Udaipur,  Emphasising the urgent need for responsible water consumption and sustainable environmental practices, Geetanjali Medical College organised a special guest lecture on water conservation under the BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week (BSLW), as part of the Government of India's Mission LiFE initiative.

The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dean Dr. Sangeeta Gupta and the direction of Dr. Mukul Dixit, Head of the Department of Community Medicine. Dr. Hemlata Mittal coordinated the event, while Dr. Anshika Jain compered the proceedings. Representatives from various institutions of Geetanjali University attended the programme.

Delivering the keynote address on 'Reduce Water Footprint, Increase Groundwater Recharge', water conservation expert Dr. P.C. Jain highlighted the growing water crisis and stressed that since water cannot be manufactured, conserving existing resources and replenishing groundwater must become collective priorities.

Drawing attention to the hidden water consumption behind everyday products, Dr. Jain explained that manufacturing a single coat can consume approximately 3,000 litres of virtual water. He also warned that excessive groundwater extraction is contributing to land subsidence and worsening water shortages in cities such as Bengaluru.

Referring to Down To Earth magazine, he highlighted that nearly 62 per cent of sewage is discharged into rivers without treatment, alongside the growing challenge of plastic pollution.

Connecting traditional wisdom with modern environmental concerns, Dr. Jain referred to the ancient Ayurvedic text Ashtanga Hridayam, which describes rainwater as equivalent to nectar. He advocated installing groundwater recharge systems alongside every tubewell and replacing conventional paved footpaths with water-permeable tiles to facilitate rainwater absorption and groundwater replenishment.

The programme also featured creative student performances highlighting environmental awareness. Female students presented a short street play on fluorosis, while first-year MBBS students performed a special water-themed dance titled 'Jal Hi Jeevan Hai' (Water Is Life), conveying the importance of protecting water resources.

Dr. Jyoti Jain, Dr. Bhagraj Choudhary, Dr. Suresh Choudhary, Dr. Manish, Dr. Prabhat, Dr. Mudit, Dr. Purnima, Dr. Prerna and Dr. Tanisha from the Department of Community Medicine were among those present.

The event concluded with a strong message that water conservation must move beyond awareness campaigns and become an integral part of everyday life, reinforcing the spirit of Mission LiFE and the vision of sustainable living.