'Research on water sources need of hour'

The unavailability of water and an increasing demand have given rise to concern over an urgent need to carry out research on water and sources of water, said ecologist and researcher Dr T V Ramachandra.

He was speaking at a workshop on ‘Wetlands for Future: Sustainable Livelihoods’ organised jointly by the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Bengaluru, Alva’s College, Moodbidri, and Alva’s Institute of Engineering and Technology, at Moodbidri on Monday.

“The government has been claiming that 24 TMC water is available in Nethravathi river source. In reality, only nine TMC water is available. It is important to create awareness on this fact,” he advised.

Dr T V Ramachandra further said that the conference aims to create awareness on the conservation of water, protection of river sources and backwaters. “There is a necessity to carry out researches on related topics, so that one can come up with solutions, which may assure a better future for the next generation,” he suggested.

IISc researcher Prof Subhash Chandran said that there are many rich water sources in coastal districts, including wetlands. “After rainy seasons, however, these sources go dry and, therefore, there is a need to rejuvenate such sources of water. Students have to be encouraged to carry out studies on the subject,” he reminded.

Alva’s Education Foundation Trustee Vivek Alva said that students should be more concerned about the environment. “Students should take up research activities which will benefit the society. At a time when educational institutions in Mangaluru are sending students back home due to water crisis in the city, the Alva’s Education institutions have ensured that all 20,000 students in the campus have water facility. The college has been giving emphasis on water conservation since the beginning,” he lauded. Alva’s College Principal Dr Kurian was present at the event.