Our Center Recent Activities

Our center is dedicated to achieving sustainable goals, focusing on clean water, clean air, clean fuel, and a clean environment.

Our primary mission is to raise awareness about protecting nature through initiatives like Swachh Bharat 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0.

We also work on commercial-scale solid and liquid waste management, transforming waste into valuable products, promoting sustainability, and fostering a cleaner, greener future.

Industrial visit: We conducted an industrial visit to a large-scale Spirulina cultivation farm on ECR Road, Chennai, as part of a training session for research scholars from the Center for Waste Management and Renewable Energy. This visit provided valuable insights into Spirulina's cultivation processes, its potential for sustainable energy production, and its applications in waste management, supporting our efforts in renewable energy research and environmental sustainability.

Interview with Dinakaran Daily Newspaper:
The article highlights the growing issue of microplastics and their impact on human health and the environment. Microplastics, present in air, water, and soil, pose risks like respiratory diseases, hormonal disruption, liver damage, and potentially cancer. They also affect ecosystems by entering food chains and disturbing marine life. I emphasized the need for stricter plastic regulations, improved waste management, and biodegradable alternatives. Public awareness and programs like Swachh Bharat 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 are crucial to address this crisis.

Our center conducted a solid and liquid waste awareness program for school teachers and students in Coimbatore and Erode. The event aimed to educate participants on the significance of waste management and its direct impact on human health and the environment. Emphasizing India’s Swachh Bharat 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 initiatives, the program focused on sustainable waste practices, promoting sanitation, and enhancing urban infrastructure to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

I had the privilege of meeting our respected former Chief Minister, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), at his residence, accompanied by Nilgiris MLA, Jayaseelan. This memorable experience allowed me to discuss the pressing waste management issues and share possible mitigation measures with EPS. SIMATS also highlighted the focus of our Center for Waste Management and Renewable Energy, which is dedicated to addressing climate change impacts by developing solutions to manage and reduce solid and liquid waste. Our efforts prioritize transforming waste into valuable resources, contributing to a more sustainable future. EPS appreciated our work and awards received for our commitment to these critical environmental goals.

On behalf of our SIMATS Center, I had the honor of being the chief guest at an inspiring award function recognizing the best blood donors and social service individuals in South India. During the event, I presented nearly 150 awards to outstanding contributors, celebrating their exceptional dedication and impact. The ceremony was attended by representatives from the South India Blood Donor Association and the Indian Legal Rights and Consumer Protection Organisation, fostering a spirit of collaboration and community. With around 600 attendees, the event was vibrant and heartfelt. In my guest talk, I addressed crucial topics on waste management and climate action, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and collective responsibility. This memorable occasion reinforced our commitment to social service and environmental stewardship, inspiring all present to continue making positive contributions to society and the planet.

International Conference on “Waste Management and Sustainable Biofuels”

Other updates will be announced shortly

We conducted a village visit focused on solid waste management under the Unad Abhiyan scheme by the Indian government. The primary objective was to address the collection and segregation of plastic waste within the community. During the visit, we engaged with local residents, educating them on effective waste disposal methods and the importance of segregating plastic waste. We also discussed the submission of proposals for enhancing waste management practices, aiming to secure support for sustainable initiatives in the village.

Tamil Nadu Today Magazine Highlights the Urgent Need for Collective Action Against Plastic Pollution

Tamil Nadu Today Magazine has featured an insightful article addressing the collective efforts required to combat plastic pollution, with a special focus on Tamil Nadu. Prof. Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu, Head of the Center for Waste Management and Renewable Energy, SIMATS, highlights the alarming rise in plastic waste and environmental degradation across the state. He emphasizes the need for sustainable alternatives, policy interventions, and community participation to tackle this crisis effectively. The article underscores the importance of bioplastics, circular economy principles, and waste-to-energy solutions in mitigating pollution, promoting environmental conservation, and aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Prof. Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu Delivers FDP Talk on Waste Management at Vivekananda College, Salem

• On behalf of the Center for Waste Management and Renewable Energy, SIMATS, Prof. Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu delivered an insightful Faculty Development Program (FDP) talk at Vivekananda College, Salem. His session focused on advanced waste management strategies and the latest technological innovations in converting waste into valuable products. He emphasized sustainable solutions, including bioplastics, biofuels, and circular economy practices, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The talk provided valuable knowledge to faculty members, fostering awareness of environmental conservation, resource recovery, and sustainable waste utilization. The session aimed to inspire academic and industrial collaborations for a greener future.

Prof. Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu Inaugurates Nilgiris Schools Science Exhibition

On behalf of the Center for Waste Management and Renewable Energy, SIMATS, Prof. Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu was invited as the Special Chief Guest for the Nilgiris Schools Science Exhibition. He inaugurated the event, emphasizing the significance of scientific innovation and sustainability. In his special address, he delivered a motivational talk, raising awareness about waste management, environmental conservation, and sustainable practices. His insights inspired young minds to embrace eco-friendly solutions, fostering a responsible approach toward waste reduction and resource recovery for a cleaner future.

We delivered an awareness and motivational talk on solid and liquid waste management to the students of Kaypeeyes College, Kothagiri, The Nilgiris. The session focused on India’s key initiatives—Swachh Bharat 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0. These programs aim to enhance waste management, promote sustainable practices, and address environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of individual and collective responsibility for a cleaner India.

Our center conducted a workshop and awareness program on solid and liquid waste management for selected students from Coimbatore, Gopi, Mettupalayam, and Sakthi. The program highlighted India’s crucial environmental initiatives, Swachh Bharat 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0, which aim to promote effective waste management, sanitation, and urban renewal. Participants learned about the environmental impact of waste, sustainable practices, and the importance of these missions in safeguarding human health and promoting a cleaner, greener future.

Our center organized an awareness campaign on solid and liquid waste management for school teachers and students at Neyveli Lignite Corporation Township schools. The primary objective was to educate participants on the critical importance of waste management and its direct impact on both human health and the environment. The campaign highlighted the Swachh Bharat 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 initiatives, which aim to improve waste handling practices, enhance sanitation, and upgrade urban infrastructure. The program emphasized sustainable waste management practices, the role of communities in maintaining cleanliness, and the need for collective action to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations

Our center recently participated in a program organized by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Government of India, focusing on sustainable waste management practices. The event emphasized strategies for effective waste disposal, optimizing resource use, and raising public awareness. Our involvement underscored the importance of advancing innovative waste management solutions that align with national missions and environmental goals. Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment and support India's sustainability targets, fostering a nationwide commitment to responsible waste practices and long-term ecological resilience.

Tamil Nadu Magazine Features SIMATS’ Breakthrough in Bioplastic Research

Tamil Nadu Magazine has recently published an article highlighting the pioneering research activities of the Center for Waste Management and Renewable Energy, SIMATS. The article emphasizes the center’s success in developing an innovative bioplastic—a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

The core objective of this research is to tackle plastic pollution by offering an eco-friendly solution while ensuring its commercial viability for widespread societal benefit. This breakthrough aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting environmental conservation, reducing dependency on fossil-fuel-based plastics, and fostering a circular economy.

By integrating scientific advancements with sustainability principles, our center aims to drive impactful change, addressing the global plastic crisis while contributing to a greener future.

Drinking tea and coffee from paper cups coated with microplastics is a growing concern for both human health and the environment. These cups, often lined with microplastic to prevent leakage, release tiny plastic particles into hot beverages. When consumed, microplastics can accumulate in the body, potentially leading to serious health issues such as hormonal disruption, inflammation, and risks to digestive and respiratory health. Studies have shown links between microplastic exposure and conditions like cancer, liver damage, and fertility issues, making this a critical public health matter.

Moreover, the environmental impact is severe. Discarded paper cups break down into microplastics, polluting water bodies and harming aquatic life. These plastics enter the food chain, further impacting wildlife and human health.

Recognizing this alarming issue, our center recently published awareness messages in a daily newspaper, urging people to understand the dangers of microplastic-coated paper cups. This initiative aims to inform the public and encourage the use of sustainable alternatives, ultimately fostering a healthier and more eco-conscious community.

The Center for Waste Management and Renewable Energy at SIMATS, Saveetha University, India, collaborates with ExNoRa, one of India’s leading NGOs dedicated to environmental protection. This joint initiative focuses on innovative solutions for solid and liquid waste management, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. The partnership integrates SIMATS' research expertise and ExNoRa’s community-driven approach, addressing waste challenges through advanced technologies and awareness programs. Together, the teams work toward zero-waste systems, emphasizing resource recovery, eco-friendly practices, and waste-to-energy solutions. Their collaborative efforts align with Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to create cleaner communities, conserve natural resources, and mitigate environmental pollution. This synergy between academia and social activism underscores the importance of collective action, driving impactful change in waste management practices for a greener and healthier future.

The NEW Indian Express published a highly relevant article on waste management issues, emphasizing the severe impacts of plastic pollution on humans and cattle. The report extensively covers the plastic crisis in Tamil Nadu and India, highlighting our Center for Waste Management and Renewable Energy, SIMATS.