Glacier preservation focus at World Water Day event

Pushpa Gujral Science City marked world water day with a special emphasis on the theme “Glacier Preservation,” drawing attention to the critical role glaciers play in sustaining life and regulating the water cycle. The event aimed to raise awareness about the alarming impacts of climate change, particularly the rapid melting of glaciers and the urgent need for action to preserve these vital natural resources.

Around 100 school students and teachers participated in the event, which featured engaging activities such as a street play and a caption contest, both of which highlighted the importance of glaciers and the immediate need for their protection.

Dr Rajesh Grover, Director of Pushpa Gujral Science City, pointed out that with rising global temperatures, glaciers are rapidly shrinking, leading to unpredictable shifts in the water cycle. He noted that the melting of glaciers is contributing to dangerous phenomena like floods, landslides and rising sea levels, all of which pose significant threats to communities and ecosystems globally. Dr Grover urged a collective response to these challenges and underscored the critical role of youth in safeguarding glaciers as part of broader efforts to combat climate change and address the global water crisis.

Er Lupinder Kumar, Sub-Divisional Soil Conservation Officer of Jalandhar, delivered an expert talk on sustainable water management. He highlighted the concerning water scenario in Punjab, revealing a stark disparity between water demand and availability.

The region faces a significant water deficit, with a total demand of 66.12 billion cubic meters (BCM) and an available supply of only 52.85 BCM, resulting in a gap of 13.27 BCM. Er Kumar called for urgent and practical solutions to bridge this gap and ensure sustainable water use for future generations. He also emphasised the importance of rainwater harvesting to improve groundwater recharge and surface water storage.

The event concluded with a collective call to action, reinforcing that water security is not only a governmental responsibility but a shared duty among all individuals. The need for immediate and sustained efforts to preserve this precious resource was emphasised, highlighting the urgency of tackling both water scarcity and climate change challenges.