KMC to purify wastewater for non-drinking use with IIT Kharagpur’s expertise

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has partnered with IIT Kharagpur to implement a project aimed at purifying wastewater for non-drinking purposes. The initiative focuses on treating dirty water and making it suitable for uses such as vehicle washing, cleaning, and other non-potable applications. A pumping station will be selected as the site where the wastewater will undergo purification. The treatment process will utilize advanced technology to ensure that the water meets the standards required for specific uses, without being suitable for drinking.

IIT Kharagpur’s team, led by expert Shirshendu Roy, will employ a modular treatment plant for the purification process. The modular plant is designed to be compact and efficient, making it adaptable to different locations within the city. The process will include several treatment stages to remove impurities and ensure the water can be used for purposes like washing and cleaning. The estimated cost of purifying the water is between 6 to 12 rupees per liter, depending on the specifics of the treatment and local infrastructure.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation plans to file a patent for the system, protecting the technology from unauthorized use. This project is not aimed at making the water potable but at repurposing wastewater for non-drinking applications, thus reducing the reliance on potable water for tasks that do not require it. The initiative is also part of a broader strategy to improve the city’s water management system, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable water use.

Once the required infrastructure is set up, a more accurate cost estimate for the project will be provided. The system is expected to be particularly efficient during the monsoon season when bacterial contamination in wastewater is lower, which could make the purification process more straightforward. Further assessments will be made as the infrastructure for the modular plants is developed and operationalized.