Kerala Firm Partners with J&K Govt to Protect Dal Lake

04 Feb 2025 CW Team

Dal Lake, a popular tourist destination, has faced significant environmental challenges due to the growing number of houseboats. The discharge of untreated human waste directly into the lake has contributed to water pollution, threatening its delicate ecosystem and affecting local communities dependent on it. The bio-digesters use anaerobic bacteria to break down human waste, converting it into pathogen-free, odourless water that can be safely discharged without contaminating the lake. The system is designed to be maintenance-free, durable, and customizable to meet the unique needs of houseboats.

The initiative follows the recommendations of a committee headed by E Sreedharan, former chief of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The committee, established in 2018 by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, aimed to identify measures to restore and preserve Dal Lake, which has been shrinking due to encroachment and untreated waste. The introduction of bio-digesters is seen as a critical step in combating pollution and restoring the lake’s ecological balance.

Samudra Planet’s collaboration with the Dal Lake Authority is expected to inspire other regions across India to adopt bio-digesters for protecting water bodies facing similar challenges. The technology ensures zero contamination of groundwater, promoting environmental sustainability in water conservation efforts.

Samudra Planet, a Kerala-based company, has partnered with the Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) to address the longstanding issue of fecal waste disposal in Dal Lake. The company is utilising advanced microbial technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through a technology transfer agreement. This technology has been implemented by installing bio-digesters on a select number of houseboats on the lake, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to protect the water body. Dal Lake, a popular tourist destination, has faced significant environmental challenges due to the growing number of houseboats. The discharge of untreated human waste directly into the lake has contributed to water pollution, threatening its delicate ecosystem and affecting local communities dependent on it. The bio-digesters use anaerobic bacteria to break down human waste, converting it into pathogen-free, odourless water that can be safely discharged without contaminating the lake. The system is designed to be maintenance-free, durable, and customizable to meet the unique needs of houseboats. The initiative follows the recommendations of a committee headed by E Sreedharan, former chief of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The committee, established in 2018 by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, aimed to identify measures to restore and preserve Dal Lake, which has been shrinking due to encroachment and untreated waste. The introduction of bio-digesters is seen as a critical step in combating pollution and restoring the lake’s ecological balance. Samudra Planet’s collaboration with the Dal Lake Authority is expected to inspire other regions across India to adopt bio-digesters for protecting water bodies facing similar challenges. The technology ensures zero contamination of groundwater, promoting environmental sustainability in water conservation efforts.

Infrastructure Urban

04 Dec 2025

ISRO’s IMAT Success Boosts Readiness for Maiden Gaganyaan Mission

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh informed Parliament that ISRO has achieved a key milestone in its preparations for India’s first human space mission with the successful completion of the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT). He said in the Lok Sabha that the test forms a central part of the qualification campaign for the Crew Module’s parachute-based deceleration system, one of the most vital elements in human-rating the mission.According to Dr. Jitendra Singh, the IMAT recreated one of the most demanding descent conditions by intentionally del..

Infrastructure Urban

04 Dec 2025

Gyanesh Kumar Takes Charge as Chair of International IDEA Council

Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar has assumed the Chairship of the Council of Member States of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance for 2026. The ceremony in Stockholm was also attended by India’s Ambassador to Sweden, Anurag Bhushan. India, a founding member of International IDEA, has long contributed to the organisation’s governance and global democratic dialogue, and the new Chairship signals broad recognition of the Election Commission of India as a trusted and innovative election management institution.During his visit, Kumar held discuss..

Infrastructure Energy

04 Dec 2025

Coal Mines Boost Local Growth and Support India’s Energy Self-reliance

The Magadh and Amrapali coal mines in Jharkhand are playing a pivotal role in strengthening India’s energy security, contributing nearly half of Central Coalfields Limited’s total coal production in 2024–25. Both mines support the broader goal of ensuring steady coal availability for the power sector under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Magadh has estimated mineable reserves of 854.91 million tonnes, while Amrapali holds 456.34 million tonne. For FY 2025–26, the two are expected to generate net sales revenues of Rs 28.12 billion and Rs 23.67 billion respectively. Local development ..