An ECO CONSULT MEET of 5 days on water quality and water budgeting organized by Centre for Advance Water Technology and Management at MRIIRS concluded with the valedictory function recently.

A total no. of 44 participants from different professions and organisations like doctors from Vardhman Mahaveer Medical College, students pursuing Geology from Kurukshetra University, experts from NGOs, faculty from Civil, Biotech, teachers from government and private schools attended the workshop with great enthusiasm.

Director General MREI, Dr N C Wadhwa, the Chief Guest of the occasion appreciated the efforts of the centre for organizing the event and emphasized the need of water literacy for improving the quality of life.  Dr A Mukherjee, Professor, Civil & CAWTM and PI of the project in his welcome address presented a brief overview of the event. The invited resource persons were from diverse fields.

Dr. Ranjan Kumar Ray, CGWB, discussed about water conservation while Dr R K Pal, Professor, ESIC medical College talked about water borne diseases. Dr A K Haritash, Professor, DTU explained the importance of water quality and its protection. Dr Sunita Jhala from Bundi, Rajasthan involved all the participants in water security aspects showing her own work in betterment of rural areas in the water sector. Impact of the waste management was well explained by Shri R. S. Tyagi, Member of Delhi Jal Board.

Half day Field visit was planned to explore Badkal Lake, Geological Survey of India, Badshahpur Sewage Treatment Plant on 2nd day of the event. A full day field visit was planned on the 4th day of the workshop to have better understanding of the concepts in the areas pertaining to water conservation, water management and waste water treatment.

Dr A Mukherjee introduced the rain water harvesting system at Lodi Garden, a zero waste garden. Dr. Nidhi Didwania, Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology explained and emphasized on an eco-friendly waste water treatment technology, “Constructed Wetland” developed & maintained by Water Technology Centre, IARI, PUSA. The participants were thrilled to see the construction and working of constructed wetland and many of them showed interest to replicate the same in their area for waste water treatment. After waste water management the group visited the Okhla Landfill site to have a clear view about solid waste management.

Eight participants from the diverse group of 44 have been selected as trainers and they will be given training in the second phase of the project- Communicating Science through Model Water and Eco Health Clinic for Quality of Life.