The ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, commemorated World Water Day 2025 with the theme "Glacier Conservation." The event aimed to raise awareness about the crucial role glaciers play in preserving freshwater resources and highlighted the importance of their conservation in the face of climate change.
In his address, Dr. Anup Das, Director of ICAR-RCER, expressed deep concern over the accelerated melting of glaciers due to rising global temperatures. He warned that the continued loss of glaciers poses a significant threat to the availability of freshwater in the future. Stressing the need for sustainable practices to mitigate climate change, Dr. Das remarked,"Glaciers are one of the primary reservoirs of freshwater. If their melting continues at this pace, future generations will face a severe water crisis."
He recommended measures such as promoting afforestation, reducing fossil fuel consumption, adopting renewable energy sources, and enhancing soil organic matter to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Ashutosh Upadhyay, Head of the Division of Land and Water Management (DLWM), underscored the importance of modern irrigation techniques and efficient cropping systems to optimize water use in agriculture. He suggested that farmers adopt low-water-consuming crops and implement advanced irrigation methods to ensure sustainable water management.
Emphasizing holistic resource management, Dr. Upadhyay advocated for the "5 J" concept—Jan (People), Jal (Water), Jameen (Land), Janwar (Animals), and Jungle (Forest). He stressed that this integrated approach could effectively promote the conservation of natural resources.
During the discussion, Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, Head of the Division of Social Sciences and Extension Education (DSEE), highlighted the significance of community involvement in water conservation. He introduced the concept of "Jal Mitra", a community-driven initiative aimed at educating and motivating people to conserve freshwater and reduce water wastage in their daily lives.
Dr. A.K. Chaudhary, In-Charge Head of the Division of Crop Research (DCR), emphasized the need for judicious water use in modern agriculture to prevent excessive water consumption. He urged farmers to adopt efficient water management techniques to safeguard water resources.
Adding to the concerns, Dr. Ajay Kumar, Principal Scientist, warned about the alarming consequences of rising global temperatures. He stated that if the current rate of glacier melting continues unchecked, it could lead to a significant water crisis in the near future.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from scientists, technical and administrative staff, and 30 farmers, who actively engaged in discussions on sustainable water management practices.
Concluding the program, Dr. Shivani, Principal Scientist, delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the valuable contributions of all participants.
Umesh Kumar Mishra, Member Secretary of the Media Unit at ICAR-RCER, Patna, highlighted the importance of spreading the message of glacier conservation and promoting responsible water usage at the community level.
