Hydrothon 2026 held at Khuzdar engineering university, stresses water saving and climate change

KHUZDAR: Hydrothon 2026 was held successfully at the auditorium of the Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology, Khuzdar. The event was organised by the university’s Peace and Character Building Society under the Revival of Balochistan Water Resources Programme (RBWRP), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the European Union.

The overall planning, arrangements and conduct of the event were handled by RBWRP Project Coordinator Asrar Raisani, Project Manager Engineer Shakeel Baloch, and Communication, Outreach and Engagement Specialist Syed Abdullah Shah.

“Time to show results in practice”

The chief guest was Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Engineering University Khuzdar Dr Sohrab Khan Bizenjo. Praising the efforts of the organisers, he said it was an important need of the time to make young people aware of sustainable water resource management, adaptation to climate change, environmental protection and the responsible use of natural resources. He described such activities as very important for the future of Balochistan.

Drawing the participants’ attention to practical steps, Dr Sohrab Bizenjo said it was no longer time only to give advice but to show results in practice. “Water is our most basic need, so we must all save water together. We have to do this for ourselves and for our tomorrow.”

On the occasion, students said the project specifically targets the Hingol and Hamun Mashkel river basins, which suffer from drought and a severe shortage of groundwater. They said initiatives such as Hydrothon 26 would create a sense among local youth of identifying problems and finding solutions. They added that these would help in rainwater harvesting, smart irrigation methods, growing low-water crops, and shifting to alternative energy by reducing reliance on diesel boring.

Competitions in debate, poster, photography and theatre

The event was attended by Registrar Dr Syed Jalal Shah, Director General Quality Enhancement Cell Engineer Liaquat Ali Lehri, RBWRP South Project Manager Engineer Shakeel Ahmed, HR Manager Asrar Raisani, Subject Matter Expert Dr Salahuddin, Syed Abdullah Shah, Monitoring Officer Farhan Magsi, IT Expert Engineer Sher Mengal, chairmen of all the university’s departments, FAO Khuzdar representative Rizwan Ahmed with his team, and FAO Quetta representative Engineer Ehtisham-ul-Haq. Engineer Talal Naseer and Asad joined the programme online.

During Hydrothon 2026, competitions in English and Urdu debates, posters, photography, short documentaries and theatre performances were held for male and female students. Their main themes were sustainable water resource management, climate-smart Agriculture, livestock development and rangeland protection. The students showed their creativity, innovation and environmental awareness with great enthusiasm.

At the end of the event, shields and certificates were distributed among the students who performed well. The organisers thanked FAO, the European Union, the university administration, faculty members including BRC’s Professor Inamullah Mengal, the judges, students, the press and all participants. The event renewed the pledge that the university, FAO and the European Union remain committed to the shared mission of effective management of sustainable natural resources, protection of water resources, tackling climate change and empowering young people for future environmental challenges.

Photo: courtesy DGPR Balochistan