“I would like to see equal fervour among innovators, among startups, among those who want to do something for defence related activities,” Sitharaman said | Photo Credit: ANI
Nov 27, 2018 | 21:26 IST | ANI =TIMESNOWNEWS.COM Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Nirmala Sitharaman opined that there is keenness among a lot of young minds to come back to India from abroad owing to the growth of startups in the country. New Delhi: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday pulled up the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and asked it to focus more on Research and Development (R&D) and exploit the opportunity and support being extended by the central government. Speaking at the launch of the Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti, which aims at increasing intellectual property right (IPR) to reduce the transfer of technology and dependence on foreign companies, the defence minister said, “DRDO should focus, in fact, refocus on R&D and it should be on toes to make themselves nimble to innovations.”
She also called upon all stakeholders to step up, as more was “needed to be done to nurture innovation in Defence, which could be translated into a commercially viable solution.” Sitharaman further said that the present ministry hierarchy should break the traditional barriers to identify, motivate and support people who are “capable to innovate, fabricate and manufacture in-house.”
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Sitharaman opined that there is keenness among a lot of young minds to come back to India from abroad owing to the growth of startups in the country. “I would like to see equal fervour among innovators, among startups, among those who want to do something for defence related activities,” she said. Crediting Secretary of Defence Production Dr Ajay Kumar for the mission Raksha Gyan Shakti, Sitharaman observed that this operation is giving the “impetus needed for moving towards innovating for defence.”
“Defence is always seen as a very difficult area to come in with a commercialised product in hand. Defence is seen as an area in which probably much transparency doesn’t prevail when you want to buy a thing when you want to procure it for the purpose of defence. We need technical requirement for defence, be it of quality, be it of certain standards for performance or be it a necessity for use,” she explained. Sitharaman also stressed on the hesitancy of innovators to approach the Defence Ministry for the commercialisation of their products.
“Anyone who wants to innovate or anyone who wants do anything towards commercialising some product, which is patented hesitates to approach defiance related sectors. They would rather go to food industry due to preconceived notion that it is very difficult to even break in and then have a dialogue and then see that there is a possibility of commercially producing something that the defence might need,” Sitharaman added.
“Each time an innovation is patented the innovator may not be interested in producing it. You need to find somebody to produce it on a commercial scale. We make sure to facilitate it, make finances available and find a market for it,” the defence minister said.
By Shaurya Karanbir Gurung, ET Bureau|Nov 27, 2018
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the launch of the ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’, which aims to promote Intellectual Property Rights in the defence sector.
NEW DELHI: The Defence Research and Defence Organisation (DRDO) should introspect to make themselves more “nimble” towards innovation, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said here today, while stressing on having an Intellectual Property cell in the defence ministry for sharing innovative ideas with manufacturers.
Sitharaman made the remarks at the launch of the ‘Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti’, which aims to promote Intellectual Property Rights in the defence sector. During her address at the event which was held at the DRDO Bhawan, she said, “DRDO like structures have to be on their toes for R&D. DRDO should introspect to make themselves more nimble towards innovation.”
She also stressed on the importance of an Intellectual Property cell to facilitate match making and sharing innovative ideas with the manufacturer from the user point of view. “I am telling Dr Ajay Kumar (Secretary Defence Production) and the DGQA that it is important for the ministry to have this cell to exchange ideas and do matchmaking,” she said.
Sitharaman explained that the defence sector is seen as an area where technical requirements are not easily shared, which leads to people who want to innovate not approaching the defence ministry. “They would go to any other ministry rather than approach defence, because it is difficult to break in and have a dialogue,” she said.
“It is that kind of barrier which we have to break and benefit from young minds. So that kind of benefit which you will derive is available for you. The ministry will have to do more for people who want to innovate,” she added.
The minister also said that the users, in this case the armed forces, should provide ideas about what they want. “You should be giving ideas to someone else to create it. The users can identify the situations in which you can conceive of something,” she said.
Times of India, PTI | Feb 20, 2018, BALASORE: India on Tuesday test-fired its medium range nuclear capable Agni-II missile with a strike range of 2,000km from Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast, defence sources said.
The trial of the surface-to-surface missile was conducted from a mobile launcher at the launch complex-4 of the integrated test range (ITR) at around 8.38am, the sources said.
The Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) has already been inducted into the services and Tuesday’s test was carried out by the Army’s strategic forces command (SFC) with logistic support provided by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), they said.
The 20-mt-long Agni-II ballistic missile has a launch weight of 17 tonne and can carry a payload of 1,000kg over a distance of 2,000km.
The state-of-the-art missile, already a part of the country’s arsenal for strategic deterrence, was launched as a training exercise by the armed forces, a DRDO scientist said.
Agni-II, a two-stage missile, equipped with advanced high accuracy navigation system and guided by a unique command and control system, was propelled by solid rocket propellant system, he said.
The entire trajectory of the trial was tracked by a battery of sophisticated radars, telemetry observation stations, electro-optic instruments and two naval ships located near the impact point in the down range area of the Bay of Bengal.
Agni-II was developed by the advanced systems laboratory along with other DRDO laboratories and integrated by the Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad, sources said.
The missile is part of the Agni series of missiles which includes the Agni-I with a 700km range, Agni-III with a 3,000km range, Agni-IV and Agni-V both having long range capabilities.
The first proto type of the Agni-II missile was carried out on April 11, 1999 and last launch was a user’s trial on May 4, 2017.
By Pradip R Sagar | Express News Service | Published: 27th July 2017 08:57 AM | Last Updated: 27th July 2017 08:57 AM NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has snubbed the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), when it requested Narendra Modi to inaugurate an exhibition planned at Peikarumbu, near the memorial of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam that would be opened on Thursday.
With most of the DRDO projects, ranging from Tejas light combat aircraft to long range surface-to-air missile systems, repeatedly missing deadlines and facing huge cost overruns, Modi’s outright rejection to inaugurate an exhibition at the venue of the memorial of a former DRDO is seen as his attempt to distance from the white elephant (DRDO), which often faced criticism. In fact, during his first interaction with DRDO scientists, Modi had sent a stern message to the agency for their ‘Chalta hai’ (lackadaisical) attitude.
The DRDO had planned an exhibition of its products with the theme ‘Science for Soldier and Society’ alongside the PM’s event, adjacent to Kalam’s memorial. Top scientists from its nearly 30 laboratories were engaged for this by the DRDO’s headquarters and its Bengaluru-based lab Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) was made event coordinator.
But much to their chagrin, the PMO not only turned down the request to ope the exhibition, but also denied permission to hold mega event close to the memorial. “Special Protection Group, the agency responsible for PM’s security, has refused permission for the exhibition adjacent to the venue,” said a top official.
Left with no options, the DRDO has moved the exhibition to Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, one of its labs functioning at Avadi in Chennai. DRDO chief S Christopher will inaugurate it on Friday.
When contacted, DRDO spokesperson Manish Bhardwaj refused to divulge the details. “Shifting of the venue happened due to space constraints,” Bhardwaj said.
According to a statement issued by the PMO on Wednesday, Modi will inaugurate Kalam’s memorial on Thursday morning and later flag off ‘Kalam Sandesh Vahini’, an exhibition bus which would travel across various states to reach Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 15, the birth anniversary of the Kalam.
The PMO also stated that Prime Minister will then proceed to Mandapam for the public meeting, where he will distribute sanction letters to the beneficiaries of longliner trawlers under the Blue Revolution Scheme. He will also flag off a new Express train from Ayodhya to Rameswaram via videoconferencing. Modi will release a synopsis of the Green Rameswaram Project and will unveil a plaque to mark the dedication to the nation of the 9.5 km Link Road on NH 87, which runs between Mukundarayar Chathiram and Arichalmunai. Modi will conclude his visit by addressing a public meeting.
By Pradip R Sagar Published: 18th September 2016 – The New Indian Express
CBI director Anil Kumar Sinha
NEW DELHI: With an extremely poor track record of probing defence bribery scandals, the country may have a special team to investigate such cases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is contemplating a proposal to constitute the team.
The proposal came up for discussion at a meeting in the Cabinet Secretariat recently where key officials suggested an independent team, which can be tasked to investigate only the high-profile scams that have hit the corridors of the defence ministry. Investigators can be drawn from the CBI to coordinate with the ED, to follow the money trail involved.
