A four-day Joint Venture Capacity Building Program on Rainwater Harvesting (3 days) and WTP/STP Operation (4 days) was successfully conducted by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with the Jharkhand Foundation Kendra (JFK), Bokaro. The initiative, sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, was specially designed to strengthen the technical capacity of rural people in operating and maintaining Rainwater Harvesting systems, Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs). This capacity-building program aimed to empower villagers with hands-on knowledge and practical skills, ensuring sustainable water management at the grassroots level. The program commenced with an inspiring inauguration ceremony at Pandarkanali Panchayat in the Dhanbad District. Chamali Devi (Mukhiya), Laxmi Devi (Saroanch) and other community members of Pandarkanali Panchayat along with the Prof. Alok Sinha (HOD), Prof. SK Gupta (Dean), Prof. Panyan, Mr Biswajeet (IT Officer), Dr. Awantika, Mr. Durga Charan, Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato (Executive Director, JFK) marked the beginning of this training initiative aimed at transforming rural water practices. The inaugural session emphasized the importance of decentralized water management, community participation, and the crucial role of trained local people in maintaining water treatment systems.
On the second and third days, all participants were brought to the IIT (ISM) Dhanbad campus, where an intensive technical training module was conducted. Participants received insightful lectures from leading experts Prof. Alok Sinha (HOD), Prof. SK Gupta (Dean), and Prof. Panyan. To reinforce classroom learning, participants were taken for hands-on exposure at the Water Treatment Plant and Sewage Treatment Plant within the IIT campus. These visits were led by Dr. Jaydev Kumar Mahato, Executive Director of JFK and a seasoned water expert. Under his guidance, participants observed the function of Rainwater harvesting structures, STP, and WTP.
The final day concluded with a warm valediction ceremony, during which participants shared their experiences and lessons. Training certificates were distributed by the first lady of IIT (ISM), Mrs. Sakuntala Devi, to acknowledge the participants’ successful completion of the program. This capacity-building initiative reflects the collective commitment of IIT ISM Dhanbad, Jharkhand Foundation Kendra, and MoEF&CC to strengthening rural resilience through education, technology, and skill development. This joint program stands as a strong example of how institutional collaborations and community engagement can together drive meaningful environmental change.
