In a major step toward ensuring safe drinking water in fluoride- and iron-affected areas, researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed an innovative and low-cost water purifier priced at just ₹20. The system promises to address the health hazards caused by groundwater contamination in rural India.
This development is expected to be a lifeline for communities suffering from waterborne ailments caused by fluoride and iron presence in groundwater—a common issue in many parts of Assam and neighboring states.
Designed for Rural Communities
The IIT Guwahati team has stated that the purifier is not only cost-effective but also easy to install and maintain. It functions without electricity, making it ideal for off-grid locations.
The system can treat up to 10 liters of water at a time and is aimed at community-level usage. Its main objective is to prevent long-term exposure to contaminants like fluoride, which leads to dental and skeletal fluorosis, and iron, which causes water discoloration and gastrointestinal problems.
“Our team aimed to build a sustainable, affordable, and efficient solution. This purifier ensures access to clean water for families that otherwise rely on polluted sources,” said Dr. Mihir Sarma, the lead researcher from IIT Guwahati’s Department of Chemical Engineering.
Addressing a Widespread Crisis
Many villages across Assam, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Rajasthan are severely affected by fluoride contamination. Reports from the Ministry of Jal Shakti show over 12,000 habitations in India face fluoride levels beyond safe limits.
Iron contamination, on the other hand, is prevalent in states like Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal. These impurities not only cause long-term health issues but also damage plumbing and alter the taste of water.
With this purifier, IIT Guwahati hopes to offer a scalable alternative to expensive and power-hungry filtration systems currently in use.
Real-Time Field Testing
The purifier has already undergone successful pilot testing in villages near Guwahati and Dibrugarh. Residents reported clearer, better-tasting water, and within weeks of use, a decrease in common gastrointestinal complaints.
Local health workers also backed the initiative. “Access to clean water is a basic right. This filter is changing lives in areas where people had no option but to consume iron-stained water,” said Rina Das, a community health worker in Kamrup district.
Support from Government and NGOs
The project has attracted attention from both government departments and NGOs working in water safety. Talks are underway to distribute the purifiers across fluoride-affected regions under Jal Jeevan Mission, according to officials from the Assam Public Health Engineering Department.
Further collaboration is being discussed with UNICEF and WaterAid India, who are keen to take the model to other parts of the country and even international rural communities facing similar challenges.
Potential for Scale
The purifier’s design is open-source, meaning other institutions and startups can adopt and replicate it. IIT Guwahati is also offering training programs for local artisans to manufacture and assemble the units with easily available materials.
This initiative aligns with India’s larger goals under SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and reflects the growing role of academic institutions in solving real-world problems.
A Call for Clean Water Access
With climate change, urbanization, and industrial contamination worsening India’s water quality, solutions like IIT Guwahati’s ₹20 purifier can be transformational.
“Innovation must reach the people it’s meant to serve,” said Dr. Sarma. “This purifier is our effort to ensure that no one drinks unsafe water due to affordability or accessibility issues.”
Call to Action:
To support or distribute these purifiers in your region, connect with IIT Guwahati’s Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) for collaboration opportunities.
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