Udaipur: The two-day international conference, Fourth Water Conclave, organized jointly by the Department of Geography, Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Tarun Bharat Sangh, and Jal Biradari, concluded on Sunday with in-depth discussions, practical suggestions, and collective resolutions. The theme of the conclave was “Ecology and Biodiversity of the Aravalli Mountain Range”, featuring experts, academicians, and water conservation activists from across India and abroad.
The closing session was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Colonel S.S. Sarangdevot, with renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh as the chief guest. The conference coordinator, Head of the Geography Department and IQAC Director, Prof. Yuvraj Singh Rathore, presented the overall report, highlighting meaningful dialogue on policy, scientific, and community-driven initiatives for Aravalli conservation.
In his presidential address, Prof. Colonel S.S. Sarangdevot emphasized that the Aravalli mountain range is not merely an ancient chain of hills but the ecological lifeline of northwestern India. He noted that the region’s biodiversity—including forests, wildlife, traditional ecological systems, climate balance, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge—is crucial for environmental stability. He warned that degradation of the Aravalli directly results in water scarcity, desertification, and ecological imbalance.
He urged universities and research institutions to link academic research not just to scholarly platforms but also to policy-making and practical implementation. Highlighting the role of youth, he stressed the need to embrace water, forest, and biodiversity conservation as a core life value, noting that reviving and preserving traditional water systems is essential for sustainable development.
On the occasion, guests also witnessed the release of the book “Swaraj Adijnaan Virasat Yatra”, edited by Prof. Colonel S.S. Sarangdevot.
Chief Guest Rajendra Singh stated that the Aravalli range forms the backbone of India’s water culture, asserting that if Aravalli is protected, rivers, ponds, wells, and human life will naturally be safeguarded. He emphasized that the current water crisis stems not from scarcity but from a breakdown in our dialogue with nature. He highlighted the importance of traditional water structures such as johads, bawdis, and ponds, which have sustained water management in the Aravalli region for centuries. He warned that neglecting these systems amid modern development has caused a sharp decline in groundwater levels. He called for community-based water conservation and the revival of traditional systems as the way to address the water crisis.
Distinguished guests included Indra Khurana, Ashok Khurana, Puneet Kumar, Prof. Pankaj Rawal, Dr. Jaisingh Jodha, Dr. Himmat Singh Chundawat, Dr. Mahendra Pratap Singh Jhala, Nehpal Singh, along with several deans, directors, and community members.