Experts call for proper use of water resources

Patna: Scientists drawn from different organizations on Saturday pleaded for proper management of water resources and preservation of wetlands for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring economic development of the state.

Addressing the students and faculty members of Patna Science College geology department at the annual function of the Geological Society organized on the eve of the World Wetlands Day here at geology auditorium, they pointed out that about 17% of the state’s geographical area possesses wetlands and, if managed properly, they can boost agricultural production.

Speaking as chief guest on the occasion, Bihar Disaster Management Authority vice-chairman Anil Kumar Sinha said as many as 28 out of 38 districts in the state are flood-prone and the remaining districts are frequently affected by droughts. If the existing water resources of the state are managed efficiently, the vast populace of the state could be freed from the vagaries of floods and droughts.

Sinha further pointed out that north Bihar is also quite vulnerable to earthquakes as two major earthquakes had hit the state in 1833 and 1934. The third one may visit the state in near future and we must be prepared to meet the eventualities, he said.

Central Ground Water Board scientist Sudarshan Sahu said that creation of wetlands in Bihar is the dynamic acts of rivers which change their courses frequently. He observed that in certain pockets, the concentration of arsenic and nitrate in groundwater has increased considerably due to the presence of wetlands.

Zoological Survey of India director Gopal Sharma described different wetlands of Bihar in detail and discussed the flora and fauna of the region. He regretted that wetlands are fast vanishing due to poor management posing great danger to the environment.

Geological Survey of India retired director P K Sinha said that acquiring knowledge of the earth’s dynamic processes has always been a challenge for the mankind. He stressed on the need of conserving wetlands for our sustainable development.

Patna Science College principal U K Sinha, PU geology department head V S Dube, Geological Society president M N Sinha and secretary Atul Aditya Pandey also addressed the students. Rabindra Kumar proposed the vote of thanks.

The winners of essay, quiz and poster competitions were awarded prizes on the occasion. Ritesh Ranjan, Shishupal and Dev Verma were awarded first, second and third prizes respectively in the essay competition. The team consisting of Rahul Kumar, Santosh Kumar and Ritesh Ranjan won the first prize in the quiz competion. In the poster competition, Santosh Kumar, Manoj Kumar Jha and Swetabh Choudhary and Manjeet Kinni were awarded the first three prizes.

Courtesy: TNN