Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 22: World Water Day was celebrated today by various organizations across Jammu and Kashmir by organizing seminars, awareness programmes and several other events.
At the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Local Centre, the Day was celebrated with theme “Water for Peace”. The event was attended by engineers from various departments and organizations, besides senior engineers along with members of the committee of IEI, Jammu Centre.
On the occasion, Ramesh Kumar (Divisional Commissioner, Jammu) was the chief guest and Hamesh Manchanda (Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, Jammu) was the guest of honour while Prof (Dr) Bhawna Sharma (Chairperson, IEI Jammu Centre) and Sachin Tickoo (Honorary Secretary, IEI Jammu) were among distinguished audience in attendance.
The Divisional Commissioner Jammu lauded the role of the Institution for its unwavering commitment towards the goal of spreading awareness on water conservation and making all endeavours towards sensitizing the society at all large in J&K towards larger goal of sustainable development.
Prof (Dr) Bhawna Sharma said water has the power to either foster peace or ignite conflict. When water is scarce, polluted, or access is unequal, tensions can escalate between communities and nations. She appealed everyone to take action and said that all of us can make a difference by changing the way we use, consume and manage water in our lives.
The Institution of Engineers (India), J&K Centre, Srinagar, organized a significant seminar to mark World Water Day. The seminar, held under the theme “Water For Peace,” brought together a diverse gathering of esteemed participants, including corporate members of IEI, executive committee members, academicians, students and other engineers. The event was held under the patronage of Iftikhar Ahmad Hakim (Chairman, IEI J&K State Centre).
Ajaz Rasool, a renowned Hydraulic Engineering Expert, was chief guest of the event while Basharat Jeelani Kawoosa, Chief Engineer (Retired) was guest of honour. The panel of speakers shared their insights on various aspects of water management and its implications for fostering peace. Furthermore, the seminar witnessed engaging paper presentations from PhD Scholars from the Department of Chemical Engineering (NIT Srinagar).
A group of 25 students from MIER College led by Suman Gupta (In-charge, Environment Unit) visited the Government Middle School in the adopted village, Purkhoo (Domana) on the occasion of World Water Day. This visit was instrumental in introducing the Government school’s students to the idea of “Citizen Action for Water Conservation and Preservation.”
Two students from MIER College conducted an informative session, educating the students about various methods and practices for water conservation. Additionally, the management of MIER College donated a water purifier to the Government school with the purpose of ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for the students and staff, and to encourage better health and hygiene practices.
Eco-Club ‘Srishti’ of Government Degree College (GDC) Sidhra in collaboration with Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) Chapter Jammu organized an awareness program to commemorate the Day. Chief guest of the event was Prof Kuldeep Krishan Sharma (Vice Chancellor, Himalayan University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh) and Dr Ranvijay Singh (Dean Students Welfare, Cluster University of Jammu). Prof Kuldeep Krishan Sharma in his insightful talk enlightened the students with his valuable thoughts. He told the students about Indian Knowledge System and importance of water mentioned as one of the three Gems in the Vedic literature.
In a commendable display of Corporate Social Responsibility, Berger Paints India Limited, located in Samba contributed the community by donating a water cooler and purifier system to Government Primary Health Centre in Ramgarh. On the occasion, Vinay Sharma (General Manager of Berger Paints, Samba Unit) emphasized the company’s commitment to societal welfare and environmental sustainability. Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Samba, Dr Sanjeev Gupta was present on the occasion.
The Science Club of the Government GCW Parade Ground (Jammu) celebrated World Water Day by organizing a Poster Making Competition on the theme-Water for Peace. The event was graced by the Principal Dr RK Tickoo and convener of Science Club Prof Anjali Abrol along with organizing committee members. The competition was judged by Dr Arun Kumar Sharma (Associate Professor, Chemistry), Dr Ritu Magotra (HoD English) and Dr Alpana Vohra (convener, IQAC). The students were awarded in the valedictory ceremony.
Environmental Club of KC College of Education organized an awareness rally to mark ‘World Forests Day’ and ‘World Water Day’. A good number of members of Environmental Club participated in the rally. On their way, they met and interacted with the villagers & slum dwellers and discussed the importance of natural resources like forests and water and also the implications of deforestation and water scarcity. The rally was flagged off by Principal of the College, Dr Sanjay Tickoo.
In honor of World Water Day, the National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nature Club of GCoE came together to organize a special event centered around the renowned water conservationist, Dr Rajendra Singh. The highlight of the event was the screening of a compelling documentary showcasing the life and work of Dr Rajendra Singh, often referred to as the “Water Man of India.”
The event was graced by the presence of Principal of GCoE Dr (Prof) Jyoti Parihar, Prof Sarita Dogra (NSS Program Officer) and Dr Shalini Sharma (convener of the Nature Club). Additionally, the event saw the participation of Dr Shubhra Jamwal, Prof Kiran Thapa and Prof Roopa Kumari, who actively engaged with students during the screening and subsequent discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions related to water conservation.
INTACH Sub-Chapter Udhampur start campaign to “Save Baolis, Save Water”, to mark World Water Day. Anil Paba, social activist and co-convener of INTACH Sub-Chapter Udhampur said it is quite alarming to note that the most of ancient water bodies in the shape of Baolis/Stepwells in Jammu region, particularly on ancient trade routes shows sign of deterioration and are in a advanced state of decay/extinction.
Paba said that these traditional knowledge of water management system have been provided to us by our ancestors and now it is our duty to preserve, document and rejuvenate the same for the future generations by the involvement our local administration, citizens and other stakeholders. The INTACH members Ashok Sharma, Bharat Bhushan and R Padha were present on the occasion.
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