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The researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur have developed low-cost water purification and treatment units. These units have been developed for the schools in Rajasthan's rural areas.

To ensure the purity and to retreat the water for productive usage, the membrane-assisted sorption-based UF (Ultrafiltration) technology is being used in the purification units. These units are portable and have already been installed in 05 schools of the rural region of Sirohi, Jhunjhunu, and Jodhpur districts of the state.

Due to the COVID pandemic, washing hands regularly and cleaning public floors & places have become a routine practice. This routine has increased the water consumption, therefore, waste water generation is also increased. There is a requirement for a water budgeting, smart graded water supply grid and water auditing, reported institute officials.

The Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering Pradip K Tiwari said that the institute is utilizing its expertise to address this issue. He added that they are looking into water quality and quantity requirements in a comprehensive way to benefit the society. This includes water conservation, water resource management, wastewater treatment, water purification, recycling and reuse, he further added.

This indigenously developed unit has been designed, installed and demonstrated for the reuse of treated greywater for the non-potable purposes. This unit is decentralized and cost-effective as no man-power is needed to operate it and it can be directly operated by the end-user.

The institute has ascertained the local participation of students, teachers, and staff members by educating them in installation, operation and maintenance.

The IIT Jodhpur, through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funding, will develop and install these units in 25 schools in rural regions of Jodhpur and surrounding area.

The research team includes institute's faculty Prashant Kumar Gupta, Nirmaly Bachhar, and Vikky Anand.