DP Vipra Law College Hosts Workshop on Environmental Protection, Highlights River Pollution Crisis

Bilaspur : A one-day workshop on “Environmental Protection and Earth Day” was organize at a D.P. Vipra Law Vollege in Bilaspur, bringing together academicians, students, and experts to deliberate on pressing environmental concerns and sustainable practices.

The programme featured Dr. Krishna Kumar Chandra, Head of the Department of Environmental Science at Guru Ghasidas Central University, as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chandra stressed the urgent need to protect rivers from pollution. He cited the example of the Arpa river, noting that until about 15 years ago it had water throughout the year, but pollution has now severely degraded its condition.

He also expressed concern over the rising levels of river pollution globally, stating that while there are nearly four lakh rivers worldwide, India has around 400 major rivers, many of which are increasingly affected by contaminants such as e-plastic waste. He linked the theme of Earth Day 2026 “Our Power, Our Planet” to collective responsibility in environmental conservation.

The workshop was presided over by Prof. Sushma Tiwari, In-charge Principal, who highlighted the importance of conserving flora and fauna. She emphasized that law students, through their understanding of environmental laws, can play a critical role in spreading awareness and driving societal change.

Prof. Shaji Thomas, Senior Faculty Member, attended as a Distinguished Guest. The programme report was presented by Prof. Sonam Sharma, who also spoke about the origin of Earth Day in 1970 and its current observance in over 195 countries. She referred to the Indian tradition of worshipping the Earth as a mother and urged students to adopt eco-friendly practices, including reducing plastic usage.

During the workshop, students showcased environmental models, which were evaluated by the guests. Faculty members including Dr. Alok Sharma, Shreyansh Sharma, Dr. Pramod Kumar Sharma, Dr. Ankita Sharma, Vibhanshu Awasthi, and Sarita Sharma were also present.

The event concluded with a collective call for increased environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and proactive student engagement in protecting natural resources.