Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil reviews IIT-led innovations for river rejuvenation, water security

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New Delhi, Jul 9 (PTI) Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil on Wednesday reviewed the Centre of Excellence research activities at IIT-BHU and IIT-Delhi and lauded the institutions' contributions towards water security, river rejuvenation and sustainable environmental practices.

Established by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Centres of Excellence are at the forefront of innovation and technical research aimed at tackling India's pressing water challenges.

"Under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, continuous emphasis is being placed on innovation and technical research in critical areas such as water management, river rejuvenation, and environmental protection," Paatil said in a post on X.

The review presented a series of initiatives, including a holistic river rejuvenation plan that incorporates not just ecological restoration but also a revenue generation model.

According to the presentation shown, the innovations integrate storm and wastewater management, refurbishment of sewage treatment plants, and the reuse of treated water and sludge for productive purposes.

One of the key innovations showcased was a decision support system powered by hydrological and hydrodynamic modelling to aid planners and policymakers in real-time decision-making.

Additionally, emerging Smart Monitoring Technologies such as fingerprint analysis for tracing chemical and non-microbial pollutants are being deployed to track water quality and contamination sources more effectively, according to the presentation showed to the minister.

To address groundwater-surface water interactions, the projects include sustainable management strategies for small rivers, emphasising the vital River-Aquifer (RA) exchanges that govern local water balances.

Carbon-neutral and water-positive principles are being applied across interventions, with each activity evaluated for its carbon and water footprints to ensure long-term environmental viability, according to the presentation.

Capacity building remains a cornerstone of the programme, with new academic courses under development to foster global sustainable solutions and provide international exposure to Indian researchers and practitioners.

Paatil described the experience of observing the research firsthand as a source of "joy and pride", emphasising the government's commitment to science-backed, innovative approaches for river rejuvenation and environmental stewardship. PTI UZM DIV DIV