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The Indian Institute of Technology at Bombay
(IITB) enjoys a setting unique among the major
science and technology universities of the world.
Nestled along the shore of picturesque Powai
Lake, the charm of the tropical forested
environment is enhanced by an abundance of
wildlife. In a bid for world-class recognition, a
university must have a "world-class" look, in
addition to strong research and education.
The IITB vision for the future is that Powai Lake
and the tropical forest setting be enhanced to
provide IITB a rich and unique environment that
is truly "world-class."
But, like so much else at IITB, Powai Lake needs
sprucing up. Impacted by human waste pollution
and siltation, the lake is undergoing a rapid
process of "eutrophication." This has resulted in
filling of the lake with silt and excessive growth
of aquatic plants chocking off the shoreline. The
once popular IITB boat ramp now sets high and
dry, nearly 300 yards from the nearest open
water.
In addition to providing IITB a truly spectacular
world-class setting, Powai Lake also can provide
students and researchers a natural classroom
and research laboratory, including a mind-boggling
array of flora and fauna for education of
children at the two schools on the IITB campus.
Today, IITB offers an array of courses and
degree programs that focus engineering and
technology on the natural environment.
Specialties such as environmental impact
assessment and geographic information services
are growing areas of IITB emphasis. New
schools also mark the transition of IITB's focus,
to include work on natural systems in India, such
as the School of Environmental Science and
Engineering and the Center of Studies in
Resources Engineering. Work in these new areas
includes interest in natural waters, India's
immense water pollution problems and
assessment of natural systems. Field work,
classroom instruction and research opportunities
in these areas of importance to India are just a
stone's throw away from campus, in Powai Lake.
Students have adopted Powai Lake as a cause for
environmental celebration and community
service. Today, students are embarked on a
campaign to clean up the lake. The "Save Powai
Lake Team" has worked closely with government
officials to generate funds for bioremedial work.
Lake clean-up and improvement will capitalize on
the world-class environment in which IITB sets
and will allow full utilization of the lake
environment for studies and research in
environmental engineering and science.
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