Every drop of water must be saved and passed on to the next generation and it is also imperative on the part of present generation to avoid contamination of water to protect people from diseases.
Participants at a workshop on protecting water resources, jointly organised by the AP Pollution Control Board, Samaikya and Green Environment Society on the occasion of Wold Water Day here on Tuesday.
Percentage of water is reducing due to climatic changes and pollution is on the rise due to proliferation of industries as part of globalisation and exploitation of resources, Chairman of State Expert Appraisal Committee V.S.R.K. Prasad observed.
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Nature’s greatest gift to the mankind is water and every one should get involved in protecting this lifeline, said Principal of AU College of Engineering Ch.V. Ramachandra Murthy.
He wanted all measures to be taken to protect the underground water level, forests and water resources, adopt crops that needed less water and avoid wastage of water at homes.
Representative of Green Environment Society J.V. Ratnam felt the need to create a better awareness among the people about judicious use of water and controlling pollution.
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Zonal Officer of APPCB K. Sreerama Murthy, S.E. of RWS Department T. Prabhakar, AUCE Vice-Principal P.S. Avadhani, Executive Director of Center for Transformation of Waste Technology (USA) Prakasam Tata, a professor from IIT C.A. Subrahmanyam, convenor of the workshop K. Raghu Babu and others spoke on different issues. Prizes were given away to the school and college students who won the essay writing, elocution and drawing competitions held on the topic of protecting water resources and environment.
Institution of Engineers (India)
At a programme organised by the local centre of Institution of Engineers (India), Dr. Prakasam Tata said that the per capita consumption of water must be reduced from present 50 litres a day to 30 litres a day. Housewives play a crucial role in the important task of conserving water, he said.
Former Chief Engineer (irrigation) S. Satyanarayana said sweet water accounts for 2.7 per cent of the total water available on the earth, the rest being salt water.
Out of this, 22.6 per cent is ground water and 2.2 per cent is available from the rivers and tanks. Irrigation usage accounts for 83 per cent, followed by 7 per cent by the domestic sector and 3 per cent by industries but water in irrigation sector is being used indiscriminately and it is necessary to conserve water.
Past chairman of IEI I. Satyanarayana presided. Secretary O. Rama Mohana Rao, member D.V. Ramakrishna, also spoke.
Chaitanya Engineering College
The Chaitanya Engineering College and the Sri Chaitanya Engineering College (Kommadi) conducted a programme on this year’s theme, water and jobs. Senior engineer R. Nageswara Rao said irrigation sector in AP needs 2,750 tmc ft of water but has a shortfall of 481 tmcft and explained irrigation projects existing and proposed. HoD of Mechanical Engineering I. Satyanarayana presided. Senior professors D.G.K. Varma and S. Sanyasi Rao spoke about role of engineers in sustainability of water management.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant organised a human chain at the TTI and Central Stores junction and displayed messages on several water conservation methods. Technical presentation were made on water management in Vizag Steel and recycling of waste water and the Water Management Department also distributed leaflets on tips on water conservation at Ukkunagaram and inside the plant. In-charge Executive Director (works) K.V. Ramana Rao, ED (operations) P.K. Rath and GM (WMD) V. Ramanujam spoke.
Walkathon
Visakha Container Terminal organised a walkathon from the VCT gate till Old Post Office Junction displaying innovative messages through placards. A group of around 25 VCT employees participated and distributed pamphlets on water conservation. The residents and onlookers were surprised when a flash mob was performed by four youngsters from VCT. The message on World Water Day was also spread through social networking site WhatsApp as link and the recipients were requested to send the response in turn to all the groups to create awareness on the theme water and jobs.
Gangavaram Port
Gangavaram Port Limited conducted an awareness programme for its employees on sustainable water harvesting techniques and responsible usage of water. The programme was conducted by the Environment Department.
SBI-IYFS
SBI and India Youth For Society [IYFS] jointly observed World Water Day at administrative office, Siripuram. Prof. A.J. Solomonraj and former Vice-Chancellor V. Balamohan Das addressed. Prizes were given away to the students who participated in drawing competition and quiz.