Five innovations that are changing the lives of rural India
In India, a majority of people in rural areas face various issues, ranging from a lack of access to basic facilities like clean drinking water and electricity to bad roads. However, there are some innovations trying to provide solutions to these issues faced in rural areas. From solar water purifier to the no-electricity refrigerator to self-repairing roads, here are some innovations changing rural lives.
The low-cost solar water purifier co-developed by IISc researchers
The lack of access to clean drinking water is one of the biggest issues faced in rural areas. The SuryaGen Solar Water Purifier aims to address this problem. The water purifier, developed by IISc researchers and SuryaGen Renewables, can convert water from wells, ponds, rivers, sea or even rainwater into potable water using solar energy. The low-cost device uses evaporation technique to purify water.
The Solar Power Tree developed by CSIR-CMERI
The Solar Power Tree, developed by CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, is an innovation that provides electricity harnessing solar energy. Solar Power Trees, having photovoltaic panels placed on steel branches, rotate on their axes. Each tree is capable of generating enough power to light up five households by charging a battery backup system. They could be useful for rural households with no electricity access.
#3: The NirNal water purifier that costs only Rs. 20
To provide access to clean drinking water, Niranjan Karagi from Karnataka's Belgaum, developed NirNal water purifier that costs only Rs. 20. The purifiers, launched in 2016, are made from cotton, activated-carbon, and a mesh covered in plastic. They can fit inside bottles and purify water.
The low-cost, sustainable self-repairing roads
Self-repairing roads are an innovation to address the issue of bad roads. The sustainable, self-repairing roads were developed by Nemkumar Bhantia, a Civil Engineering professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada. The roads, which were first tested in Karnataka in the country, are cost-effective and have greater longevity. Built using ultra-high-strength concrete and special fibers, these roads can repair themselves during rains.
The Mitti Cool refrigerator that works without electricity
Mitti Cool is another innovative product that helps in storing fruits, vegetables, milk and cooling water for 2-3 days without electricity. The natural refrigerator, working on the principle of evaporation, was developed by Mansukhbhai Prajapati of Rajkot. It is made from clay. Water from its upper chamber drips down its side walls and gets evaporated, reducing the heat inside and leaving the chambers cool.
