In partnership with MoHUA, the Government of India, the IIM Indore’s Centre of Excellence-
ANVESHAN organised an international conference titled “Towards Garbage-Free Cities:
Innovations in Waste Management and Sustainability” on October 10, 2024, at IIM Indore
Campus. The event gathered eminent experts, academics, and thought leaders from across the
globe. It aimed to encourage a dialogue on sustainable waste management practices and
promote innovative solutions for cleaner cities. The event brought together policymakers,
industry leaders, and academics to explore the latest innovations in waste management.
Aligned with India’s Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0), the conference promoted
innovative solutions for urban waste challenges, building sustainable cities, and accelerating
the transition towards a circular economy.
The conference spotlighted the convergence of academic research, public policy, and industry action. It embodied ANVESHAN’s vision of driving real-world impact through interdisciplinary research, knowledge sharing, and inclusive collaboration.
Keynote sessions featured prominent international voices:
• Prof. Uttiyo Raychaudhuri (University of Denver) emphasized the shift toward regenerative living and the role of wastewater surveillance in public health.
• Prof. Andrea Sianesi (Politecnico di Milano) presented Milan’s pioneering circular economy practices within luxury industries.
• Prof. Belgin Okay-Somerville (University of Glasgow) shared a human-centred approach, highlighting sustainable HR practices that enhance societal wellbeing.
The conference hosted over a dozen paper presentations across three key tracks: Solid Waste Management, Sustainability, and Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0. Prathamesh Rale (IIT Indore) was awarded Best Paper for his work on forecasting solar e-waste trends using ARIMA models.
The event reinforced ANVESHAN’s role as a strategic knowledge hub, inspiring cross-sectoral partnerships and advancing India’s leadership in sustainable urban transformation.