A Kerala-based waste management company is protecting Dal Lake, one of the most iconic natural treasures in Kashmir. In a major initiative aimed at preserving the pristine beauty of Dal Lake in Kashmir, Samudra Planet in Alappuzha has joined hands with Lakes and Waterways Development Authority of Jammu and Kashmir to tackle the long-standing issue of faecal waste disposal from houseboats into Dal Lake.
Leveraging cutting-edge microbial technology developed by Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) under a technology transfer agreement, Samudra Planet has installed bio-digesters on a few houseboats, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to protect Dal Lake.
Dal Lake attracts thousands of tourists annually. However, the growing popularity of houseboats has inadvertently led to significant environmental challenges, particularly the discharge of untreated human waste directly into the lake. This has resulted in water pollution, threatening the lake’s delicate ecosystem and its role as a vital resource for local communities.
“We have installed Bio-Digesters in a few houseboats on Dal Lake under a project to protect the lake from human faecal waste discharged from houseboats. It was the committee headed by E Sreedharan, former chief of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, that recommended the bio-digesters which use anaerobic bacteria to break down human waste, converting it into pathogen-free, odourless water that can be safely discharged without polluting the lake. Additionally, the bio-digesters are maintenance-free, durable, and customisable to fit the unique requirements of houseboats,” said Samudra Planet Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Jeevan Sudhakaran.
According to E Sreedharan, the committee was constituted in 2018 as per the direction of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court to ascertain the measures required to restore and preserve Dal Lake, which has been shrinking due to illegal encroachment and disposal of untreated waste from houseboats.
“We were fully aware of the benefits of the Bio-Digesters as it’s the most scientifically validated system for treating human faecal waste without causing any pollution. The installation of bio-digesters has been a game-changer in the efforts to preserve Dal Lake. It addresses one of the major sources of pollution, restoring the lake’s ecological balance,” Sreedharan said.
“We are proud to collaborate with the Dal Lake Authority to address this critical issue. Our bio-digesters are designed to not only eliminate pollution but also promote environmental sustainability by ensuring zero contamination of groundwater sources. We expect other governments to adopt bio-digesters to protect other water bodies across India facing similar challenges,” Dr Jeevan added.
