Jal Chetna Workshop in Patiala Highlights Punjab’s Water Crisis and the Need for Immediate Action
Patiala: 30th April 2026
At a time when Punjab is grappling with declining groundwater levels and increasing concerns around water contamination, the “Jal Chetna” workshop, organised by the I J Doda Foundation under the leadership of Jonita Doda, brought together students, teachers, and experts for an immersive engagement on water conservation and pollution.
Held at the School of Eminence, Pheel Khana, the programme was conducted under the Environment Compensation Funds, in coordination with the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) and supported by the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Punjab, with facilitation from the District Education Office, Patiala.
Understanding Punjab’s Water Crisis Through Scientific and Ground-Level Insights
The workshop unfolded through a series of expert-led discussions and interactive engagements, focusing on the real and immediate implications of water pollution in Punjab-from its impact on public health to its long-term consequences for agriculture and sustainability.
Dr. Jog Bhatia, Senior Consultant at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration (MGSIPA), provided a detailed perspective on the sources and spread of water pollution in the region, linking environmental degradation with systemic factors and long-term risks.
From Groundwater Depletion to Practical Solutions: Bridging Science and Action
Building on this, Dr. Ashutosh Kumar engaged participants through in-depth discussions on groundwater depletion, sustainable water practices, and the importance of conservation measures such as rainwater harvesting.
A key highlight of his sessions was the live demonstration of basic water testing techniques, enabling students and teachers to understand water quality assessment in a simple, practical manner—bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday application.
Jonita Doda Emphasises Climate Responsibility and the Role of Youth as Resource Guardians
A central highlight of the workshop was the address by Jonita Doda, who emphasised the need to move beyond surface-level awareness towards informed responsibility and action.
She spoke about how different forms of water pollution affect various age groups differently, highlighting the importance of understanding environmental risks at a deeper, more scientific level.
Referring to the forecast of El Niño conditions by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), she noted that changing climate patterns could significantly impact rainfall cycles and water availability in India. She emphasised that it is the need of the hour for communities to understand and prepare for such climatic shifts.
Encouraging students to take ownership of their environment, she described young individuals as “resource guardians”, capable of driving change within their homes, schools, and communities through informed and responsible actions.
Interactive Learning, Community Engagement and Practical Awareness
The workshop saw active participation from students and teachers, with interactive discussions, a quiz segment, and collaborative engagement reinforcing the learning process.
Participants were introduced to practical, hands-on solutions for water conservation and pollution control, ensuring that the learnings extended beyond theory into real-life application.
IEC kits were distributed to all participants, further strengthening awareness and encouraging continued engagement with environmental practices.
A Collective Commitment Towards a Water-Secure Future
The event concluded with a collective pledge towards responsible water usage, reflecting a shared commitment to conservation and sustainability.
The initiative stands as part of the I J Doda Foundation’s ongoing efforts to build informed, environmentally responsible communities through structured institutional engagement, addressing critical challenges such as water stress, pollution, and climate impact in Punjab.
