Jaipur: Aandhi, a small village in the Jaipur district, around 43 km from Rajasthan’s capital, is transforming itself into a zero-waste model with the support of green technology interventions.
Food waste, agro waste, wastewater, and hospital waste from various village sources, including institutions like schools, agricultural fields, and community health centres, can now be converted into resources with the help of a series of recently installed technology interventions.
This package of technology interventions, comprising an Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration Technology, Constructed Wetlands, and a 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 designated locations - a government school, a community health centre, and the constructed wetland at the main pond. The event was attended by Dr. Anita Gupta, Head of the Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, along with Dr. G.V Raghunath Reddy, Programme Officer.
The Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant at the Government School, with a 100 kg capacity, converts organic waste like 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.
The Vermifiltration Technology at the Community Health Centre, with a 10 KLD capacity, utilizes earthworms to filter and treat wastewater, making it suitable for purifying greywater and sewage. The treated water can be reused for agricultural irrigation or landscape watering. Integrated with solar energy, 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, with a 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 Centre (RRC), ensuring proper disposal and recycling. Vermicomposting units have also been developed, and the techniques have been disseminated among 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 environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, 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.
These interventions hold significant potential to be replicated across various villages, creating a pathway for India to advance toward a development-led, inclusive, and sustainable net-zero future.
BI Bureau
