National Symposium on Water on August 09 at IIC Delhi; Waterman of India Dr. Rajendra Singh to Lead Deliberations

In a significant initiative aimed at promoting sustainable water management and recognising transformative efforts in water conservation, White Dolphin Media, publisher of IndianPSU.com, will organise the National Symposium on Water on Sunday, August 9, at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi. The seminar will bring together some of India’s foremost experts, policymakers, environmentalists, academicians and public sector leaders to deliberate on innovative solutions for ensuring water security and sustainable development.

The symposium has been inspired by the remarkable success of Coal Neer, the pioneering waste-to-wealth initiative of Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries, which has transformed treated mine water into safe drinking water while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women through Self-Help Groups in mining and tribal regions.

The initiative is a shining example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming waste into wealth through innovation, sustainability and community participation, demonstrating how environmental challenges can be converted into opportunities for inclusive development.

The highlight of the event will be the presence of Padma Shri and Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient Dr. Rajendra Singh, widely acclaimed as the Waterman of India, who will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. His lifelong contribution to water conservation and the revival of rivers has inspired communities across the country and earned him international recognition.

The Guest of Honour will be Indira Khurana, Chairperson of the Indian Himalayan River Basins Council (IHRBC) and Vice Chairperson of Tarun Bharat Sangh, who has been actively associated with river conservation and sustainable water management initiatives.

The symposium will also feature an eminent panel of distinguished speakers, including Prof. Rana Pratap Singh, Senior Professor (Retd.), Department of Environmental Science, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow; Farrukh R. Khan, former Regional Director, WaterAid and Executive Member of the State Ganga Mission; Dr. Avantika Singh, Assistant Professor specialising in Gender Studies, Climate Change, Adaptation and Vulnerability Studies at the University of Delhi; and veteran journalist Utkarsh Sinha, who has extensively covered issues related to governance, environment and public policy.

A major attraction of the symposium will be the presentation of National Water Awards to individuals who have made exceptional contributions towards water conservation and sustainable water management.

The awardees include Manoj Kumar Agarwal, CMD, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), for his leadership in advancing innovative water sustainability initiatives, including the Coal Neer project; Nilendu Kumar Singh, CMD, Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), for promoting sustainable water management practices in coal mining operations; and Sanjay Singh, popularly known as the Waterman of Bundelkhand, for his outstanding grassroots contribution to water conservation and community-driven watershed development.

The National Symposium on Water aims to create a national platform for dialogue on water conservation, wastewater recycling, climate resilience, community participation and innovative public sector initiatives. It will also encourage the replication of successful models like Coal Neer across India, demonstrating how technology, environmental stewardship and community empowerment can work together to address one of the country’s most pressing challenges.

By bringing together renowned experts, public sector leaders and grassroots changemakers at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on Sunday, August 9, the symposium seeks to reinforce India’s commitment to ensuring clean water for all while promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth.