World Water Day observed by the Institute of Engineers(India) Rourkela local centre
Rourkela: World Water Day was observed by the Institution of Engineers (India), Rourkela Local Centre Building, NIT Campus, Rourkela on the topic “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows” both in online and offline mode. Speaker of the event is Er. Deepak Garg, Senior Manager, Water Management Department, Rourkela Steel Plant. The Honorary Secretary Er. Himansu Satapathy coordinated the event. Chairman Er. Diptankar Mahapatra chaired the meeting and delivered a welcome address. The Honorary Secretary briefly spoke about the speaker Er. Deepak Garg and invited to deliver his speech. In his presentation Er. Garg deliberated on the theme of World Water Day 2026, “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.” It underscores the profound interconnection between water access and gender equality, highlighting how the global water crisis disproportionately impacts women and girls. It asserts that achieving sustainable development—particularly the goals of clean water (SDG 6) and gender equality (SDG 5)—is unattainable without addressing this systemic imbalance. At the human level, the presentation brings attention to the everyday realities faced by women and girls, illustrated through the example of a young girl who spends several hours each day collecting water. This burden not only limits educational and economic opportunities but also raises critical concerns related to safety, dignity, and health. Moving beyond infrastructure challenges, the presentation identifies the issue as a governance gap. Despite being the primary managers of household water resources, women remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making processes within the water sector. Furthermore, the presentation highlights the indispensable role of women in sustainable resource management. Their indigenous knowledge, practical experience in conservation, and leadership in community-based initiatives contribute meaningfully to efficient and sustainable water use. The presentation concludes with a call for transformative action, advocating for policy reforms, greater inclusion of women in water governance, and the advancement of gender-responsive and inclusive technologies.
The presentation was followed by a brief interactive discussion on the topic among industrialist and academicians. After the paper meeting a brief presentation was made by representative of WATERKRAFT a local solution provider in the area of water purification & water treatment was made.This was attended by members of IEI and their spouses.Thereafter, Er. Mahapatra presented a certificate of merit and a memento to the speaker Er. Deepak Garg. The Honorary Secretary Er. Himansu Satapathy proposed a vote of thanks. 35 members and guests participated in the deliberation both online and offline.
Reported by Kunja Bihari Rout
