The Institution of Engineers (India) Bhilai Local Centre organised a program on the occasion of World Water Day 2022. The theme declared for this day of the year 2022 by the United Nations was “GROUND WATER – MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE”. Shri Anurag Upadhyay, Chief General Manager CET/SAIL was the Guest of Honour and Dr. Shweta Choubey, Professor & Head Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Government Engineering College, Raipur was the Eminent Guest Speaker.
In his welcome address the Chairman of The Institution of Engineers (India) Bhilai Local Centre Shri P K Tiwari outlined the importance of world water day and gave insight into the theme of this year’s world water day. He further elaborated on the role of The Institution of Engineers (India) in creating awareness about the global challenges in the field of water & Environment.
Shri Anurag Upadhyay, Chief General Manager CET/SAIL in his address went back to past history and culture regarding use of water. He dwelt upon the fact that just 50 years before there was no culture to conserve, recycle and reuse water. He said that Population was less as compared to today and water availability in terms of its purity was more than what it is today. Shri Upadhyay said that awareness regarding the importance of water has increased regarding use of water in all facets of life be it domestic, be it agriculture or be it Industry still a lot needs to be done. He informed the audience about the usage of water in the Industrial world with special reference to SAIL. Deliberating upon the various steps being taken to conserve, reduce and recycle water Shri Upadhyay said that SAIL townships have well planned sewage systems and the entire domestic water is being used for Industrial use after treatment. He also explained in detail the various corrective measures being taken in the water systems of plant to handle the recycled water.
Dr Shweta Choubey started her presentation using audio visual method explaining the Hydrological cycle that involves continuous circulation of water in our atmospheric system. She shared the total availability of fresh water on earth and the percentage of ground water that is around 30% of the total fresh water. Continuing the presentation Dr Choubey explained the sources of ground water, its current status and its availability in various layers of earth. Moving further she informed that the major sources of ground water pollution are due to natural process and anthropogenic process i.e. manmade. The naturally occurring substances like sulfates, iron, radionuclides, fluorides, manganese, chlorides, and arsenic found in the soils and rocks get dissolved in water causing contamination. Professor Choubey said that for us the major cause of concern is the Anthropogenic processes like pollutants generated from industrial, agricultural, urban, domestic, radioactive, mining sources, use of pesticides and fertilizers by man etc. are constantly getting discharged into the water bodies and seep through in the ground. These pollutants are responsible for deterioration of water quality that it becomes unfit for living communities. She said that in the Indian context pollution of ground water assumes much more significance as India is more dependent on water pumped from aquifers than any other nation — it accounts for about a quarter of global demand for groundwater, according to the World Bank. Dr Choubey said that ground water is mostly used for drinking and pollution of the same may result into dangerous consequences like carcinogenic diseases. For naturally occurring contaminants she said that the most common ones are arsenic and fluorides. Dr choubey said that in India itself there are many districts where heavy elements have been detected in ground water and the human as well as cattle population have been diagnosed with skin and various types of disorders.
The Hony Secretary of Bhilai local centre Dr Nagendra Tripathi proposed the vote of thanks. The program was attended by Academicians, Eminent Engineers of Bhilai Steel plant, Central & State Govt and practising engineers
