Mysore/Mysuru: The Department of Environmental Engineering of Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), JSS Science and Technology University (JSS S&TU), Mysuru, hosted a TEQIP-III sponsored two-day workshop on ‘Water Conclave – for a better future’ here recently.

The themes for the conclave included urban and rural water demands, water quality, financing water infrastructure and water pricing, agriculture water management for livelihood improvement, surface water quality/ health for better water management, safe drinking water supplies, mathematical models for water resources management and climate change and its impact on water resources.

Prof. Kavi Mahesh, Director, IIIT-Dharwad, highlighted the application of data analytics in predicting onset of monsoon rains in India and also discussed interesting correlation of rainfall with lunisolar calendar. He also reminded that their ancient culture depicted the importance of water and ways of guarding its sacredness.

Prof.  Basant Maheshwari from Western Sydney University, Australia, highlighted the involvement of local citizens in water management with case studies of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Dr. C.G. Betsurmath, Executive Secretary, JSS Mahavidyapeetha, in his online speech, said: “Our water resources have been depleted and polluted for various reasons. A balance has to be maintained between the water availability and water required through competent research, development and implementation.”

Prof. B. Suresh, Pro-Chancellor of JSS-AHER, who participated online, highlighted the requirement of efficient resource management to cater to the needs of our huge and growing population.

He spoke about various activities on water and environment domain at JSS-AHER. The upcoming National Water Policy is of great interest in terms of water stewardship and citizen water literacy, he added.

Prof. Siddaramaiah, VC (Acting), JSS-AHER, who presided over the function, highlighted the importance of water element among the five elements of life and application of smart technology                                                                 for water conservation, recycle and management.

Dr. S.A. Dhanraj read out the message of Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, which highlighted the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-6 — ‘Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.’

Dr. B. Manoj Kumar, Professor & Head, Department of Environmental Engineering, briefed on the Australia-India Water Centre and details of Water Conclave.

Dr. S.B. Kivade, Principal,  SJCE, welcomed. Over 150 participants, including faculty and researchers from JSS S&TU and other institutions, practitioners, consultants and students participated. A total of seven resource persons from Australia and 16 experts from India shared their experiences during the Conclave.

On the first day, topics such as urban water recycle, groundwater management, storm water drainage, nutrients in waste water, mountain hydrology, virtual water trade, geoinformatics in water management and bulk water supply infrastructure  were discussed.

The programme was co-ordinated by Dr. B. Manoj Kumar, Professor and Head and Dr. Pushpa Tuppad, Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Engineering.