TMU Hosts National Seminar on Ganga Rejuvenation and Water Sustainability
The College of Agricultural Sciences at Teerthanker Mahaveer University (TMU) recently organised a national seminar on Sustainable Management of Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation. The event witnessed the participation of environmentalists, researchers, and academicians from across the country, all united in their commitment to environmental preservation.
River Man of India Advocates for Public Participation
Delivering the keynote address, Raman Kant, popularly known as the River Man of India and Chairman of the Indian River Council, emphasised that rivers are not merely water bodies but symbols of our cultural and social identity. He warned that halting their flow would stall the progress of civilisation itself.
Raman Kant highlighted the critical role of public involvement in river conservation and urged students to explore new avenues of research in this domain. He identified rampant encroachment, pollution, and falling groundwater levels as pressing concerns, calling for immediate and concrete actions to address these challenges.
Inauguration with Dignitaries and Experts
The seminar commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony in front of Maa Saraswati. The inaugural session was graced by:
- Raman Kant – Chief Guest
- Ms. Sonalika Singh – Head, SMCG Unit, Communication and Outreach, National Mission for Clean Ganga
- Er. Piyush Gupta – Real-Time Information Expert
- Prof. (Dr.) V. K. Jain – Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, TMU
- Mr. Kapil Rastogi – Environmentalist
- Prof. Praveen Kumar Jain – Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences
Emphasis on Research, Technology, and Awareness
Vice-Chancellor’s Vision for Balanced Ecology
In his address, Prof. V. K. Jain linked water conservation with afforestation, stating that the balance of water, air, fire, sky, and earth is essential for sustaining life. He equated the degradation of these elements with the destruction of life itself, referencing the powerful poem by national poet Sohanlal Dwivedi, "Parvat Kehta Sheesh Uthakar" to stress the urgency of environmental conservation.
Suggestions from National Experts
- Ms. Sonalika Singh stressed the need for sewage treatment plants in every district to prevent river pollution.
- Er. Piyush Gupta highlighted the importance of real-time river monitoring through the 'Prayag' platform, stating, “As the river, so will be the society.”
- Mr. Kapil Rastogi addressed the dangers of open burning of plastic and waste, advocating for awareness in solid waste management.
Academic Participation and Recognition
The event was efficiently conducted by Dr. Kanchan Gupta, who served as the seminar anchor. All dignitaries were honoured with commemorative mementoes as a token of appreciation.
The organising team included:
- Dr. Balraj Singh – Seminar Convener
- Dr. Ganesh Datt Bhatt – Secretary
- Dr. Mahesh Singh, Dr. Amit Maurya, Dr. Sunil Singh, Dr. Sachchidanand Singh, Dr. Upasana, Dr. Mandeep Rawat, Dr. Shakuli Saxena, Dr. Jury Das, and Dr. Neha
The seminar was attended by a large number of students, scholars, and faculty members, making it a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and environmental advocacy.
Inspiring the Youth for Environmental Action
This national seminar not only facilitated the exchange of ideas and strategies for river and water conservation but also served as a motivational call to action for the younger generation. By highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions, the event strengthened TMU’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and academic excellence.
