Inauguration of a Jalopchar Technology-Based Sewage treatment facility and 126th batch of the regular training program

13th October 2023, Dehradun

A Jalopchar Technology-Based Sewage treatment facility installed at ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun was inaugurated today and the 126th batch of the 4-month regular training program was also inaugurated at the Institute. ICAR-IISWC conducts 4 months training program on soil and water conservation and watershed management for the state government officials mainly soil conservation officers.

The Chief Guest of the inaugural function Dr. S. K. Chaudhari, Deputy Director General (NRM), ICAR, appreciated the efforts made by the Institute in promoting nature-based solutions to a very pertinent problem. He said that decentralized treatment facilities seem to be a practical solution to the problem. Dr. Chaudhari encouraged the gathering to promote the adoption of green technology at various levels to turn the problem of sewage into an opportunity by adopting the concept of the circular economy. Dr. Chaudhari also motivated the trainees to learn through course curricula and also through interaction with other trainees. He encouraged them to use the learning in their respective states for science-based effective planning of watershed management.

Dr. M. Madhu, Director, ICAR-IISWC, Dehradun, emphasised the need and importance of turning grey water into productive blue water. He emphasised adopting all measures to reduce the chance of pollutants reaching surface and groundwater. Dr. Madhu apprised the new initiative taken for the improvement of the training program.

Dr. Gopal Kumar, Head, Soil Science & Agronomy Division, ICAR-IISWC, conducted the programme.

Dr. Charan Singh, Head, Human Resource Development & Social Science Division, welcomed the Guest to the inaugural program of training and apprised the gathering about the structure and framework of the training.

The technology has been developed by Dr. (Mrs) Ravinder Kaur, Principal Scientist, Water Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The eco-friendly wastewater treatment facilities mainly work on the principles of aerobic decomposition and phytoremediation. A reduction in BOD, Nitrate, Phosphate, Sulphate, and Bicarbonate in the range of 42 to 90% has been found in the treated water.

Dr. (Mrs) Kaur, the inventor of the technology apprised the gathering about the technical and functional aspects of the treatment facilities in which Arundo donax (Giant reed) is used as a phytoremediator. Dr. Kaur appreciated the efforts of the Institute to continue imparting training and making changes in course content to remain relevant with time.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun)