KOLLAM: Water Resources Minister N.K. Premachandran has called for a development approach where a balance is drawn between industrialisation and environment protection.

He was inaugurating a national seminar on `Environmental pollution: modern chemical techniques in industrial effluent management' organised by the Post Graduate Department of Chemistry at Fatima Mata National College here on Tuesday.

Mr. Premachandran said management of industrial pollution was vital for maintaining sustainable development. The western countries gave priority to non-polluting industries, resulting in an immense flow of foreign capital for industrial investment in the developing countries. Most of these industries were causing pollution at an alarming rate, though they provided employment. It was here that the balance would have to be maintained, he said. J.S. Sharma, Chief Chemist, Department of Health Safety and Environment, ONGC, said continuous enforcement of stringent environment legislation forced manufacturers and industries to follow new emission standards. He also stressed on the need for sustainable development and protection of the local environment. College Principal Soosamma Kavumpurath presided over the function. Department head Wilma Cyril welcomed the gathering. The seminar was sponsored by the University Grants Commission.

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