National seminar on SWRM-2025 organised
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 22 2025: The department of environmental science, Manipur University, hosted a one-day national seminar on 'Sustainable Water Resource Management: Issues, Challenges, and Solutions (SWRM-2025)' in connection with World Water Day at the seminar hall of the Department on Saturday.

The seminar was attended by Manipur University vice-chancellor Prof N Lokendra as the chief guest, department of environmental science head Dr R S Khoiyangbam as the president, school of human & environmental sciences dean Prof S Jibonkumar, and department of chemical engineering, IIT Guwahati, professor and National Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti chair-professor Mihir Kumar Purkait as guests of honour.

National seminar on SWRM-2025 organised

In his speech, Prof N Lokendra emphasised the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices to conserve water resources and ensure their equitable distribution.

He also highlighted the alarming rate of decrease in the number of wetlands in the state and the drying up of springs in the hilly areas, especially in the Ukhrul district.

He continued that of the total volume of water on the planet, only 3.5 per Cent is fresh water, of which 1.7 per cent is stored in glaciers, icebergs, permafrost, or underground.

He exhorted researchers to innovate sustainable approaches to reduce the water scarcity problems faced by the university, while further suggesting the need for introducing 'sustainability' courses in undergraduate and graduate curricula for the benefit of future generations.

The main event was inaugurated with the watering of native fruit saplings by the respected guests on the dais, followed by panel discussions, paper presentations, poster presentations, and interactive sessions.

Esteemed speakers from various parts of the country delivered insightful presentations on critical topics such as water scarcity, climate change impacts on water resources, watershed management, and the role of technology in sustainable water use.

As part of the seminar, a book of abstracts was also released.