Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : India Water Impact Summit continues with many more experts from India and abroad sharing their insights on the topic of conservation and development. Experts from Norway joined their Indian counterparts to discuss ‘Arth Ganga – River Conservation Synchronised Development’ on 4th day of the summit.
In a session on Sludge management, Dr. B. Bala Bhaskar, Ambassador of India to Norway, said, “We need to take advantage of best practises of Norway in India and see how they can be adapted to local needs.” He extended his support to NMCG and cGanga.
Karina Asbjørnsen, Norwegian Diplomat in India, shared that Norway intends to deepen relationship with India especially in prevention of climate change and conservation of environment. “Our mandate to work with India is loud and clear. We are looking forward to deeper engagement,” she added.. Ole Henaes, Head of Innovation, Norway, expressed keen interest in working in India and informed that they have opened a centre in Delhi, according to a PIB release.
In a key development, Dr Ola Stedje, Research Scientist, announced that his company has signed an MoU for development of sludge management framework in India jointly by The Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) and cGanga.
This will be a major breakthrough for both the organisations. Highlighting peculiar problems in India, U P Singh, Secretory, Jal Shakti Ministry, said that India does not have shortage of water but we need to improve water management and explained several initiatives in waste water management & need to develop further business modules by cGanga.
Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General NMCG, promised to arrange a detailed interaction between Norwegian technology companies and Indian business leaders in water sector to explore joint projects to take advantage of Norwegian technology.
Day 4 also saw discussions revolving round “River Conservation Synchronised Agriculture”. Alka Bhargav, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture, while explaining effect of agricultural practises on health of local water bodies said, “It is essential that traditional wisdom and modern science work together to have river development synchronised agriculture.”
India Water Impact 2020 is a five-day summit, hosting experts and academicians from all over the world to discuss and debate issues related to water conservation, water security, and river rejuvenation. The event is co-organised by National Mission for Clean Ganga and Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies.