Solid Waste & Effluent / Sewage Management [ home ]

• Since there are several technologies in place with their positives and negatives, we have made a thorough comparative analysis of the existing waste & effluent treatment technologies on all the important and relevant counts and Soil-Biotechnology (SBT by IIT Bombay) stands out as the preferred option. In case of any problems, we alongwith IIT B can evolve a process (or a combination of processes) that best fits the town setup without interfering with Nature's course.

• Solid Waste & Effluent is Treated ecologically and recycled to produce clean water, clean air, fertile soil, animal feed, excellent natural fertiliser and greenbelts using eg. Soil-Biotechnology (SBT by IIT Bombay). It treats polluted water bodies and waste from Municipality, Industry, hospitals, etc. Other benefits derived;

a.      Water for construction, industry, flushing, washing, gardens, aquaculture etc.

b.      Reduction of Atmospheric Carbon & Green house gases.

c.      Improved Public Health – thru Pathogen & Pest control

Several Projects are running successfully since 1996 in Mumbai and around eg at;

a.      The Presidency Golf Club

b.      The Naval Command

c.      The Indira Gandhi Institute for Development Research

UNDP, UNICEF, Govt. of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim and several Municipal Corporations’ officials have recently approved SBT.

• We are involved with the promotion of Soil Biotechnology developed by IIT Bombay. The process applies the biochemistry of nature in a concentrated manner. It enriches soil and extracts excellent water for use in irrigation/fisheries/several industries.
  
• Now we plan to collaborate with reliable consultants & implementing agencies, in an attempt to get this technology implemented in the above states.
  
• A possibility we are evaluating is the conversion of organic (vegetable) waste into silage (non-concentrated nutrient portion) for cattle feedstock (developed at the Bombay Veterinary College).
  
• We also initiated collaboration with the local civic body (BMC) and public organizations (AGNI) in an attempt to share information regarding technologies and conscientize about the importance of utilizing waste optimally.

Water Supply and Pipelines

• We have made an exhaustive comparative analysis of water supply pipelines on several relevant counts like economy, efficiency, ecological implications, etc. and have shared it with some decision-making bodies.
  
• Surprisingly the preferred technology is Eco-Friendly Asbestos Cement (AC) technology. We are thus keenly involved in the process of revision of Indian standards for AC pressure pipes, to ensure world-class quality and their optimum field performance. We also recommend using Clay & Sand based technologies - All these are more suitable for tropical climate besides being more economical, efficient & environment friendly.

   

  Following our successful efforts in favour of Eco-Friendly Asbestos Cement and its technical upgradation in India;

  a.   State Governments like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu reverted the ban (or potential ban) on Asbestos Cement (AC) Pipes.

  b.   They changed their buying specifications / preferences for ISO + 5 Kg Eco-Friendly Asbestos Cement (AC) Pipes.

  c.   Thereafter Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have successfully started using ISO + 5 Kg AC Pipes for water supply since 1999 and have saved crores of rupees. The estimated savings for Maharashtra pending schemes of Rs. 2000 crores is about Rs. 700 crores.

  d.   Government of India had stopped the process of banning Asbestos Cement products.

  e.   WTO admitted that their decision against Asbestos trade was hurried and was taken under tremendous lobby pressure.

  f.    We countered the Substandard Industry lobby at the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) for 3 years to get the earlier dilute Indian Standards upgraded.

   

Water Harvesting ;

using efficient techniques like greenways, flow-regulators, SBT gardens, underground, sub-surface and surface reserves.

Over 1050 villages have been transformed from dry poor deserted villages to green rich villages in Alwar District of Rajasthan. (Rajendra Singh of TBS won the Magasasay Award for his work in 2001)

Harmonising Global “trade-winds” ;

is crucial in preserving and enlarging markets for relevant technologies and products in the Globalisation era. It became essential in some of our above projects at Local & International levels. WTO agreements & global influences often decide the fate of Technologies (solutions) & their utilization. Knowledge and skills to effectively deal with WTO related activities is important.

ONE Nature has had deep national and global exposure including at the WTO on such Technology & Policy issues related to Trade and Environment. (2000-2002)

Information and Communication Technology [ home ]

We aim to use (ICT) to enhance the acceptability & usage of ICT for

• improving the efficiency in water & waste management (pipeline design, leak-monitoring, etc).
• mass awareness and education.

In this dynamic area it is essential to continuously identify, evaluate & implement the most practical technologies for the above applications.

Govt. of Maharashtra has decided to study and implement such solutions.