National Awareness program on SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation organized at SMVDU

KATRA: School of Energy management, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra successfully organized an Awareness Program on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation The program aimed to educate the community about the importance of safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and responsible water management as essential components of sustainable development. The event highlighted key aspects of SDG 6, focusing on ensuring universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, promoting adequate sanitation and hygiene practices, and encouraging the conservation and efficient use of water resources.

Experts emphasized the urgent need to reduce water pollution, protect water-related ecosystems, and adopt community-based solutions for water conservation. Professor Rajesh Sikka, Professor of Practice, Indian Institute of Jammu highlighted the aspects of water management and various case studies regarding start-ups in water technology and management.

Dr. Anita Singh, Associate professor, Central University of Haryana, highlighted SDG 6 aims to secure universal access to safe water and sanitation, yet billions still lack these basic services and global water stress continues to rise. Pollution, climate change, and weak governance worsen the crisis. Accelerated progress through integrated policies, improved financing, community participation, and innovative technologies is essential to achieve sustainable and equitable water management. Dr. Ved Prakash Ranjan, Assistant professor, IIT, Jammu highlighted the pathways through which plastic waste impacts water and sanitation, discuss emerging concerns related to microplastic pollution, and explore sustainable management strategies, including source reduction, recycling, and circular economy approaches.

By linking effective plastic waste management to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6, the session aims to provide practical insights for policymakers, institutions, and communities to mitigate water pollution risks and promote safe sanitation practices. Dr. Pratik Kumar, Assistant Professor, IIT, Jammu focused on decentralised wastewater treatment systems (D-WATS), which aim to highlight sustainable approaches for greywater and blackwater management, pollutant degradation, and biogas recovery, supported by metagenomic insights into algae-bacteria consortia.

Collectively, these innovations will be discussed that align with UN SDGs on clean water, sanitation, and climate action, offering scalable solutions for rural inclusivity and environmental resilience. Participants included faculty members from various degree colleges, and students. The program featured interactive sessions and a pledge for responsible water use.

Speaking at the event, Prof. K.R. Jha, Dean Faculty of Engineering, SMVDU highlighted that ensuring clean water and sanitation for all is crucial for public health, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The program encouraged active community participation to help achieve SDG 6 by 2030. Organizers are thankful to Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU for his continued support and encouragement for organizing such programs. Dr. Sanjeev Anand, Associate Professor, SMVDU, Dr. Yatheshth Anand, Associate Professor, SMVDU and Dr. Vineet Tyagi, Associate professor, SMVDU organized the above awareness, Program.