Experts Deliberate on Mountain Ecosystems, Human Survival, Water Conservation, and Environmental Sustainability
Lucknow: The two-day National Conference on “Sources of Planet Energy, Environmental and Disaster Science (SPEEDS-2026)”, jointly organized by the School of Management Sciences (SMS), Lucknow, in association with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow, and The Institution of Engineers (India), Lucknow Local Centre, commenced today at the SMS campus. The central theme of this year’s conference is “Hills Ecosystems and Human Survival.”
The conference was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Padma Shri Dr. Rajendra Singh, popularly known as the Waterman of India, as the Chief Guest, along with Prof. (Dr.) Onkar Singh, Professor, HBTU, Kanpur, and Mr. Sushil Kumar Agrawal, CMD, Gobind Industries, as the Guests of Honour. The inaugural session was also graced by Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Bhatnagar, Director, SMS Lucknow; Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Raj Singh, Director General (Technical) and Conference Co-Chair; and Mr. Sharad Singh, CEO & Secretary, SMS Lucknow.
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Bhatnagar emphasized that the theme of SPEEDS-2026 is highly relevant in view of the growing global environmental challenges. Er. Vijay Pratap Singh, representing The Institution of Engineers (India), Lucknow Local Centre, stated that the conference provides an excellent platform for students, academicians, researchers, and industry professionals to exchange knowledge and discuss critical issues related to environmental protection, climate change, mountain ecosystems, and disaster management.
In his inspiring keynote address, Padma Shri Dr. Rajendra Singh stressed the importance of water conservation, ecological balance, and public participation in preserving natural resources. He remarked that nature is not merely a resource but a part of humanity’s spiritual heritage. He emphasized that lasting solutions to environmental problems can only be achieved when society develops a deep sense of responsibility towards nature.
Prof. (Dr.) Onkar Singh highlighted that scientific research, technological innovation, and sustainable development must work together to effectively address environmental crises. Mr. Sushil Kumar Agrawal underlined the responsibility of industries in adopting environmentally sustainable practices and green technologies while pursuing industrial growth.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Bharat Raj Singh, Director General (Technical), SMS Lucknow, and Conference Co-Chair, emphasized that multidisciplinary research and collaborative efforts are essential for addressing global environmental and disaster-related challenges. He described mountain ecosystems as the foundation of human well-being, water security, and ecological balance, and called for their urgent conservation.
Mr. Sharad Singh, CEO & Secretary, SMS Lucknow, stated that institutions of higher education have a responsibility not only to provide quality education but also to promote environmental awareness and develop innovative, practical solutions for sustainable development. He expressed confidence that the deliberations during the conference would significantly contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Conference Convener Dr. Arunesh Srivastava informed that more than 110 research papers were received from universities and institutions across the country. Following a rigorous peer-review process by the Technical Committee, 81 research papers were selected for presentation. These papers cover contemporary topics including renewable energy, environmental sustainability, climate change, disaster management, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
The inaugural session was attended by Dr. Dharmendra Singh (Associate Director & Conference Coordinator), Dr. P. K. Singh (Dean & Conference Co-Coordinator), Mr. Surendra Srivastava (Chief General Manager), the Registrar, Heads of Departments, faculty members, research scholars, industry representatives, and a large number of students.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with the National Anthem.
