Port Blair, Mar 23: The 24th World Water Day was celebrated by the Andaman & Nicobar State Centre (ANSC) of The Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI), on Wednesday, 22 March, 2017 at 3 pm at ALHW Conference Hall.
Er. Arun Kumar, Executive Engineer (Plg.), APWD, Port Blair delivered a enriching technical lecture on this year’s theme ‘’Waste Water’’. During his deliberations he went through the whole gamut of activities involved in recycling & reuse of Waste Water. The percentage of potable water is only 0.75% of the available total water including all types. The developing countries had a predominant use of water for agricultural purpose while the developed countries the industrial use was more. In India 87% of usage of water was for agricultural purposes. The available figures of usage of water inside homes for different purposes reveals that apart from sewerage / toilet water which accounted for around 30% usage the balance 70% which accounted for kitchen, bathroom, washing machine etc. usage could be recovered for reuse with minimum screening to eliminate harmful elements for non-edible purposes like gardening, washing of vehicles, construction etc. which will conserve the potable water for extended use.
The three main uses of water is for Domestic, Agricultural & Industrial. While usage of potable water 73% converts to Grey water & the rest to black water.& the recycle & reuse potential of these are 70% & 25% respectively. It is estimated that 100% recovery can be done of Grey water & used for gardening & Green building practices thus saving on potable water. Though Black water can be recycled for reuse it should be limited to non-drinking purposes after proper treatment & disinfection. Maybe used for gardening & toilet flushing using a dual pipeline network. Many examples of sustainable uses of water in different parts of India & the world was highlighted to drive home the value of the most precious commodity on earth. The local scenario regarding the various aspects of water supply was also highlighted. Ultimately the benefits of water conservation are, will help in reducing water demand tremendously, should aim for 100% recycle & reuse, improve sanitation & hygiene & help in eco-preservation.
During the Interactive session the participants raised many questions like whether the water supply authorities are able to supply the required quantity as per the norms. It was revealed that currently 135 litres per day per person in urban area & 40 to 55 litres per person per day in rural area is being adhered to & 60% of the population is covered with water supply which is filtered & treated. The issue of wastage of water due to many reasons were brought up which was estimated to be 10 MLD & suggestions were given that metering of water supply & payment as per consumption would go a long way in acting as a deterrent to wastage of water. Thrust on rain water harvesting & proper storage for use in water scarce periods to offset demand of piped supply & regulation of ground water extraction which was affecting the environment of the island was also discussed. Setting up of Low Thermal Desalination plants for the long term & proposed Flat Bay reservoir project, Rutland project etc. was the water hope of the islands in the years to come.
Earlier at the outset the Chairman of the State Centre, Er. D. Sathyamoorthy, FIE, DCE (Mech.), ALHW welcomed the Guest Speaker & the gathering while Honorary Secretary of the State Centre, Er. Johnson Abraham, MIE, Consultant gave a brief about the Guest Speaker & proposed the Vote of Thanks.
The lecture which was attended by a large number of Engineers from different technical departments of Govt., Private organisations, Members of The Institution of Engineers (India), State Centre etc.
