CRANFIELD, UK – As part of a wider strategic partnership between the UK and India, the two countries will now collaborate to address the impact of rainwater harvesting in India on groundwater quality.
A research project will be led by Dr Alison Parker, lecturer in international water and sanitation at Cranfield University and Dr Anupma Sharma from the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, India.
The research project will combine fieldwork, laboratory testing and modelling simulations. The findings from the research will be used to generate recommendations on how rainwater harvesting can be used to reduce fluoride contamination of groundwater.
The India-UK Water Quality programme aims to support policymakers, water managers, business and local communities to improve India’s water quality.
Dr Alison Parker said: “Groundwater is still the main source of fresh water in many parts of the world. This includes Rajasthan in Western India where rainwater harvesting is being used to replenish groundwater and provide a safe reliable water supply.”
Dr Anupma Sharma added: “We hope our research and recommendations will lead to policymakers, water managers, business and local communities making informed evidence-based decisions that can generate a safer water supply for all.”
Y S Chowdary, Indian Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, said: “India is exponentially growing its science capability and using science and technology to transform society. Our collaboration with the UK shows how partnerships of the highest quality can help both countries advance, as well as have a global positive impact for sustainable development.”
UK Science Minister Jo Johnson Y S Chowdary recently announced a number of UK-India joint research projects including the Cranfield University/National Institute of Hydrology project.
The announcement comes a year after the vision for the India-UK Strategic Partnership was made by both the UK and Indian Prime Ministers.
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