Course Structure & Module Setup
ABSTRACT
The School of Water and Waste of Anil Agarwal Environment
Training Institute, a training wing of the Centre for Science and
Environment, New Delhi, India, introduces an online training
program "Sustainability of Groundwater Sources for Climate
Resilient Cities". This course will be held from March 17-22,
2025, and is designed to equip participants with the knowledge
and skills needed to understand groundwater management and
mapping in urban environments.
In this 5-days program, participants will explore strategies to
evaluate, manage, and protect groundwater resources in cities.
Online Training on “ Sustainability of With challenges like water scarcity, contamination, and over-
extraction on the rise, a solid understanding of aquifers is crucial
Groundwater Sources for Climate for planning a sustainable water future.
Resilient Cities”
March 17-22, 2025 Vivek Kumar Sah
Course Coordinator
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1. INTRODUCTION:
The decline in water resources is affecting many cities around the world. Overuse of
groundwater, irregular rainfall, and climate change caused by global warming have led to water
shortages in many regions. Groundwater is a limited resource that must be protected and
replenished to meet the needs of both present and future generations. Ensuring the
sustainability of water sources, both surface and groundwater, is crucial for long-term water
security. Access to clean, reliable, and affordable water is essential for good health and the well-
being of all living things. Better water, sanitation, and hygiene practices could prevent about 10%
of global diseases. Improving these areas can help reduce diarrheal diseases, which are a leading
cause of child deaths and illness worldwide. Around 1.4 million children die each year from
preventable diarrheal diseases, with most of these deaths occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and
South Asia.
To tackle these issues, a practical and well-planned approach is needed to recharge groundwater
and improve aquifers, especially those accessed through wells and boreholes. It’s also important
to focus on managing watersheds, including rainwater harvesting to store surface water and
replenish groundwater. By using the right methods and tools, we can ensure the sustainability of
water sources in the cities and that future generations have enough water to meet their needs.
Sustainable management of water resources is key to bridging the gap between water supply and
demand and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
2. OBJECTIVE OF THE TRAINING:
The training has been designed for water experts, industry professionals, researchers,
government officials, academicians, engineers, architects, planners, consultants, and aspiring
students who wish to work in the field of water management.
The Major objectives of the training are-
Learning methods for water management and sustainable usage.
Understanding urban aquifers, mapping and analyzing aquifers to ensure source
sustainability.
Promoting sustainable groundwater recharge practices in cities.
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Module Setup
Module: I Groundwater Management in Urban Areas- Issues and Solutions
Total hours -4 hours
2 hrs. Self-reading + 2 hrs. Interactive sessions
Key Themes & Sub Themes Learning and Interaction Methods
1.1 Urbanization challenges and impact on groundwater
Groundwater challenges in the global south Active learning
Introduction to water budgeting at city level Presentations
Correlation of urban growth and aquifer systems Quizzes
Case studies
Traditional wisdom in different ecological systems for
Action Learning - DTE (Down to Earth)
sustainability of groundwater sources
Articles, Video Documentaries
Online discussions on the forum
Online interactions with experts
1.2 Groundwater Resources and Recharge Principles
Groundwater Overview: Fundamentals, Science, and
Relevance
Urban groundwater management: Policies, Strategies, and
Key Initiatives
Approaches to groundwater estimation in India Interactive Session -1 - 1 Hour
Key principles of groundwater recharge Interactive Session- 2: 1 Hour
Groundwater monitoring – quantity and quality
assessment
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Module: II- Role of Aquifer Mapping in Source Sustainability
Total hours -4 hours
2 hrs. Self-reading + 2 hrs. Interactive sessions
Key Themes & Sub Themes Learning and Interaction Methods
2.1 : Mapping aquifer systems
Understanding the aquifer systems in India Active learning
How to map aquifers at local and regional levels Presentations
Quizzes
Case studies
Action Learning - DTE (Down to Earth)
Articles, Video Documentaries
Online discussions on the forum
Online interactions with experts
2.2 Best management practices
City level mapping of aquifers – Indian examples
Ensuring sustainability of groundwater – examples from global
Interactive Session -3: 1 Hour
south
Interactive Session- 4: 1 Hour
2.3 Important Website for groundwater related information Special Lecture
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3. STUDY LOAD & STRUCTURE OF MODULES
Reading materials: Suggested articles, presentations by experts, technical manuals, and
related videos will be located under each module.
Quiz: After completion of each module, the participant has to take a test. This is
mandatory to go to the next module. The quiz has to be completed within the scheduled
time limit.
Interactive sessions: Queries and problems related to the content of the program can be
communicated with the coordinator at any time. Solutions will be provided by subject
experts. Even any experienced participant can be part of the thread of the
communication.
Live session: Live sessions will be conducted for interaction on specific topics and
discussion on mapping.
E-certificate: At the end of the program, a digital certificate of participation will be given
to the participants
**Note: Candidates have to cover all the modules between MARCH 17-22, 2025 to get
a participation certificate.
