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The Relativity
of Waste.
MY SUSTAINABLE ENCOUNTER WITH DR. ABHISHEK KHAPRE
By Albert Schiller
An Unconventional Path
to National Transformation.
Can a microscopic understanding of remediation unlock macroscopic solutions
for a nation’s waste challenge? The ubiquitous presence of waste is often con
sidered an unavoidable byproduct of human activity, a problem to be contained
rather than a resource to be leveraged. It is typically relegated to the periphery
of public discourse, a topic deemed unpleasant and lacking tangible value. Yet,
Dr. Abhishek Khapre, a trained bioengineer, brings a unique perspective to this
universal challenge. His journey began deep within the intricate world of micro
biology and genetic engineering, focused on the bioremediation of contaminat
ed water bodies.
However, this initial immersion in lab research soon exposed him to a significant
chasm: the disconnect between technological development and policy formu
lation at a national level, and their actual implementation on the ground. This
stark realization propelled Abhishek out of the laboratory and into the complex,
often messy, realm of large-scale waste management projects. His trajectory,
from academic researcher to private consultant, then to engagement with state
governments, and now providing consultancy to both, is a testament to a mind
driven by a singular purpose: to bridge the gap between scientific theory and
practical, impactful solutions in India’s critical waste sector. His work is not just
about waste management but the crucial intersection of science and policy, and
the need to understand the “other side”. These are the on-ground realities that
often hinder the very progress envisioned in policy and research. Abhishek’s
collaborative approach invites us all to be part of the solution and be integral
to the process.