Water quality management and source protection in West Bengal: report of Grassroots Field Exposure Session December 2018

Allan, Richard; Tiwari, Manoj Kumar. 2020 Water quality management and source protection in West Bengal: report of Grassroots Field Exposure Session December 2018. Wallingford and Pune, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, 14pp. (UKCEH Project no. C05962)

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Abstract/Summary

The India-UK Water Centre (IUKWC) promotes cooperation and collaboration between the complementary priorities of NERC-MoES water security research. In December 2018 The James Hutton Institute in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and Centre for Ecology and Hydrology; funded by the India UK Water Centre; delivered a “Grassroots Field Exposure Session” (GFES), which explored real-world opportunities for research collaborations focused on water source protection and quality management. This GFES was part of an ongoing series of initiatives between the UK and India designed to strengthen knowledge sharing in water management and deliver world class policy-led science and engineering that addresses international challenges as set out in the Sustainable Development Goals. The three-day event hosted in Kolkata, West Bengal was attended by 19 multi-disciplinary scientists from the water science sector from India and the UK. The GFES achieved its objectives to develop a common understanding of the challenges relating to water source protection in and around the city of Kolkata, West Bengal. The links and themes developed through the workshop have crystallised thinking around a range of strategically important research areas, which will be further developed into deliverable projects to be initiated in 2019/20. Common themes included: development of low-cost analytical tools; development of GIS-based modelling of the systems; use and deployment of decentralised wastewater treatment systems; planning systems for groundwater remediation for fluoride and arsenic; modelling of groundwater flows; development of management strategies that take account of local preferences; establishment of an integrated monitoring framework for the region; and wider studies on the impact of water pollution on the ecosystem and biodiversity. In order to maintain momentum and capitalise on the emerging issues, three project areas were identified for immediate support: development of modelling capabilities; an integrated assessment of the ecosystems and impact of anthropogenic activity on the system; and development of an integrated monitoring framework, which considers a system approach. Overall, there was strong consensus that there was a need for excellence in science delivered through partnership between India and the UK that underpins and informs policy making. There was much discussion on further research and technology exchange between the two countries to meet the challenge of addressing the Sustainable Development Goals for water, pollution control, land use and communities. There was a recognition that there is an urgency to develop research strategies in collaboration with the policy makers in India that will address these priority challenges.

Item Type:	Publication - Report
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Water Resources (Science Area 2017-)
Funders/Sponsors:	NERC, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), India
Additional Keywords:	India-UK Water Centre
NORA Subject Terms:	Hydrology
Date made live:	08 Dec 2020 13:22 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/528941

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