In celebration of Innovation Week, Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Education & Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana organized an enlightening online panel discussion on “Rivers of India – A Journey through Past, Present, and Future”(Exploring the NamamiGange Programme and Initiatives for a New India)on 22nd September 2023with the aim of shedding light on the preservation of India’s rivers and inspiring the younger generation to join in the mass awakening for restoration of the rivers and water bodies in India.
During the panel discussion, Shri S.P. Vashishth, Executive Director (Admin) of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, shed light on the historical significance of rivers as the cradle of ancient civilizations, citing examples like Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, Harappan, and Egyptian civilizations, all of which flourished along riverbanks due to abundant water supply and river-based transportation. He stressed the importance of India’s extensive river network for its climate, geography, and the sustenance of its large population. Additionally, Shri Vashishth pointed out concerning water statistics, highlighting significant losses of rainfall through evaporation, leading to limited usable water resources. He identified population pressure, changing rainfall patterns due to climate change, sand mining, and pollution as major threats to rivers. In terms of sustainable solutions, Dr S.P. Vaishishth discussed innovative models for long-term river sustainability, including the implementation of Hybrid Annuity Models (HAM) in public-private partnerships (PPP).
Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof PB Sharma, Amity University Haryana during his address, provided a comprehensive perspective on the present condition of India’s rivers in contrast to their historical status. Prof Sharma underscored the significant economic effect associated with the preservation of water bodies and how it contributes to the overall development of India’s economy. Prof PB Sharma drew attention to the meticulous treatment of every water droplet at Amity University Haryana and shed light on the university efficient water harvesting systems. Additionally, Prof Sharma highlighted the green practices in Amity University Haryana campus that have resulted into maintaining good quality of air all the year around, ensuring water security by treating the entire waste water and recycling and reusing the treated waste water in the campus. Prof Sharma also highlighted some of the innovative solutions that are needed to conserve water and the path breaking water technologies that are required for cost effective waste water treatment for a large populace of India.
Dr Vikas Madhukar, Pro Vice Chancellor, Amity University Haryana during his address highlighted that rivers hold immense significance due to their multifaceted roles in supporting the lives and well-being of countless people. Rivers like the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Kaveri are lifelines that sustain communities, economies, and ecosystems across vast stretches of land. Their importance extends beyond just being water bodies; they are integral to the cultural, economic, and environmental fabric of the regions they flow through. Therefore, preserving and conserving these rivers is of paramount importance to ensure the well-being of both people and nature
The inaugural panel discussion, titled “Inclusive Rivers: Ensuring Access and Availability of River Resources for All,” delved into a wide array of discussions related to the accessibility and availability of river resources.
Shri D.P. Mathuria, Executive Director (Technical), National Mission for Clean Ganga, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India during his address, highlighted the significance of instituting annual river management strategies within urban areas to guarantee access to clean water. He emphasized the importance of floodplain zoning as a means to effectively govern water resources, with particular attention to culturally significant water bodies and shared the innovative practices for waste management.
Prof. C. K. Varshney, Former Dean and Professor of Ecology at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, stressed the simultaneous need for water body preservation and ecological considerations. Prof Varshney recounted the significant moment in 1985 when Shri Ram Krishna initiated a pioneering river conservation program, convening 25 U.S. professionals to discuss the NamamiGange project, highlighting the government’s commitment to revitalizing rivers as primary water sources. Prof. Varshney emphasized the role of wetlands in river revitalization, their natural water treatment capabilities, and the provision of groundwater during arid periods. He also highlighted concerns, including the loss of 90% of water in agriculture, plastic pollution, and its impact on migratory birds.
During the presentation, Prof. Prabhat Kumar Singh, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT (BHU) highlighted that rivers should be viewed as natural resources with minimal civil engineering interventions. The NITI AYOG’s report ranks Delhi lowest in water sensitivity, while Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh rank highest among non-Himalayan states. The report analyzed 75 rivers to diagnose issues and emphasized the importance of improving water sensitivity and developing water-smart cities. It also encouraged selecting knowledgeable mentors for river-related projects to work effectively with rivers under their guidance.
Prof M L Kansal, Professor(HAG) & Former Head, WRD&M and NEEPCO & JPSS Chair Prof at Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee delved into the multifaceted issue of industrial pollution’s adverse impact on rivers. Prof Kansalelaborated on the various ways in which industrial discharges, such as those from distilleries, sugar mills, textiles, and chemical factories, pose a significant threat to river ecosystems and water quality. Furthermore, Prof Kansal also emphasized the role of governance and well-designed urban infrastructure in preventing pollution and ensuring sustainable management of water resources. His insights likely served as a clarion call for concerted efforts in addressing industrial pollution and urban development while prioritizing the health and vitality of our rivers.
The second panel discussion, titled “Reviving Rivers: Approaches to Restoration, Rehabilitation, and Long-term Sustainability,” addressed various aspects of river restoration and sustainability
Prof (Dr) C S Dubey, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of KR Mangalam University, Gurugram highlighted historical perspectives by referring to a map dating back to 1765, which was created by Andria. This map illustrated the evolving courses of rivers over time and their pivotal role in shaping archaeological sites and cultural heritage. Prof. Dubey’s insights emphasized the profound link between rivers and human history, highlighting the imperative to safeguard these essential water bodies for the benefit of future generations.
Mr. Anshuman, Director, Water Resources Division, TERI emphasized the necessity for holistic river management during his discussion, particularly focusing on the concerning condition of the Yamuna River in Delhi. He stressed the importance of adopting integrated water management approaches and implementing decentralized storage systems. This perspective highlighted the urgency of addressing multiple facets of river conservation and sustainable water resource management, especially in urban areas like Delhi, to ensure the long-term well-being of these vital water bodies.
Prof K C Tiwari, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Delhi Technological University emphasized the significance of adopting minimal river management practices and revitalizing natural ecosystems. He drew attention to the detrimental impacts of urbanization and climate change on biodiversity and urged the adoption of sustainable approaches to mitigate these effects. Furthermore, Prof. Tiwari underscored the importance of raising awareness, particularly among engineering colleges, regarding the precarious state of India’s rivers. This emphasis on education and awareness highlights the role that educational institutions and the younger generation can play in advocating for and implementing sustainable river conservation efforts.
Dr. Vimal Singh, a Professor of Geology and Earth Sciences at Delhi University, highlighted the need for riverfront development that respects indigenous characteristics and expressed concerns about the proliferation of dams, emphasizing the importance of a water budget. Dr Singh also pointed out the significance of considering recovery potential in afforestation efforts and advocated for the creation of atlases for Virgin rivers to better understand their current state. He highlighted the lack of educational programs in River science in institutes, leading to a shortage of River scientists and minimal employment opportunities for graduates in this field. He underscored the critical link between river health and overall environmental well-being, stating that “Our mother Ganga is basically in ICU, and it’s high time we take care of it.”
Both engaging panel discussion not only raised awareness about the importance of river resources but also facilitated the exchange of ideas and values among participants. The Nirmal Ganga Project emerged as a central theme, capturing attention and garnering collective efforts toward its success. The event showcased the commitment of the government and educational institutions to promoting the welfare and economic growth of the country through increased awareness and sustainable practices.
Prof Sanjna Vij, Chief Coordinator of the event and Head, Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Education& Dy director Academic Staff College, AUH emphasized the critical importance of our rivers, which are currently confronting various challenges such as pollution and depletion. Prof Vij underlined the collective responsibility to cherish and safeguard these lifelines for future generations. Prof Vij also stated that through this dialogue, we seek to not only address challenges but also recognize the rivers’ potential in shaping a New India.
Prof Indu Shekhar Thakur, Director of Environment Science & Earth Sciences ,Amity University Haryana, delivered Vote of Thanks to all for their engaging and enlightening discussions.
The event achieved remarkable success as it witnessed enthusiastic participation from a diverse range of attendees, including Deans, Heads of Institutions, faculty, and students, who all contributed their energy and engagement. Furthermore, the notable presence of distinguished individuals such as Maj Gen Dhull, Prof HRP Yadav, Rear Admiral KK Pandey, Prof. P.C.S Devara, and Dr Abul Amir Khan added significant value and prestige to the event, making it even more special and impactful.