The government is planning to launch a special team only to investigate defence scandals. This comes in the backdrop of allegations of Brazilian aviation major Embraer hiring a UK-based agent and paying commissions to swing the $208 million deal for three Emb-145 aircraft inked with India during the UPA rule in 2008. The Defence Ministry has forwarded the matter to the CBI, which has filed a preliminary inquiry and initiated a probe.
From 1986 Bofors, HDW submarine, Tatra to AgustaWestland, Indian investigators have miserably failed on prosecution as majority of the scams hit dead-end and closure was filed by investigating agencies. Government believes that such scams not only bring bad image to the country, but also causes embarrassment globally. The only roadblock, however, will be sparing officials from the CBI, the federal agency which is already short-staffed. In a recent affidavit in the SC, the CBI informed that it has 50 per cent of its staff on deputation and has a vacancy of 754, against its sanctioned strength of 4,544. Of these, 283 vacancies are at the levels of inspector, 195 of constable and head constable, 65 at deputy and additional superintendent of police, 41 at SP and senior SP level and 12 are of Deputy Inspector General.
“Repeated failure of investigating agencies especially in probing defence scams is surely a cause of worry for the government, as it creates a lot of hype. Forming an independent team of selective officials to handle bribery allegations in defence deals will be an option, as most of these probes require overseas intervention,” said a high-ranked official. It ultimately turns out to be diplomatic loss of face for the government after naming foreign companies and middlemen during the course of investigation.
Like in the recent case of AgustaWestland choppers, despite so much of noise in Parliament, CBI has failed to arrest anyone.
Written by: Dr Anantha Krishnan M Published: Monday, April 6, 2015, 22:15 [IST] OneIndia Bengaluru, April 06: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) faced a setback today after an Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile fell into the sea seconds after its launch. The missile was test-fired from DRDO’s launch facility in Wheeler Island, off the Odisha Coast.
interceptor missile
DRDO officials, who spoke to OneIndia said that they would be back with another launch of the missile by the end of April after studying what went wrong. “These are part and parcel of every missile trails. We had six successive missions of the interceptor missile. We suspect that one of the sub-systems in the missile might have failed,” a top scientist not wanting to be named, said. He said that Monday’s test was to assess the performance of the composite motor rocket and the missile’s ejection from the canister. “These two parameters have been successfully tested. There was no target today. But one sub-system misbehaved and we are now analyzing some more data,” he added. DRDO says the missile’s basic systems are all intact and worked as per the textbook. “Random problems can occur while dealing with complex systems. We will be back by the end of this month for another launch,” he added. He said that the missile caught fire after falling apart. This was DRDO’s 7th interceptor missile test.
By Rajesh Ramachandran, ET Bureau | 24 Mar, 2015, 10.20AM IST
By categorising and sub-categorising themes and departments, the new portal will help users to be more specific in their complaints.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a brand new website for public grievances on Wednesday. Corruption in central government seems to be the top concern as the PMO replaces the existing public web-interface for the prime minister with ‘PRAGATI’, the new portal. The portal is getting launched along with the PM’s monthly programme of interaction with union secretaries and chief secretaries through video-conferencing.
While the Manmohan Singh-era public grievances portal, “PMO CPGRAMS”, had a category on “corruption/malpractice”, the new one will go beyond the simple label. The corruption category will have nine sub-categories on its drop-down menu just to register complaints of corruption within various government departments.
The departments listed under the category of corruption are telecom, railways, department of financial services, ministry of power, petroleum, heavy industries, urban development, road transport, rural development and others. This could even be treated as a list of departments with the highest potential for corruption.
By categorising and sub-categorising themes and departments, the new portal will help users to be more specific in their complaints.
For instance, harassment is further sub-categorised into minorities, SC/ST, backward class, women, children, differently-abled and others. Also, the theme ‘police’ would have separate sub-categories for corruption, atrocities and inaction of police along with reguregular policing issues like murder and rape.
The new architecture has the back-end bureaucratic and technological support to ensure that these grievances are addressed and pursued to their logical conclusion.
All the issues flagged by the PMO will be uploaded a week ahead of the “PRAGATI day”, which will be the third Wednesday of every month. Union secretaries and chief secretaries will have to offer their comments and updates about the issues by the Monday prior to the PRAGATI day.
