Smart Indian Hackathon: Innovative Solutions for Water Purification and Environmental Conservation

PehlaPanna, Education Desk, Panipat : Young innovators participating in the 7th edition of the Smart India Hackathon at Panipat Institute of Engineering and Technology (PIET) are showcasing unique projects aimed at improving water and soil conservation while safeguarding the environment.

A team from IIT Jodhpur, led by Shiva Surya PM, has developed an innovative paper equipped with chemical-based sensors. This paper, when immersed in water, indicates whether the water is clean or contaminated.

If harmful bacteria are present at hazardous levels, the paper changes color to blue within 2–3 minutes. Each strip costs between ₹25 and ₹35 and is eco-friendly, as it can be easily disposed of without polluting the environment.

Another groundbreaking project comes from Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar College of Engineering, Chennai, where students have designed a compact sewer treatment plant. Traditional sewer plants require large spaces, often spanning five acres, to treat water effectively.

However, their innovation reduces the land requirement to just half an acre. Using potassium carbon nanoparticles and automation through the EDI method, their project can treat two liters of water in 5–10 minutes. The treated water is fit for gardening and agricultural use, enabling the reuse of wastewater from urban drains.

Students showcasing their projects at the Smart India Hackathon at Panipat PIET. PehlaPanna Tamil Nadu's Grey Water Management Tank

Students from MEPCO Schlenk Engineering College, Tamil Nadu, have developed a Grey Water Management Tank. The tank processes water by heating it for an hour, treating it with specific chemicals, and undergoing a chlorination process to ensure purity. In five minutes, grey water is transformed and can be safely reused for irrigation and horticulture.

December15: Results Announcement

PIET Chairman Hari Om Tayal revealed that the nodal center at PIET hosted young innovators from across the country, all working towards environmental conservation.

Winners of the hackathon will be honored on December 15. Earlier, on December 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted online with participants from all nodal centers. The event was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with PIET officials and AICTE representatives in attendance.