Udaipur: Senior water conservationist and Udaipur’s only Central Ministry of Jal Shakti-recognized “Water Hero,” Dr. P.C. Jain, urged public representatives and citizens to become “water representatives” and lead communities toward responsible water conservation.

Addressing newly admitted students of the Master of Social Work programme at Udaipur School of Social Work, Dr. Jain said water is indispensable for every aspect of life, including construction, public programmes, food, agriculture, industry and households. With Rajasthan receiving relatively low rainfall this year, water extraction is likely to increase, making conservation efforts even more critical.

Dr. Jain urged social work students to give the highest priority to water conservation in their professional and community work. “No social work is possible without water,” he said, emphasizing the need to make water conservation an integral part of social development initiatives.

During his interaction, Dr. Jain explained water conservation through four key principles — if water cannot be created, it must be saved, not wasted, and augmented during the monsoon season.

He demonstrated the concept of the “water footprint” through an engaging activity involving a hand pump, describing it as a way of making “invisible water” visible. Citing everyday examples, he said that producing a single A4-size sheet of paper requires about 10 litres of water. Such examples, he said, help people understand the hidden water consumption associated with everyday products and highlight the need to put limits on unnecessary consumption.

Dr. Jain also spoke about concerns related to prolonged storage of water in plastic containers, highlighting the potential exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics. He called for greater awareness about responsible use of plastic and water-storage practices.

The programme concluded with participants singing a collective water conservation song.

Professor Avinash Nagar, dean of the Udaipur School of Social Work, welcomed the participants, while Anukriti Rao introduced the programme. Arpita, Renuka, assistant professors and fieldwork coordinators, also contributed to the programme. Professors Lalaram Jat and Naval Singh Rajput were among those present.

Dimple, Arpita, Renuka, Alka, Tanisha, Priyanshi, Hemant and Lakshit were designated as Jaldoots (Water Ambassadors) during the programme.