Workshop on preservation of rural water resources

Ludhiana: A one day workshop on preservation of rural water resources like ponds etc for irrigation was held at Punjab Agricultural University, here today. The workshop was organized by International Project Trust, ‘Tigress’, between Cambridge University and PAU and International Crop Research Association. The project will help strengthen the ancient water resources of Punjab and promote environment conservation.

Discussions to plan the road map were held at the workshop. Mr Suresh Kumar, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab, in his address referred to the project as first of its kind in Punjab that will help revive old water resources so that they can be re used for irrigation.

PAU Vice Chancellor and Padam Shri awardee, Dr B.S. Dhillon pointed towards the growth of civilisations near rivers and water bodies since olden days. He stressed on the crucial need for preservation of water resources in agriculture intensive Punjab state.  He further opined that increasing population led to increase in crop cultivation but the erratic environment patterns have revived concerns in this regard.

Mrs Seema Jain, Financial Commissioner, Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr Rakesh Kumar Verma, Principal Secretary, Science, Technology and Environment, Mrs Jaspreet Talwar, Secretary, Water Supply and Sanitation, said the brain storming at the workshop would be helpful in the ongoing government projects. Presentations were given by Dr Adam Green and Dr Camron Pattry from Cambridge University on ancient, medieval and modern agricultural techniques with respect to weather and environment in Northern India.

Dr A.S. Toor and Dr K.G. Singh of PAU shed light on the poor condition of ponds in Ludhiana, with unclean water in 51% of a total of 78 ponds. A presentation was made by officials from the water supply department of Punjab, highlighting work done on purifying water bodies. 

Earlier, Dr N.S. Bains, Director of Research, PAU extended a formal welcome while, Dr R.S. Sidhu, Registrar, PAU coordinated the programme. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Deputy Commissioner Mr Pradeep Kumar Agrawal, senior officers of PAU, Dr J.S. Mahal, Director of Extension, Dr G.K. Sangha, Dean, Post Graduate Studies, Dr S.S. Kukal, Dr Shammi Kapoor and Mr Sandeep Dikshit, besides several others.