Chemistry Department Organized an International Conference on ‘Sustainable Initiatives in Water Management’

An International Conference on “Sustainable Initiatives in Water Management” was organized at Manav Rachna University, Faridabad in association with the Royal Society of Chemistry, London and Green Chemistry Network Centre (GCNC), Delhi University on 6^th March 2018. The conference was sponsored by Indian Oil Research & Development Center, Faridabad.

The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Satinder Ahuja, President Ahuja Consulting, USA; Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, MRU, Prof. R.K. Sharma, (Coordinator GCNC, DU); Dr. Neelima Alam from Water Technology Initiative Program of Technology Mission Division under DST; Prof. D.K. Chadha, Chair Professor and Chairman- Center for Advanced Water Technology and Management at MREI; Prof. A.K. Gupta, MRU; and Dr. Megha Mittal, MRU.

Prof. A.K. Gupta, Organizing Secretary in his welcome address emphasized on the need of water management with a instance of current situation of Cape Town water crisis. In his inaugural address Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, Manav Rachna University emphasized on continuous upgradation of knowledge and its transfer in teaching and research. He also stressed on inter-disciplinary research and exchange of knowledge through such forums. Issues and concerns related to water management were discussed in the conference by Prof.  D. K. Chadha. Dr. Neelima Alam discussed the case studies of successful projects completed by DST in rural areas under water initiative scheme. Prof. R. K. Sharma gave a brief on the GCNC activities in India and role of green chemistry in water resource management.  The Department Newsletter: ‘Reflexions’ was also launched on the occasion. Dr. Megha Mittal, Organizing Secretary presented the vote of thanks in Inaugural session.

In the Plenary Lecture, Dr. Satinder Ahuja focused on the sustainable solutions to water pollution and also discussed on requirement of good sustainability programs for regular monitoring of water resources for various contaminants. In the conference, there were 2 technical sessions, which included total of  24 oral presentations and 18 poster paper presentations by eminent experts from Universities like Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi; Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar; IOCL, Faridabad; DRDO, Delhi; Shri Matavishno Devi University, Katra, J & K etc. First technical session was headed with a keynote lecture by Dr. Venkatesh Dutta Associate Professor Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, India and second keynote lecture was from Dr. A. Mukherjee Professor, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies.

In valedictory Session the invitee was Dr. Girija Bharat the Founder Director, Mu Gamma Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon . Dr. Manvi Yadav, from GCNC, Delhi University presented the brief of the conference. Best oral and poster presentation awards were presented by Dr. Satinder Ahuja, Prof Chadha and Dr. Girija Bharat. Mementos were presented to the organizing team of the conference also.The conference ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr Meena Kapahi, Co-convener, SIWM-2018.