The Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj is witnessing an unprecedented gathering, with over 500 million devotees taking a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Despite the massive influx of people, there has been no sign of disease outbreaks, a feat attributed to cutting-edge nuclear technology deployed to maintain hygiene.
Role of Nuclear Technology in Hygiene Management
The advanced sewage treatment technology is developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Mumbai, and the Indira Gandhi Center for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, both under the Department of Atomic Energy.
These innovations have revolutionized waste management at the Kumbh, preventing the hygiene-related issues historically associated with the event.
Hybrid Granular Sequencing Batch Reactors (hgSBR) Technology
At the heart of this success is the Hybrid Granular Sequencing Batch Reactors (hgSBR) technology. Developed by Dr. Venkat Nancharaiah from DAE, this system utilizes bacteria-laden granules, also known as bio-beads, to biologically treat wastewater. These bio-beads enhance sewage treatment due to:
- High Biomass Retention: Efficiently traps and treats contaminants.
- Superior Settling Properties: Ensures clearer and safer water output.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces land footprint and operational costs by up to 60% and 30%, respectively, compared to conventional systems.
Massive Impact on Maha Kumbh hygiene
Plants equipped with hgSBR technology are treating nearly 1.5 lakh liters of sewage daily at the Kumbh site. This advanced system has drastically minimized the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, which were common during previous Kumbh events due to poor sanitation.
Being A Sustainable and Cost-Effective Solution
The granular-based wastewater treatment system is a sustainable alternative to traditional activated sludge systems. It reduces the volume of biological treatment tanks by up to 20%, enabling rapid scalability to bridge the gap between sewage generation and treatment capacity in India.
Transforming Public Health and Hygiene
This remarkable achievement underscores the potential of nuclear technology in public health management. By leveraging advanced sewage treatment systems, the Kumbh Mela stands as a model of hygiene and sanitation, even amidst one of the world’s largest gatherings.
Nuclear technology’s role in maintaining hygiene at the Maha Kumbh is a testament to India’s scientific prowess in Nuclear Research and implementation in achieving sustainable human ecosystems .
As millions continue to visit Prayagraj, the successful deployment of hgSBR technology sets a new benchmark in sustainable public health management, ensuring a safe and hygienic environment for all pilgrims.
