Prof. K.V. Jayakumar takes charge as the President of Wetlands International South Asia
Wetlands International South Asia Society held its Nineteenth Annual General Body Meeting on August 19, 2026, at the conference hall of the NSIC Business Park in New Delhi, bringing together members to review the Society’s achievements and welcome new leadership for the 2026–2029 triennium.
The meeting marked the end of the term of the current President, Dr Sidharth Kaul. In his address, Dr Kaul thanked members for their confidence in the Governing Body and reflected on key milestones of his tenure, including the Society’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, a significant strengthening of governance through new nominated members, and diversification of Wetlands International South Asia’s work into six thematic areas.
The members also paid tribute to late Dr C.L. Trisal, the Society’s Founder Director.
Five distinguished members, Prof C.K. Varshney, Prof E. J. James, Dr Asad R. Rahmani, Dr Ajit K. Pattnaik, and Dr Sidharth Kaul were conferred the title of ‘Counsellor of Honour’ in recognition of their pioneering leadership and long-standing contribution to wetlands conservation.
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The work done by the organisation on six priority themes, namely strengthening integrated wetlands management, rejuvenating wetlands for water security, wetlands as NbS for disaster risk reduction, nurturing wetlands livelihoods, conserving wetlands biodiversity, and safeguarding wetland carbon, was presented. The Annual Report and Audited financial statements were considered and approved. The General Body appreciated the work done during the year and congratulated the team. Members recommended strengthening IT-based wetland monitoring, integrating wetlands into academic curricula, and building a broader network and public movement for wetlands conservation.
Prof K.V. Jayakumar, elected President for the 2026 – 2029 triennium, formally takes charge at this AGM. Prof. Jayakumar is a Senior Adjunct Professor and Outreach Advisor at IIT Dharwad. Prof. Jayakumar is a distinguished academic, administrator, and policy advisor in Civil Engineering and Water Resources, with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, institutional leadership, and national and international advisory roles.