The Civil Engineering Department of PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh has organized a week long programme to commemorate India Water Week 2016 from 04 April to 08 April 2016. The Ministry of Water, Resource, Government of India has declared the week from 4 - 8 April, 2016 as India Water Week, 2016. This is a unique programme conceived and promoted by the Ministry from 2012. This year the theme of the celebration was "Water for all: Striving Together".
Professor Siby John, Head Civil Engineering Department while presenting the outcome of the celebration said that the activities under IWW-2016 at PEC University has created a larger awareness amongst stakeholders about water - environment. The event was targeted to a vast audience comprising students, faculty, policy planners and technologists involved with water resources management. A water task force created as part of the celebration shall continue to strive for 'save water' mission on campus and the society in general. Prizes and certificates were distributed to students who won positions in several competitions organized as part of the IWW 2016.
During the valedictory session on the 8th April, 2016 at 3:00 pm Er. P. S. Bhogal, President Institution of Engineers (India), Punjab and Chandigarh State Centre was the Chief Guest. He said on the occasion that water is life and the study of water is as important as life itself. The initiative by PEC is laudable and should be continued as the young generation gets motivation and awareness by such activities. He also added that the students and faculty should take up more socially relevant projects related to water.
Er Narinder Sharma, retired Chief Engineer BBMB who was guest of honour on the occasion informed that India has one of the largest water resources harvesting systems. The management and efficient use of water is the need of the hour. Er Sharma has also gifted his personal possessions like models, pictures and literature on heritage waterworks structures of India like Bhakra- Nangal and its cousins. Using these models and literature, the Department of Civil Engineering, PEC also inaugurated a 'Waterworks Heritage Centre' to showcase these engineering marvels. Professor John said that the centre would exhibit the 'Temples of Modern India' to motivate and induce pride of professional practice among the students in particular and society at large. He has also told that centre will be expanded by adding information on more such heritage structures