By Our Bureau/

In order to create a positive atmosphere among the residents to understand the need to protect and preserve the river and its ecology, a two-day national seminar would be organized by Indian Himalayan River Basins Council (IHRBC).
IHRBC has selected Sahebganj district for the seminar which is scheduled on April 21, 22 next under the title of “ National convention on preservation of Ganga across Jharkhand”. Magsaysay and Stockholm award winner, better known as waterman of India, Dr Rajendra Singh would be the chief guest in the function besides many eminent expert concerned on river Ganga and matters related to water conservation would also present to address the seminar, said Indira Khurana, chairperson of IHRBC.
Indira further said that the IHRBC was formed with the vision of rejuvenating rivers and nature by connecting minds, hearts and actions of people with rivers.
She disclosed the reason behind selecting Sahebganj for the venue of the seminar. “ Sahebganj district is the sole geographic territory of Jharkhand where the Ganges flows, is also a matter of cultural and spiritual pride for the entire state. Several small tributaries originate in Sahenganj and across Rajmahal Hills meet the river” Indira pointed out.
She further said that the protection of these tributaries which enrich the flowing potential of Ganges is necessary to maintain a healthy flow and also for the surrounding ecology. These also need to be protected from pollution, encroachment of land and water, sedimentation and other issues, she pointed out.

Picturesque Ganga flowing besides Sahebganj in Jharkhand

To address such core issues, the two-day National seminar on conservation of water and river Ganga, research study on biodiversity, ecology, colors study, water quality monitoring, conservation of groundwater and surface water resources is being organized, she further pointed out.
Geology department of Sahebganj college, a constituent college of SKMU, would be the venue of the seminar and the event is being organized by the district administration of Sahebganj and forest department in association of post graduate department of Geology, Sahebganj college, she said. Geologists, hydrologists, environmentalists, scientists, academia, NGOs, government and non-government organizations, teachers, researchers and others doing excellent work on the river water, will participate in the seminar, she said.
According to her Dr Ranjit Kumar Singh, assistant professor, department of Geology at Sido Kanhu Murmu University (SKMU), Dumka, would be the event convener of this two-day’s seminar.
The chairperson, IHRBC also said that the seminar also aims to bring policy framework, public participation and inform the residents of their responsibilities on conservation and efficient use of resources from river Ganga. She also pointed out that this seminar is part of process to develop a ‘river manifesto’ through inclusive discussions. Besides, another silent feature of such programme is to connect youths with river rejuvenations.
In a letter to Sahebganj district’s deputy commissioner, Ramnivash Yadav, Indira sought his permission so that the seminar could be organized smoothly with over 300 attendees.