A daylong workshop on opportunities and challenges in grey water treatment technology concluded at the UPES. The Uttarakhand State council for Science and Technology (UCOST) director general Rajendra Dobhal presided over the workshop sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology.

Addressing the gathering, Dobhal spoke on the current water availability scenario and its management.

 “In view of the current water resource scarcity, its effective management has become even more important. The need of the hour is to regularly undertake requisite steps for its proper management to avoid association of additional challenges with this already scarce resource.  Though 70 per cent of the earth's surface is covered by water, less than one per cent is available for human consumption, therefore it becomes even more essential that everyone should contribute for its conservation. Researchers and scientists need to develop technology for water solutions and collate its valuable data for the next generations,” he added. Senior scientist from CSIR-NEERI, Delhi, Raman Sharma spoke about revival of water bodies and lakes carried out by NEERI with Delhi Jal Board’s support. Brij Mohan Sharma from Society of Pollution and Environmental Conservation Scientists (SPECS) also shared his field experiences and case studies on water treatment units in Dehradun while addressing the audience. Associate professor and assistant dean (Research), School of Engineering, UPES, SM Tauseef spoke of his research experiences.

Water scarcity and its management pose a big challenge that should have been acted upon by yesterday instead of today or tomorrow. Despite the delay, it is still better to be late than never, he added.

 Mahendra Rana from Government Inter College, Shilodi (Pauri) spoke on the loss of water in mountains due to lack of proper water management while Sakshi Gupta from Graphic Era University spoke on rainwater harvesting and entrepreneurial opportunities.