Water Conference held at MIT WPU

Pune: The 'National Level Water Conference' jointly organized by Willo Foundation, TERRE Policy Centre, Global Nature Fund, and MIT World Peace University received a good response on Tuesday. The conference was inaugurated in the presence of Evy Hoch, member of the Executive Committee of Willo Foundation, Dr. Vinita Apte, founder of TERRE Policy Centre, Dr. Ratnadeep Joshi from MIT WPU, Sunil Shastri from Ocean Governance, and Hemant Watve, Managing Director of Wilo Mathur & Platt Pumps Pvt. Ltd.

The conference began at 10 AM on October 22 in the Chanakya Auditorium of MIT Kothrud Campus, and three sessions were held throughout the day. Representatives from environmental conservation organizations, students, and researchers from across the country were present. A clear message from the conference was the need for an environmental culture that preserves the Earth.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Evy Hoch said, "Though various cultures exist in different countries, we have only one Earth for sustainable development, and we must develop an environmental culture that protects it. Discussions at conferences like the Water Conference will be useful for the conservation of the Earth."

Dr. Vinita Apte said, "Countries with more resources should provide at least environmentally friendly technology to developing nations. Otherwise, the third war will be fought over water. Many organizations are working for environmental conservation, and the participation of corporate companies is a positive sign. With collective efforts, environmental conservation is possible."

Dr. Ratnadeep Joshi, Associate Dean of MIT, said, "MIT is a green campus. Waste management experiments are conducted here, and energy is saved through technology. We focus not just on imparting education but also on practical actions. Traditional Indian knowledge should be used to solve environmental issues."

Bharat Kale from MIT's Centre of Excellence said, "Though new technologies for wastewater recycling are emerging, we must ensure that water in urban and rural areas does not get polluted. Industrial usage should also ensure that water is not contaminated."

Senior researcher Sunil Shastri said, "Water is not an unlimited natural resource; it is limited and will eventually run out. We must keep this in mind. Given the growing population, India has only 4% of the world's available water. Agriculture uses a significant amount of water. If we do not conserve water, life will not survive."

Hemant Watve said, "Sustainable development should be at the core of businesses. Willow Foundation is committed to this. More students should come forward to conduct research on water."

Dr. Ajay Deshpande said, "During my tenure with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), I observed that many people are unaware of their rights. Just as a clean environment is our birthright, it is also our duty to maintain it."

Bharat Kale, Sunil Shastri, Hemant Watve, Ajay Deshpande from IIT Mumbai, Vinod Bodhankar, Jasmine Arose, Prof. Muller Segan, Dr. Jayati Shoure, Prof. D.S. Bhatkhande, Tanuja Khadke, and Nitin Asalkar also guided the participants. The event was hosted by Sneha Karade, stated a press release.