Rajasthan village marches towards zero waste through green technology interventions
Aandhi, a tiny village in the
district of Jaipur, and about 43 Km from Rajasthan’s capital city of Jaipur is
transforming itself to a zero-waste model with the help of green technology
interventions.
Food waste, agro waste, waste water, hospital waste
coming from various village sources including institutions like schools,
agricultural fields, community health centres could now be converted to
resources with the help of a package of technology interventions that have been
recently installed in the village.
The package of technology interventions consisting of
Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, Constructed
Wetlands, resource recovery centre, stands
as a unique and socially relevant initiative, creating a zero-waste model
through the integration of innovative technologies.
Recently, the demonstration plants were inaugurated at
three identified locations—a government school, a community health centre, and
the constructed wetland at the main pond. It was graced by Dr. Anita Gupta,
Head of the Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, along
with Dr. G.V Raghunath Reddy, the Programme Officer.
The Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant at Government
School (100 Kg Capacity) converts organic waste, such as food scraps and
agricultural residues, into biogas through anaerobic digestion. Equipped with a
5 KW solar energy system. It provides clean energy for cooking and electricity
generation, reducing reliance on traditional fuels and promoting renewable
energy, cleaner air, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Utilizing earthworms to filter and treat wastewater, the
Vermifiltration Technology at the Community Health Centre (10 KLD Capacity)
makes it suitable for purifying greywater and sewage. The treated water can be
reused for agricultural irrigation or landscape watering. Solar energy
integration in this patented technology ensures an eco-friendly and
energy-efficient wastewater management process, contributing to sustainable
water reuse and environmental conservation.
The Constructed Wetlands at the Main Pond in Aandhi
Village (20 KLD Capacity) replicate natural wetland processes to treat
wastewater and restore ecosystems. This system will help manage village
wastewater while enhancing biodiversity, supporting local flora and fauna, and
improving the overall health of the pond ecosystem.
Partnerships have been established with recycling
agencies for the collection and segregation of recyclable waste from the
Resource Recovery Center (RRC), ensuring its proper disposal and recycling.
Vermicomposting units have also been developed, and the techniques have been
disseminated among the villagers for their utilization.
These initiatives demonstrate the transformative power of
green technology in rural communities, showcasing DST's commitment to promoting
innovation and environmental stewardship. The project aligns closely with
India's broader goals of achieving environmental sustainability, mitigating
climate change, and promoting waste-to-wealth models that uplift local communities.
By leveraging advanced green technologies, the project
aims to create a self-sustaining model of zero-waste management that can be
replicated in other rural areas across the country, contributing to a cleaner,
greener, and more sustainable future for all.
Such interventions could potentially offer a good
prospect to be replicated across various villages creating a new pathway for
India to march towards a development led inclusive and sustainable net Zero
nation.