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Low-cost methods to solve water woes

PUDUCHERRY: Cost-effective technology has come as a boon for tsunami-affected villages, ensuring improved access to safe drinking water, experts at a conference on water solutions said on Friday.

The conference, held as part of the Green Post-Tsunami Action Project, was funded by the European Commission. It was aimed at providing a platform to discuss the use of the new technology and how it could benefit a broader population.

The project, which covered 60 villages in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Villupuram and Cuddalore districts, focussed on food security, sanitation and water for drinking and irrigation, project leader Kusum Gaur said.

Under water solutions, the rope pump, also called the multi piston pump, was in place in most of the villages. It could lift water from a depth of 200 feet. “We have received a positive response for the rope pumps. It is in use in Latin America and Africa. It is different from the piston pump and works on the principle of rotating movement,” Henk Holtslag, an expert from Practica Foundation said.

The rope pump has been found to be very efficient, he added.

Apart from drinking and domestic uses, the pump could also be used for irrigation purposes. “The second model of the pump for irrigation purposes is coming up soon,” he added.

The technology also comes in handy in cases of water contamination. The Siphon filter can be used to remove bacteria from water taken from rivers, pipes and open hand wells. A new product, it would hit the markets in May or June. “While the rope pump is priced at Rs.1,800, the filter costs Rs.400,” Mr. Holtslag said.

In addition to this, the project has been suggesting storage of water through rain water harvesting and tanks.

The conference was organised by Humana People to People India, Ekoventure and Practica Foundation.

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