Collaboration between India and Australia
Collaboration in water research, training and education between Australia and India is growing rapidly through new initiatives supported by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Australian Water Partnership, Western Sydney University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati to address the sustainable management of water – a pressing challenge for both countries and the world.
To assist farmers and villagers with monitoring and visualizing groundwater, surface water, rainfall and water quality, these partners developed the cutting-edge mobile app “MyWell.”
The app also enables users to remotely check dam water levels.
Software Power
Villagers who have been taught how to manage their groundwater resources will use the app.
These citizen scientists, also known as “BJs,” are a part of the MARVI project, which aims to manage aquifer recharge and sustain groundwater use through village-level intervention.
The software will assist BJs and regular inhabitants in understanding how the availability of water in their towns is changing.
Through its innovative strategy for involving and educating people to monitor and manage groundwater, MARVI is already changing lives and farming communities.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti’s ambitious national initiative, the Atal Bhujal Yojana, has been modified to use the MARVI idea, according to Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Special Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
“The growth of MARVI through the national initiative, combined with MyWell, will empower BJs and ordinary individuals across India to self-manage water sustainably,” she stated.
Steps toward a better life
In order to support the Jal Jeevan Mission of the Indian government, improve the lives of farm
ers, and prepare the next generation of water professionals, Western Sydney University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, the center’s leadership, are closely collaborating with partners in India.
Eight Australian universities, one state government department, 16 institutes of technology, prestigious institutions, and the Maharashtra Water Resources Department are all represented at the Australia-India Water Centre.
“The future of water security in India is also in the hands of future leaders in water management,” said Sarah Ransom, General Manager of the Australian Water Partnership.
“I am pleased that the first cohort of 20 Young Water Professionals are graduating today from a 10-month training program delivered by the Australia-India Water Centre, led by Western Sydney University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.”
Program advantages
According to Professor Barney Glover AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, “The Young Water Professionals program is unique because it concentrates on project-based learning with real-world issues and clients.
” In addition to improving technical competence, he added, “it fosters the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and project management abilities necessary for the management of water resources and water management reforms in India.”
Women’s participation on an equal footing
According to Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, “India and Australia are natural collaborators and this collaboration to teach young water professionals is a critical step in the right direction.”
“I am especially motivated by women’s participation on an equal footing.
These women will lead us in managing our water resources in the future.
A master’s program in sustainable water futures
In conjunction with the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Western Sydney University, which was recently ranked first in the world for its social, ecological, and economic effect, is launching a joint master’s program in sustainable water futures.
According to Professor T.G. Sitharam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, “This degree is based on short courses – micro-credentials – and provides a great opportunity to build the capacity of water professionals through joint delivery by Australian and Indian partners of the Australia-India Water Centre.”
Collaboration, according to Professor Glover, is the key to improving relations between Australia and India.
“Partnerships like this substantial network, which bring together key parties to address the urgent water concerns of our two countries, drive our Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) effect.
Source: Western Sydney University
