Safeguarding Water Resources to Combat Climate Change

Kapurthala, March 22, 2024: Pushpa Gujral Science City, in collaboration with the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, celebrated World Water Day with an inspiring event focussed around the theme 'Water for Peace'. The event brought together more than 200 enthusiastic school students and teachers across Punjab to raise awareness about the crucial role water plays in fostering global stability and prosperity. During the event, exciting competitions including Street Play and Best of Waste were organized, showcasing the creativity and dedication of the participants in addressing water-related challenges.

Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director, Science City addressing the participants emphasized the critical role water plays in our lives as well as the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on our water resources to prevent conflicts arising from water scarcity. He underscored the importance of implementing adaptation measures such as water conservation and sustainable agriculture to ensure water security for all. Further, Dr. Grover urged the students to take small actions in their daily lives to contribute to water conservation efforts to ensure a sustainable water future for all.

Dr. Arvind Shakya from IISER Mohali delivered a keynote address on “Bio engineered systems for waste water management and treatment” He stressed that bioengineered systems leverage the inherent capabilities of biological organisms to break down contaminants and purify water. The integration of natural processes with cutting-edge technology, these systems offer a sustainable alternative to conventional treatment methods, which often rely heavily on chemicals and energy-intensive processes. Further, the effectiveness of the bioengineered systems in treating groundwater with various concentrations of arsenic, nitrate and to meet drinking water standards has been successfully tested, he added.

Result of Street Play Competition: The team from Kamla Nehru Public School, Phagwara, secured the first prize, while MGN Public School, Jalandhar, clinched the second prize. The third position was secured by the team from Dyanand Model School, Jalandhar.

Result of Best of Waste Exhibition: The team from Mandi Harding Ganj High School, Kapurthala, achieved the first prize, DAV Model School, Kapurthala, secured the second prize, while MGN Public School, Jalandhar, secured the third prize.