Top hydrologist and retired professor from MVM, VK Parashar, said, “By the year 2030, the demand for water in the country will double, and by 2025, one-third of the world’s population will face a water crisis.”

Parashar was speaking as a subject matter expert at the Sarojini Naidu Government Girls PG College.

The lecture was organised by the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (MAPCST).

Parashar explained that the water crisis will become a serious issue in 25 major cities in India. He noted that the NITI Aayog has established a Composite Water Management Index for each state, which includes 28 types of parameters that will significantly contribute to water management. He mentioned that several states in the country are facing severe water issues and that by 2030, 40 percent of India’s population will not have access to drinking water.

The expert warned that nearly all water sources in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru and their surrounding areas have dried up. He indicated that over 97 percent of the world's water is saline, and only nearly three percent is fresh water.

India has around four percent of the world’s freshwater resources, with a per capita availability of 135 litres of water, he said.Stressing the need for water conservation, Parashar underlined the importance of effective water management through rainwater harvesting systems, as they can help augment sinking groundwater levels.The former professor emphasised the importance of addressing water pollution.

He said that globally, 80 percent of the water used by society is discharged back into the environment without treatment, which not only affects ecosystems but also harms human health. Parashar also responded to questions from the students.Pankaj Gothra, the coordinator of the MAPCOST Creative Learning Centre, provided information about water-based technology and exhibitions.

The principal of the institution, Surendra Bihari Goswami, was also in attendance. The programme was coordinated by Deepti Sankat, in charge of the Eco Club. A large number of faculty members