Brainstorming sessions on River Ecosystems: Management & Conservation and Urban Planning CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) organized brainstorming sessions on River Ecosystems: Management & Conservation and Urban Planning on June 7, 2017 in NEERI Auditorium. Shri Rajendra Singh, Waterman of India, Magsaysay Awardee and Stockholm Water Prize Winner was Chief Guest. Shri Akshay Kaul, Ecological Planner and Landscape Architect and Dr. Ramanath Sonawane, Additional Commissioner, NMC were Guests of Honour. Shri Girish Gandhi, Chairman, Vanarai Foundation, Nagpur, Shri A.A. Mishra, Member Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board and Prof. Anil Sole, Member of the Legislative Council were Distinguished Guests. Dr. Satish R.Wate, Chairman, CSIR-RAB and Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director, CSIR- NEERI were also present on this occasion. While addressing the audience, Shri Rajendra Singh advised to respect nature. Everyone should know what to give to nature and what to take back from it, he added. He said that in order to have a sustained environment we should have a sense of responsibility, and not dependency syndrome. We should understand, illustrate and preserve the environment. He mentioned that there is 54% water stress in India. In Maharashtra, a relation between crop and rain needs to be properly understood. He emphasized on sustainable watershed management, groundwater recharge and efficient use of water, soil erosion and silting, and aquifers. Shri Girish Gandhi advised to protect the rivers as none of the rivers today are unpolluted. Shri A.A. Mishra said that root zone technology is the best for waste water treatment. Public participation is must for river rejuvenation, he added. Shri Akshay Kaul said that what happens in catchment area of river is still unknown. He stated about integrated landscape designs and drainage master plan required for urban planning. Shri Ramanath Sonawane briefed about DPR on pollution abatement of Nag river. Dr. Satish Wate advocated the need for technology demonstration. Prof. Sole told about the initiatives taken for rejuvenation of Nag river. In the brainstorming sessions, Shri Rajesh Pandit, Environmental Activist, said that Indian Panel Code should be applicable to rivers. Shri Kedarnath Rao Ghorpade, Urban Planning Expert stated that river basin planning should also be part of urban development planning as land and rivers are inter-related. Prof. S K Gupta explained about managing flows for river health. Shri Pradyumna Sahastrabhojanee, Architect and Urban Planner explained about decentralized wastewater treatments. Mrs. Prachi Mahurkar, Nagpur Coordinator, Ecological Society gave an overview of sewage treatment. Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director, CSIR-NEERI briefed about the status of polluted rivers in India. Solid waste is also a major cause for river pollution, so need proper urban planning, he added. Prakash Kumbhare, Sr. Principal Scientist, CSIR-NEERI mentioned about the brainstorming sessions. Mrs. Jaya Sabjiwale conducted the proceedings. NGOs were also invited on this occasion.
Waterman Shri Rajendra Singh entering the Institute Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director, CSIR-NEERI along with the dignitaries
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director, CSIR-NEERI presenting a tulsi sapling to Shri Rajendra Singh Shri Girish Gandhi receiving a memento from the Director, CSIR-NEERI Dr. Rakesh Kumar
Shri Akshay Kaul, Ecological Planner & Landscape Architect receiving a memento from the Director, CSIR-NEERI Dr. Rakesh Kumar Shri Akshay Kaul during his presentation
A view of the dais Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Director, CSIR-NEERI addressing the audience
Shri Girish Gandhi, Chairman, Vanarai Foundation, Nagpur addressing the participants Dr. Ramanath Sonawane, Additional Commissioner, Nagpur Municipal Corporation receiving a tulsi sapling from Dr. Rakesh Kumar
Dr. Ramanath Sonawane, Additional Commissioner, Nagpur Municipal Corporation presenting Nag river rejuvenation plan Shri A.A. Mishra, Member Secretary, Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) speaking on this occasion
Shri Rajendra Singh, Waterman of India, Magsaysay Awardee and Stockholm Water Prize Winner
Shri Rajesh Pandit, Environmental Activist addressing the participants Shri Vilas Dhage, Assistant Regional Director, Municipal Corporation, Pune delivering a lecture on Chandrabhaga River Rejuvenation Plan
Shri Kedarnath Rao Ghorpade, Urban Planning Expert addressing the participants Prof. S.K. Gupta, IIT-BHU delivering a lecture
Shri Pradyumna Sahasrabhojanee presenting facts and figures of Nagpur Innovative mobile app called AMRUTAM was inaugurated at the hands of Dr. S.K. Gupta, Professor, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi
and Shri Kedarnath Rao Ghorpade, Urban Planning Expert for preventing wastage of potable water.