The session is moderated by Mridula Ramesh, Chennai Angels
Other panel participants were:
Chollin Selvan – E Sandhai- Solve the Supply/Demand Problem for Farmers (Watch their presentation – here)
Jessy DCruz – KarioT- Smart Water Revolution for economical & sustainable living (Watch their presentation – here)
Mallesh T M – CultYvate- Enhance agriculture productivity for marginal farmers (Watch their presentation – here)
Rajat Kabra – Uniwater Solutions- Smarter solutions for your water problems (Watch their presentation – here)
Vibha Tripathi – Boon (formerly Swajal) (Watch their presentation – here)
In the global pursuit of sustainable development, access to clean water remains a critical issue, particularly in densely populated countries like India. Despite significant progress, a substantial portion of the population still lacks access to safe drinking water. In this proposal, Chandrasekaran J, from Watsan Envirotech, advocates for a focused approach to tackle this challenge, emphasizing the delivery of water purifiers to the areas with the greatest need, such as Six Flag Villages in India, where 73% of the population resides.
Identifying the Real Needs
India stands out as one of the countries with the highest population density and a substantial proportion of its population lacks access to clean water. This situation is particularly acute in Six Flag Villages, where a staggering 73% of the population faces water accessibility issues. In contrast, focusing on IoT cloud and automation solutions for those with more options for drinking water isn’t the most efficient use of resources.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and CSIR-CIPET have recognized the water filter technology as effective. This technology, encapsulated in a plastic body, has been rigorously tested and proven to deliver clean, safe water. Collaborations with three IITs ensure that solutions are tailored to address region-specific water issues. Arsenic contamination, for example, is a significant problem in many villages, and the solution provided ensures safe drinking water by using a region-specific water filter.
The Urgent Need for Action
Punjab, for instance, has been hiding data regarding arsenic in the water, presenting a significant risk to public health. It’s essential to have one representative per state who thoroughly understands the local water issues, facilitating the identification and implementation of solutions. The proposed solution would allocate funds amounting to five crore Rupees, allowing for the employment of one representative per state.
Empowering the Local Workforce
A unique aspect of the proposal is the involvement of BPL family women, a team of 24 in-laws, working in the manufacturing process. They are employed to cut the clay candle in the factory, which is not a high capital investment but rather a rented, abandoned rice mill. This approach to production minimizes costs and ensures the viability of the project. The assembly shop, situated in an urban slum in Ashok Nagar, has been transformed into a center that not only provides livelihood but also improves the quality of life for the residents.
Access to clean water is not only a fundamental human right but also a critical component of sustainable development. By focusing efforts on providing water purifiers to the areas with the greatest need, we can make significant strides in addressing this pressing issue. With collaborations with academic institutions and the active involvement of local communities, Chandrasekaran J’s proposal represents a comprehensive and sustainable approach to ensure clean water access for all.
