Special Lecture on “Safe Water for Future Generations: A Collective Responsibility” Organized at BBAU on the Occasion of Groundwater Week; Experts Share Valuable Insights

Lucknow: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, in collaboration with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, BBAU, and the State Museum, Lucknow, Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, organized a special lecture on 16th July the theme “Safe Water for Future Generations: A Collective Responsibility” on the occasion of Groundwater Week. The programme was chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal. Dr. A.K. Gupta, Additional Director, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and keynote speaker. Dr. Vinay Kumar Singh, Director, State Museum, Lucknow, and Prof. U.V. Kiran, Dean of the School of Home Science were also present on the dais. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and floral tribute to Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, followed by the presentation of saplings to the dignitaries as a token of welcome. Prof. U.V. Kiran welcomed the guests and briefed the audience about the objectives and outline of the programme, while Dr. Monica Sharma conducted the proceedings.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal stated that the water crisis has emerged as one of the most serious global challenges of the present time. Rapid population growth, indiscriminate groundwater extraction, and pollution of water resources have made water conservation more crucial than ever before. He emphasized that it is the moral responsibility of every individual to use water judiciously and promote rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and water conservation as a people’s movement. Stressing the need to accelerate the Green Revolution and work collectively towards river rejuvenation, Prof. Mittal remarked that ensuring long-term food security would not be possible without conserving natural resources and maintaining ecological balance. He also urged everyone to actively participate in environmental protection, water conservation, and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. A.K. Gupta, Additional Director, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, highlighted that the availability of potable water resources is continuously declining across the world, making water conservation the need of the hour. He emphasized the importance of integrating scientific technologies with traditional and indigenous water conservation practices to strengthen rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. Referring to the Government of India’s Namami Gange Mission and other water conservation initiatives, he said these programmes are making significant contributions towards river conservation, cleanliness, and rejuvenation. He pointed out that untreated effluents from sugar mills, thermal power plants, and other industrial units are polluting water resources, and therefore regulatory authorities must ensure stricter monitoring and enforcement. He stressed that it is our moral responsibility to replenish and conserve the same amount of water that we extract from natural sources. Highlighting the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) campaign, he encouraged everyone to adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles and make water conservation an integral part of daily life. Dr. Gupta also spoke about the unique climatic conditions and water resources of the Himalayan regions, including Uttarakhand, Ladakh, and Tibet. He emphasized the significance of Ramsar Sites, noting that wetlands play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, groundw…

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