Specialized NEERI-ZAR water purification units, originally developed for Rajasthan floods, are being deployed to combat water scarcity in Assam's flood zones.

Key Takeaways

  • NEERI-ZAR units operate without electricity via gravity.
  • The system can purify up to 3,500 litres of water per hour.
  • Technology was originally pioneered during the 2006 Barmer floods.
  • Deployment helps reduce environmental impact from plastic bottle waste.

In a major boost to disaster relief efforts, specialized water purification units have been dispatched to the flood-ravaged districts of Charaideo, Jorhat, and Sivasagar in Assam. These units, developed by the Nagpur-based CSIR-NEERI, are designed to provide immediate access to clean drinking water in emergency scenarios.

The Power of NEERI-ZAR Technology

The emergency portable purification system, known as NEERI-ZAR, is being deployed to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases. Scientists Atul Maldhure and Kumar Amrit from CSIR-NEERI have facilitated the assembly of 100 units in Jorhat. Of these, 25 are designated for community use, while 75 are intended for individual households.

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A standout feature of these units is their gravity-based mechanism. They require zero electricity and incur no operational costs, making them ideal for remote, flooded areas where infrastructure has collapsed.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that while bottled water is a common relief item, it creates a secondary crisis of plastic pollution. By utilizing ambient water from rivers, ponds, and wells, the NEERI-ZAR system provides a sustainable, long-term solution that addresses both hydration needs and environmental conservation.

"These units can purify ambient water from rivers and ponds by removing turbidity and microbial contamination without any electrical input."

Historical Background

The NEERI-ZAR technology is a battle-tested innovation. It was first conceived during the 2006 Barmer floods in Rajasthan. Since then, it has been successfully deployed during various national crises, including the 2009 Sundarbans cyclone, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, and the 2018 Kerala floods.

Did You Know?: The deployment of these units helps combat the 'plastic surge' that typically follows major floods when thousands of bottled water units are distributed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Does the purifier require a power source?
Answer: No, the system is gravity-based and functions entirely without electricity.

Question 2: What kind of water can it treat?
Answer: It can treat ambient water from rivers, ponds, and wells by removing suspended matter and microbes.