A high-level workshop in Patna has issued a clarion call for the judicious and coordinated use of field data to map and manage India's precious groundwater resources. The event, held at Jal Bhavan on Monday, brought together hydrogeologists, government officials, and social workers to address the critical issue of sustainable water management.
Officials Advocate for a Common Data Platform
B Karthikey Dhanji, Secretary of the State Minor Water Resources Department, who was the chief guest, emphasized the need for breaking down departmental silos. He proposed that all state government departments utilizing groundwater resource data should establish a common platform. This initiative, he suggested, would be developed with necessary support from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
Dhanji highlighted that for a meaningful exchange of such vital data, stakeholders must receive specialised training. He assured that the state government is ready to facilitate the creation of a dedicated institution if it is deemed necessary for the effective utilisation of groundwater data.
Experts Stress on Accurate Data Collection
Echoing the sentiment for robust data-driven approaches, prominent social worker Padma Shri Sudha Verghese addressed the gathering. She underscored that real data collection is the cornerstone for accurately assessing the available groundwater in any region. Verghese expressed confidence that if all concerned departments work collectively, it would ensure easy and equitable accessibility of this vital resource for everyone.
CGWB Leads Technical Deliberations
The day-long workshop, titled “Dissemination of groundwater data, aquifer mapping and groundwater management plans,” was organised by the CGWB's Mid-Eastern Region in collaboration with the state minor water resources department. CGWB’s Regional Director Rajeev Ranjan Shukla welcomed the participants and outlined the board's various activities.
The technical sessions featured insightful presentations from several experts:
- A K Agrawal, former Chairman of CGWB.
- S N Dwivedi, Director (Administration).
- Scientists Pankaj Kumar and Alok Kumar Sinha.
Their presentations covered diverse aspects of groundwater resources, offering valuable insights for management plans. The workshop saw active participation from engineers and officials of the minor water resources, public health and engineering departments, as well as from the geology department of Patna University.
Towards a Collaborative Future for Water Security
The consensus from the workshop points towards a future of integrated water resource management. The push for a unified data platform and specialised training aims to transform raw field data into actionable intelligence. This collaborative model, involving central and state agencies along with academic institutions, is seen as a crucial step for formulating effective groundwater management plans and ensuring the sustainability of aquifers, particularly in water-stressed regions.
