PATNA: A water crisis looms as ground water reserves recede at an alarming rate. Thus there is a need of resurrection and rejuvenation of the water bodies, emphasised a group of experts working in the field of water, ecology and climate change, while participating in a panel discussion at the 6th BiharTimes Conclave 2024, held in Patna.
They pointed out that amongst the available water resources in the region a large number of water bodies are polluted. As a region with growing development ambition, Bihar needs increasing action in climate adaptation that embeds local and regional water management solutions that are economically, environmentally and socially sound.
Chandra Shekhar, Founder Director and Research Head at Vaidic Srijan LLP, stressed on the need to focus upon the technique and results of using a nature-based solution for resurrection and rejuvenation of the water bodies.
Sharing success stories of water bodies rejuvenation projects taken up by Vaidic Srijan, Chandra Shekhar stressed on the need to identify and protect healthy water bodies that will have a significant impact on both human well-being and the environment. He said that the benefits of maintaining healthy water bodies are wide-ranging, encompassing ecosystem services, economic advantages, and improvements to both physical and mental health.
He said that well-functioning water bodies offer numerous ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, erosion control, enhanced biodiversity, soil formation, water storage and filtration, flood control, and the provision of food and recreational opportunities. Additionally, they help reduce vulnerability to invasive species, climate change impacts, and other natural disasters. These vital services are fundamental to social, environmental, and economic prosperity.
Kavi Nishant Bhardwaj Rajput, Founder of the Dharti International Foundation, spoke about climate change and sustainability, focusing on Bihar's unique challenges and opportunities. He emphasised the critical need for community-driven environmental initiatives to combat the adverse effects of climate change in the region.
A significant highlight of the event was the launch of the Pond Rejuvenation Project by the Dharti International Foundation. This initiative aims to restore and revitalise neglected ponds across Bihar, enhancing groundwater recharge, supporting biodiversity, and providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The project aligns with the foundation's mission to restore ecological balance and promote environmental sustainability through community participation.
The Dharti International Foundation continues to work towards its vision of creating a world where ecosystems thrive in harmony with human development, focusing on afforestation, water conservation, and environmental restoration.
Prof. Gagan Gupta of NCERT highlighted the need of inculcating values of maintaining healthy water bodies since childhood. This can be achieved by making it part of the course material.
He said that earth science should be taught in schools and colleges in an effective manner. He lamented that at present, it is taught in a very scattered manner, despite the fact that most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) declared by the United Nations are focused on earth sciences.
He also pointed out that contextualisation of bio-diversity must be considered while developing study material. This can be achieved now as new books are being prepared as per the National Educational Policy (NEP) 2020.
Professor Ajay Pandey of Arts College, Patna, called upon the audience to raise awareness about conservation of water bodies and other resources of the ecosystem. He highlighted the need of improving water management practices that reduce the use or enhance the beneficial use of water.
He mentioned that the Arts College delivered more than 10 lakh seedballs that were planted at Marine Drive, Patna, and expressed hope that its impact will be soon visible to the visitors.
Highlighting the Ecological Wealth of Bihar, Binay Kumar of Art of Living said that we have lost 90 per cent water bodies that used to be a major source of oxygen. Situation is getting worse every day, yet there is a ray of hope. Wrong practices must be corrected.
