SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Feb 6: A workshop aimed at addressing water issues in urban centres commenced at IIT ISM Dhanbad, organized by the Department of Environmental Science and supported by ACWADAM, Biome Environmental Trust, Wipro Foundation, and Megh Pyne Abhiyan.
Key Speakers Highlight Water Conservation and Management
Deputy Director of IIT (ISM), Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, inaugurated the two-and-a-half-day event as the chief guest, highlighting the institute’s water conservation initiatives, including a Sewerage Treatment Plant that repurposes wastewater for irrigation and landscaping. He urged participants to develop solutions for stormwater management and other pressing water-related issues.
Dhanbad Municipal Commissioner Ravi Raj Sharma, attending as the guest of honor, provided insights into Dhanbad’s water supply situation, emphasizing the importance of rainwater harvesting and stormwater management for the city’s sustainability.
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Groundwater Expert and Environmental Leaders Share Insights
Renowned groundwater expert and ACWADAM founder, Himanshu Kulkarni, stressed the importance of managing not just groundwater quantity but also its quality, advocating for comprehensive water management strategies.
Prof. Alok Sinha, Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, outlined the department’s commitment to sustainable environmental solutions, while Eklavya Prasad, Managing Trustee of Megh Pyne Abhiyan, discussed the workshop’s objectives, including a field visit to assess local water challenges.
During a plenary session, Prof. Bishwajit Paul addressed environmental concerns related to sustaining water supply in Dhanbad, and Mayank Bhagat, executive engineer at the Drinking Water and Sanitation Department, discussed current water supply challenges and potential improvements.
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Panel Discussion to Address Urban Water Challenges
The second day will feature a panel discussion on “Urban Water Scenario and Challenges in Smaller Urban Centres Across Diverse Geographies of East India,” with experts offering insights into urban water management.
The panel will feature esteemed experts, including Dr. Rinan Shah, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence, and Associate at The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, Harvard University; Dr. Jayanta Basu, Environment Correspondent and Columnist; Ms. Harshita Seth, Senior Program Manager at the Urban Management Centre; Dr. Subhabrata Banerjee, Senior Manager at Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Limited; and Ayan Lahiri, Divisional Manager at Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services. The discussion will provide valuable insights into urban water management challenges and solutions.
