DCRUST Leads the Charge on Haryana's Pond Restoration

Professor Shree Prakash Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), has announced a strategic collaboration with the Haryana Pond Authority to support the conservation and development of the state’s ponds and water reservoirs.

During a planning meeting chaired by the VC—attended by Principal Adviser Prabhakar Kumar Verma and heads of the civil engineering, architecture, and environment departments—a framework was drafted to guide the initiative.

In the first phase, students and faculty will survey villages where reservoir restoration projects are completed or in progress, collecting feedback and assessing impact. Reports will be submitted to the Authority and the state government. A team of experts and faculty will also be formed to provide third-party quality assurance for ongoing renovation works.

The university plans to set up a “Reservoir Renovation Centre of Excellence” on campus to support research, innovation, and advisory services related to water body rejuvenation.

Data presented at the meeting showed that 11,022 out of 18,871 ponds listed on the state portal are polluted. Under the 2025–26 action plan, 6,542 ponds are targeted for restoration, including 311 in Sonepat. Work has been completed on 29 ponds, with five ongoing, and planning underway for others. The VC emphasized systematic execution and called for a detailed student-led survey plan to support the initiative.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.