IITG, University of Western Sydney collab to encourage water research, establish joint masters' level prog in water futures

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati in collaboration with the University of Western Sydney from Australia and 21 other partners from both countries virtually inaugurated the Australia-India Water Centre on Friday. The MoU signed between the parties will include collaboration in water research, a joint Master’s level programme in water futures, student and staff exchanges, workshops and conferences and provide short-term training in the water sector to government agencies and other participants.

The MoU, signed for a duration of five years will develop longer-term collaboration in water research, capacity building and knowledge and technology transfer, particularly focusing on water and food security, safe drinking water supplies, river health, water-energy-food nexus, water for liveable cities and other related aspects of mutual benefit to Australia and India through:  

- The development of tools and techniques to tackle future water and food security challenges including improved management of groundwater, springs, stormwater and coastal reservoirs
- Establishment of a joint Master’s level programme in water resources management
- Capacity building/training programs for government department staff, policymakers, NGOs and industry personnel
- Promotion of transdisciplinary research and training approach in research and training/educational programme  
- Promotion of water expertise of the Centre partners which expands engagement and networking internationally

The centre was virtually inaugurated by Dan Tehan, Minister for Education, Government of Australia, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jal Shakti, Government of India, and other dignitaries. Speaking at the webinar Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, said, "I am delighted to inaugurate the Australia India Water Center (AIWC) to promote water-related research, teaching and training between the two countries in the presence of officials and experts from the water sector of India and Australia. My wishes for making this collaboration towards water sustainability successful!"

Highlighting the benefits of this partnership, TG Sitharam, Director, IITG, said, "Water is likely to play a key economic and strategic role in the future. This Centre will focus on collaboration in transdisciplinary research, capacity building and knowledge and technology transfer, particularly on aspects of water and food security, safe drinking water supplies, river health, water-energy-food nexus, water for liveable cities and other related facets of mutual benefits to Australia and India."