Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The 58th three-day national annual convention of the Indian Water Works Association (IWWA) was ceremoniously inaugurated on Thursday at the MIT campus in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. With the presence of water experts, engineers and administrative officials from across the country, the event (January 22 to 24) has assumed a broad national significance.
The national conference was inaugurated by the chief guest, Divisional Commissioner Jitendra Papalkar, who, in his address, emphasised the importance of modern technology and administrative coordination in water management. He noted that to meet future water challenges, it is essential to complement government efforts with research at the national level.
The municipal commissioner G Sreekanth, the guest of honour, presented forthright views during his address. He expressed his concern saying, “ Technology has caused society to forget life-giving rivers. Our towns or cities were established along riverbanks, but today pipelines have made us neglect rivers. Hence every engineer must ensure that the technology does not become a curse for us.”
He further shared details of a successful river rejuvenation experiment in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar carried out using natural methods without concrete, informing national delegates about the initiative.
MIT Group’s director general Prof. Munish Sharma, speaking on the coordination between education and industry, stressed the need for students to gain hands-on field experience.
On this occasion, Manisha Palande, Chief Engineer of the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (MJP), was appointed as the country’s first woman President of the IWWA.
The event, held under the guidance of Dr Y.A. Kawade (President, GSM), was attended by several dignitaries including Pramod Dalvi, among others.
As part of the convention, a grand national technical exhibition has also been organised, featuring stalls by over 100 leading companies showcasing technologies related to water purification, wastewater treatment and smart city water management. The convention has emerged as a major platform for the exchange of knowledge for delegates from across the country. The exhibition will remain open for visitors from 10 am to 4 pm on January 23 and 24.
The programme was compered by Dr Ullas Naik, while Dr Prashant Awasarmal proposed a vote of thanks.