India Can Lead Sustainable Water Management Through Nature-Based Innovations: Expert

Dalian, June 25: India has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable water management by adopting nature-inspired technologies that reduce energy consumption and enhance water reuse. This insight was shared by an expert during the World Economic Forum’s ‘Annual Meeting of the New Champions’ (Summer Davos).

Speaking at the event, Bharathan, CEO and founder of ECOSTP Technologies, highlighted that the growing challenge of wastewater in India presents an opportunity to impact the environment and economy through domestic innovation. He noted that nearly 80% of the country’s sewage is released untreated, leading to significant pollution in rivers, lakes, and other water sources.

ECOSTP Technologies has developed a method for wastewater treatment inspired by biomimicry. This innovative technique mimics natural processes. The company has adopted the functioning of a cow’s stomach to treat sewage without using electricity, chemicals, or mechanical equipment.

According to Bharathan, traditional sewage treatment systems heavily rely on aeration processes, which consume a lot of energy and incur high operational costs. In contrast, the company’s gravity-based system utilizes specially designed bacteria and underground chambers that function like the four compartments of a cow’s stomach—rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum—to naturally purify wastewater.

This technology was developed in collaboration with IIT Jammu and is designed to convert sewage into reusable clean water without the need for operators, moving parts, or continuous electricity supply. Bharathan mentioned that the company has treated over 9 billion liters of wastewater across India using its system.

The startup currently serves clients in 24 states and has expanded its operations to Bangladesh and the Maldives. The company is also entering African markets, such as Mozambique and Kenya, to provide sustainable water treatment solutions.

Bharathan emphasized that the issue of wastewater in India is not just an administrative concern but also a technical challenge, as existing treatment systems are often expensive and energy-intensive. He further stated that nature-based solutions are particularly suitable for Indian conditions and can play a crucial role in conserving water and reducing environmental pollution.

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ABs