New Delhi, Aug 11: A National Symposium on Water was organised at the India International Centre, New Delhi, bringing together environmentalists, academicians, policymakers, public sector leaders, journalists and social activists to deliberate on India’s growing water challenges and the need for sustainable water management.
Organised by White Dolphin Media under the aegis of IndianPSU.com, the symposium focused on the theme of water conservation and sustainable use, with Coal Neer – From Waste to Wealth: Unlocking the Potential of Treated Mine Water emerging as a key area of discussion. The event highlighted how innovative water treatment solutions and community participation can play an important role in strengthening India’s water security.
Renowned environmentalist and Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Dr. Rajendra Singh, popularly known as the Waterman of India, was the keynote speaker at the symposium. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised that water conservation cannot remain the responsibility of governments alone and must become a collective responsibility involving communities, institutions and citizens.
Dr. Singh highlighted the close relationship between water, women and rivers through the message “Neer–Naari–Nadi = Narayani”, underlining their importance to human civilisation and sustainable development. He also spoke about the importance of community-led conservation and shared the experience of Tarun Bharat Sangh, which over nearly five decades has worked with communities across villages to develop water conservation structures and revive local water sources.
The symposium placed special emphasis on Coal Neer, an initiative of Coal India Limited aimed at treating mine water and making it available as safe drinking water for communities in and around coal mining areas. The initiative was discussed as an example of converting a potential environmental challenge into a useful resource while addressing water scarcity and supporting sustainable development in mining regions.
Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Bharat Coking Coal Limited, received the INDIAN PSU Frontline Leadership Excellence Award for his leadership in promoting water sustainability initiatives, particularly the Coal Neer project.
Nilendu Kumar Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Central Coalfields Limited, was conferred the INDIAN PSU Dynamic Leadership Excellence Award for advancing sustainable water management practices across coal mining operations. The award was received on his behalf by Sangeeta, General Manager, CCL.
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