International Conference on Environmental Solutions organized by deptt of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/March 2,2026
Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala has organized two days International Conference on the topic “Environmental Crisis and Sustainable Management” in collaboration with Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Career Hub (EICH) from 27th February to 28th February, 2026.
450 participants from different universities attended this conference. Dr. Onkar Singh Brraich, Convener and Organizing Secretary of the conference welcomed the guests and introduced the topic and said environment crisis is a global phenomenon but State of Punjab cannot be seen in isolation as numerous environmental problems are being face by Punjab as ground water table is going very deep due to sowing of water guzzling crops like paddy and wheat.
There are other issues like air quality, water pollution, loss of biodiversity and shrinking of wetlands cause of worry.
The conference has covered following main issues like 1. Climate Change & Global Policy, 2. Renewable Energy & Clean Technologies, 3. Biodiversity Conservation & Ecosystem Management, 4. Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security, 5. Water Resources Management, 6. Circular Economy & Waste Management, 7. Environmental Health & Pollution Control, 8. Environmental Education & Community Engagement.
Prof. Himender Bharti, Director, EICH, Punjabi University, Patiala said in his special remarks that environment crisis is a man made, otherwise nature itself is quite sustainable. Human being should understand the gravity of the situation and come forward to protect the environment.
Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh was Chief Guest on the occasion, in his inaugural address; he said that we have discussed a lot about environmental problems, but now it is high time to head towards solutions. He advised the students and participants to take start up to develop new technologies to combat the various environmental problems.
Dr. Rasik Ravindra, Former Director. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa delivered his key note address on the Expeditions to Antarctica. He told that India has established a centre there and lot of research is going on to unfold the secrets buried under the ice sheet. The age of the glaciers has been studied through gases stored in different layers. He has done research on flora and fauna of polar region. But unfortunately due to climate change, glaciers are melting which is a matter of great concern.
Prof. Amit Dhir from Thapar, Patiala explained abou Thapar Model of waste water treatment. This model is very effective to purity the village ponds. Punjab Govt. has adopted this technology and implemented in almost 1200 villages in Punjab.
Dr. Jaspreet Singh Dhau, USA delivered his talk on the technology developed on the sustainable firefighting foams for class-B fires. The foam in designed in such a way that it can prevent fire incidents immediately without any losses. He got a patent on this coveted research.
Prof. Mewa Singh, University of Mysore, Karnataka a distinguished Professor and recently selected as one of the 20 professors nominated by the Prime Minister of India to promote research in India. He delivered his talk on the conservation and restoration of Primates in the Western Ghats and successfully converted barren land into forest by planting native species.
Gabriella Borda from Malta delivered her talk on the financial aids being provided by Western Countries to combat Climate Change. India is also losing its resources with a very fast pace and there is dire need to combat climate Change in India too by finding out befitted solutions.
In the Valedictory function on second day of the conference, Dr. Onkar Singh Brraich presented the report.
Prof. Himender Bharti welcomed the guests. Harjot Kaur SDM, Patiala was invited as Chief Guest. In her valedictory address, she encouraged the participants to put in hard work to achieve highest milestones in their life and should learn to keep our environment neat and clean. Delegates participated in paper, poster and photographic competitions. The overwhemming response of participants was observed in these two days. The participants were motivated by awarding prizes and certificates on different competitions.
