In a concerted effort to address the pressing global issue of water scarcity and its implications on peace and sustainability, the Department of Soil and Water Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), observed World Water Day 2024 in collaboration with the Soil Water Engineering Club and the Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE), Chapter PAU, Ludhiana.
The chief guest Dr Manav Indra Singh Gill, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, emphasized the need for water saving at the household level. He further advised the students to take innovative actions in water saving related research and create awareness among the society.
Dr JP Singh, Head of the Department, welcomed the dignitaries, speakers and the participants, setting the tone for an insightful discourse on the theme “Leveraging Water for Peace.
Dr Rajesh Vashisth, Former Director of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Punjab, provided valuable insights into policy frameworks for water resource management. He raised concerns over diminishing capacity of the reservoirs such as Bhakra Dam and high intense flooding events, due to climate change. The indiscriminate use of groundwater for irrigation has resulted in rising of power subsidy bill and increased greenhouse gas emissions, he observed. Dr Vashisth also highlighted the pressing need of developing a strong regulatory framework for judicious use of water resources.
Er Lupinder Kumar, Sub Divisional Soil Conservation Officer from Jalandhar, highlighted the Soil Water Conservation Department’s efforts in promoting water conservation. He mentioned key initiatives like establishment of 300 village ponds, laying of underground pipelines covering 7.65 lakh hectares, implementation of micro-irrigation across 46,000 hectares, and treating of 320 MLD of sewage in Punjab.
Mr Mohinder Singh Dosanjh, a progressive farmer, underscored the importance of drawing lessons from nations like Israel regarding efficient water utilization. He expressed deep concern over the rapid melting of glaciers, and emphasized on substantial discussions and concerted efforts toward water conservation.
Er Gurmangal Dass, President of the Youth Football Club in Rurkan Kalan, shared innovative community-based approaches for water conservation. At the event, thematic poster presentations and rangoli by postgraduate students of this department were also held.
Dr Samanpreet Kaur led a pledge-taking ceremony, guiding all the participants to affirm their commitment to water conservation and reducing their water footprint.
Dr Jugraj Singh, Principal Scientist, Soil and Water Engineering, while proposing a vote of thanks, expressing lauded the participants’ invaluable contributions towards promoting water sustainability and peace.
The overall event was moderated by Dr Nilesh Biwalkar, Professor of Soil and Water Engineering, PAU.
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