National Water Awards 2018: PU best Institution for successful campus water usage

Chandigarh, February 26, 2019: Panjab University campus has bagged a national water award for being the best in the region and second in India for successful campus water usage. The award comprising of a trophy, citation and cash prize of Rs 1.5 lacs was received by Dr Madhuri S Rishi, Chairperson, Department of Environment Studies, PU at the National Water Awards 2018 ceremony organized by the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, at New Delhi. Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of MoWR RD&GR and Road, Transport & Highways, Shipping was the chief guest along with Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, parliamentary affairs. In the view of the importance of water resources management in our country, MoWR RD&GR has instituted National Water Awards with the objective of encouraging all stakeholders to manage their water resources efficiently and create water consciousness in the country under 14 different categories. Dr Madhuri added that Panjab University with the aid of Central Ground Water Board, Government of India implemented a scheme of Rainwater Harvesting and Artificial Recharge was funded under Central Sector scheme of “Ground Water Management & Regulations” sponsored by MoWR RD&GR in phased manner which has been completed in three years with construction of 54 artificial recharge structures spread over the entire campus of Sector 14, Chandigarh. The rainfall runoff which used to make campus water logged damage roads, buildings and went waste was made available for recharge in the Panjab University. The successful implementation of the scheme helped in arresting declining groundwater levels and provided sustainability to groundwater sources. The periodic maintenance of recharge wells and recharge structures is taking place every year for which Panjab University allocates special annual budget. Special gratitude is due to Dr S C Dhiman, former Chairman, CGWB and Prof Naval Kishore, Department of Geology, PU for their able guidance then and today. She also appreciated the efforts of the construction wing of Panjab University along with the officials from CGWB, NWR. Dr Madhuri further added that this project is playing an important role in the demonstration of information about the recharge structure, its purpose and technical specifications. One of the main objectives of the scheme is to create awareness and capacity building of stakeholders so that similar structures can be replicated further in other areas by them on their own. In order to achieve this, proper display boards have been installed near each structure displaying information and design of recharge structures. The students who are FUTURE WATER AMBASSADORS are made part and parcel of this project. Dr Madhuri further emphasised the need to replicate this project in the South campus of Panjab University for which the blueprint is being prepared under the able guidance of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Raj Kumar.