A sewage treatment plant to help manage water efficiently

With the larger goal of fighting the challenging battle of sanitation and water management in India, a new environment friendly sewage treatment plant (STP) has been set up in Delhi's Timarpur area as a pilot project.

The plant, which is based on a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) patented bio-digester technology, was installed Tuesday within the premises of a new DRDO residential complex here. It has been designed by Arkin Creation, a company which provides eco-friendly waste management solutions.

"The plant can cater up to 900 residents, and we are looking at 1.25 lakh litres of water daily. The system employs eco-friendly and energy efficient bio remediation process for treatment of municipal sewage and water recovery," Madan Jha, managing director, Arkin Creation, told IANS.

The sewage is treated through a bio digester followed by a reed bed, which removes the pollutants through plant roots, and is finally polished through aeration and a fish tank.

"The treated water is suitable for agriculture, flushing and gardening, saving the fast depleting resource," Jha explained.

The energy independent plant, which uses uses bio-gas, a bio-product to operate requires no special maintenance.

"But we do recommend the usage of cleansing products like acid as it is not good for the bacteria. Residents can instead opt for cheaper alternatives like vinegar and baking soda," said Jha.

Lokendra Singh, a DRDO scientist, said that the technology was developed keeping the mind the plight of manual scavengers along with the treatment of sewage.

"The technology, without needing much maintenance, works across terrains in the country," Singh told IANS.

The water crisis faced by India was highlighted by a report published by the UNICEF and Food and Agriculture Organisation which said that India has about 16 percent of the world's population as compared to only 4 percent of its water resources.

"The lack of water availability and poor management practices have also manifested in poor sanitation facilities, one among the biggest environmental and social challenges India faces today," the 2013 report said.