Lucknow, Oct 2026 : Conservation and reuse of water resources have become essential in view of the growing water crisis, with underground wetland-based water treatment systems offering an effective and sustainable solution. These views were expressed on Saturday at the launch of Dr Abhinav Dixit's book Hidden Wetlands at the Creative Lounge during the National Book Fair in Lucknow.
The book was released at a programme organised by Janveena Prakashan. Senior litterateur Dr Karuna Pandey, former Information Department Joint Director Ashok Banerjee, writer Raj Verma and retired scientist Abhay Dixit of the State Institute of Rural Development jointly unveiled the publication.
Dr Abhinav Dixit, who conducted research on urban water systems at the Technical University of Berlin in Germany, explained that the idea for the book emerged while he was leading a project addressing water-related challenges in the desert city of El Gouna in Egypt.
He said the book explores the potential of underground systems for water treatment and reuse, highlighting their relevance amid increasing pressure on water resources.
According to Dixit, the publication is intended to serve as a useful resource for policymakers, engineers and professionals involved in water management. It examines approaches that could help improve water conservation, treatment and reuse, particularly in areas facing water scarcity.
The discussion at the launch highlighted the importance of exploring innovative technologies and sustainable methods to address water-related challenges. Underground wetland-based treatment systems can offer an alternative approach to managing wastewater and improving the reuse of available water resources, subject to appropriate design and local conditions.
The event was attended by several prominent writers, scientists, academics and literature enthusiasts, including satirist Sarvesh Asthana, Munalshree Vikram Bisht, Shambhu Sharan Verma, agricultural scientist Kamlesh Kumar Pathak and Professor Mukund Sharma of the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences.
Other attendees included Ashish Trivedi, Anju Dixit, Upma Sharma, Rajesh Sharma, Dr Ashutosh Krishna, Brijesh Singh, Jyoti Kiran Ratan, Shakti Srivastava, Ambrish Singh, Akshat Trivedi, Animesh Shukla, Swapnil Pandey, Vivek Sharma, magician Suresh Kumar and Aftab, among others.
The programme began with a Saraswati Vandana presented by Saurabh Kamal. Dr S.K. Gopal, director of Janveena Prakashan, conducted the proceedings.
The launch of Hidden Wetlands brought attention to the growing need for sustainable water management solutions and the role of research and innovation in addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity.
