference. He briefed the audience about the objective of holding such a conference and its interdisciplinary nature. He also apprised that the conference is having participation of around 150 participants all across the state, country and abroad. Giving focus on the theme of the conference he stated that there are extensive Plenary, Keynote and Invited Lectures and this would be followed by Technical Sessions (both Oral and Poster). Dr. Anand also informed the delegates that the Dept. of Energy Management is the only dept. in the State of Jammu and Kashmir to offer an interdisciplinary course on Energy Management.

Prof. N. K. Bansal, Sintex Chair Professor, CEPT University and Ex Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, deliberated on the need of energy conservation. He enlightened the audience about the role and position of the country in the global scenario and highlighted the role of oil storage and refinery in the country. He also deliberated upon the futuristic goals to develop the storage techniques, reduction in the oil usage and also insisted upon organising such conferences for making people more aware about the present issues. Prof. D. Buddhi stressed upon the extension of the research in the field of energy as the need of the present hour. Prof. N. A. Rahim stressed that it is the time to take appropriate action. He said the India being the oldest country on the map holds a greater responsibility for the initiative and should invest extensively in this direction. Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, stressed on the sustainability in the energy usage as an important factor. He insisted upon the rise in population and the ever changing life style as the factors for increased energy demands and also contributors towards energy wastage.

Sh. Chander Parkash, Hon'ble Minister for Industries and Commerce, J&K Govt., insisted upon the energy as the need of the hour and also stressed upon the all the necessary measures to be taken to ensure energy conservation in the state. He was also very particular that such events are essential for finding the remedies to the challenges faced in this sector and hence such conferences should be organised more often. Dr. Vineet Tyagi, Assistant Professor, Department of Energy Management, presented vote of thanks. The event was supported by many sponsors like Sterlite Power, Orkan Energy Pvt. Ltd. & Taylormade Solar Solutions Pvt. Ltd.