Students from multiple Indian universities participated in a hands-on workshop in Varanasi on Friday to examine the quality of water in the Ganga, underscoring the growing interest in environmental research and river conservation.
The event, held at Tulsi Ghat, was organised jointly by the Sankat Mochan Foundation (SMF) and the non-profit group Mothers for Mother. Around 15 students from institutions including Punjab University, NIT Durgapur, Madan Mohan Malaviya University in Gorakhpur, and the Central University of Jharkhand took part. During the workshop, participants collected water samples directly from the Ganga and observed laboratory testing procedures. The SMF’s scientific team demonstrated various techniques used to analyse pollution levels and fielded technical questions from students.
SMF President Prof Vishwambhar Nath Mishra addressed the gathering and presented data highlighting the ongoing pollution challenges faced by the river. He urged the students to become active ambassadors for environmental conservation and to promote awareness within their communities. Welcoming the attendees, SMF Director Prof SN Upadhyay outlined the foundation’s mission and long-standing efforts toward Ganga conservation. Prof NK Dubey elaborated on the role of the foundation’s dedicated water testing laboratory in providing credible scientific data to support policy and advocacy. Abha Mishra, President of Mothers for Mother, shared insights into the group’s community-driven initiatives focused on environmental and maternal health. Sarojini Mahapatra discussed future expansion plans for outreach and education.
The event concluded with an interactive session where students reflected on their findings and discussed ways to engage youth in safeguarding India’s rivers. The initiative comes at a time when ecological awareness among young citizens is seen as crucial to the long-term health of natural water bodies like the Ganga.
