Workshop on Aquifer Mapping, Groundwater Management held at Kathua
Kathua : The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti, North-West Himalayan Region Jammu, in collaboration with the District Administration Kathua, Tuesday organised a one-day workshop on “Aquifer Mapping and Ground Water Management Plan in Parts of Kathua District and Dissemination of CGWB Data”. The workshop was held in the Conference Hall, DC Office .
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, chaired the workshop, organised with the objective of disseminating findings of the National Aquifer Mapping and Management (NAQUIM) studies and enhancing awareness and capacity among stakeholders regarding sustainable groundwater management.
Regional Director, CGWB Jammu, Dr. M. Sivkumar, welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. ADDC Surender Mohan Sharma, Chief Planning Officer, Ranjit Thakur, Head and Chief Scientist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kathua, Dr. Vishal Mahajan, Senior Scientist CGWB, Rakesh Rana, Hydrogeologist Mohammad Abid Khan, Hydrogeologist Kush Kumar, Geo-Physicist Gulshan Kumar and officers and officials from various departments attended the workshop.
In his inaugural address, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the critical importance of groundwater in meeting the requirements of drinking water supply, agriculture and other sectors. He stressed the need for adopting scientific conservation and management strategies to ensure long-term sustainability of groundwater resources.
The technical sessions commenced with an overview of the mandate and activities of CGWB and presentations on groundwater management and associated challenges in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Vishal Mahajan elaborated on groundwater use and agricultural sustainability, while Hydrogeologist Mohammad Abid Khan presented insights into the regional geology and groundwater conditions of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
Hydrogeologist Kush Kumar delivered a detailed presentation on the findings of the NAQUIM study, groundwater availability, challenges and management plan for parts of Kathua district. The presentation also covered geochemical remediation strategies for treatment of acidic groundwater, including calcium hydroxide neutralisation and limestone dosing.
A detailed technical and interactive discussion was also held on groundwater-related issues, field-level challenges, suitable remedial measures and adoption of modern scientific techniques for conservation, recharge, protection and sustainable management of groundwater resources in Kathua district.
Chief Planning Officer Ranjeet Thakur coordinated the programme and the proceedings concluded with an interactive feedback session and vote of thanks was presented by Senior Scientist, CGWB Rakesh Rana.