Finally, the PM will get to look at the issues addressed by the relevant departments and then discuss them with the concerned secretary or the chief secretary through video conferencing on the third Wednesday of every month. PM’s directions on every issue will remain in the system for further follow up and review till the issue is closed.
The portal is thus designed to keep every complainant engaged with the government machinery at the highest level and to ensure systemic corrections through the redressal of the complaints.
WHEELER ISLAND: Speaking from Wheeler Island to NDTV after the successful launch of Agni 5, the outgoing Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Avinash Chander assured the country that the missile was now in a “deliverable configuration”.
On his last day in office, he said he was feeling “elated and happy on this accomplishment”.
“I am going, leaving behind a dynamic young team that can lead India to greater heights. India will now be autonomous in missile capability,” said Dr Chander.
On a poignant note he said, “This was a great event and I could not have asked for a better farewell gift from my team which has worked hard to make India a missile superpower.”
Explaining the technicalities of the launch, Dr Chander, who is also the scientific advisor to the Defence Ministry said, “The missile lifted off 20 metres above the ground from the canister then took a sharp turn towards the target and all the events went off like clockwork. Two ships monitored the event in the Indian Ocean and the terminal event which was validated and it hit within metres of the target.”
Dr Chander’s contract ends on today – January 31, 2015. He had joined the organisation in 1972.
NEW DELHI: India today successfully test-launched Agni-5, its longest range ballistic missile, for the third time off the Odisha coast. The missile was launched from a canister from Wheeler Island, giving it higher road mobility.
The three stage, solid propellant “missile was test-fired from a mobile launcher from the launch complex-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at about 8.06 hours,” ITR Director M V K V Prasad said.
“The missile, witnessed a flawless ‘auto launch’ and detailed results will be known after all data retrieved from different radars and network systems,” he added.
With a range of 5000 km, the nuclear-capable missile can carry a warhead in the east as far as all of China and in the west all over Europe.
The three-stage missile is about 17 metres long and weighs 50 tons. The first rocket engine takes it to a height of about 40 kilometres. The second stage pushes it to about 150 kilometres. The third stage takes it to about 300 kilometres above the Earth. And the missile finally reaches a height of about 800 kilometres.
The missile travels faster than a bullet and can carry 1000 kilogram of nuclear weapon. It can be launched only on direct orders from the Prime Minister; India hopes it turns out to be a weapon of peace not war.
Unlike other missiles of Agni series, the latest one ‘AGNI-5’, is most advanced having some new technologies incorporated with it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine, Mr Prasad said.
India carried out two successful tests of the basic version of Agni-5 in 2012 and 2013.
The development of Agni-5 began in 2009 and according to DRDO it will likely be inducted in 2015.
Agni-5 gives India the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land at will from anywhere in India. It will give India the ability to hit back or have second-strike capability even after a nuclear strike.
It was also a super charged farewell gift for DRDO chief Avinash Chander who retirestoday. India’s Integrated Missile Programme has been a resounding success with the Agni missiles giving the country a credible nuclear deterrence. As a scientist and team leader, Dr Avinash Chander has achieved significant success in his work.
डी आर डी ओ पिछले दो सालों में बायो डायजेस्टर तकनिकी के बारे इतना ढिढोरा इसलिए पीटा क्योंकि एक तो इनके पास और कुछ डेवलप नहीं हो पा रहा था और दूसरा डी आर डी ओ द्वारा डा सेल्वामूर्ति को नंबर दो के पद पर बिठाना।
डा सेल्वामूर्ति डी आर डी ओ के मुख्य मिशन के नहीं थे वो तो लाइफ साइंस जैसे विषय से संबधित थे जोकि एक डी आर डी ओ का एक मुक़्तलिफ़ कार्य था परन्तु डा सेल्वामूर्ति के प्रोपगंडा स्पेसलिस्ट होने के कारण उन्होंने डी आर डी ओ के मुख्य मिशन से डी आर डी ओ को भटका दिया और सब अधिकारी नाम व् पैसे के कारण डा सेल्वामूर्ति के पीछे हो लिए। मंत्रियो और बाबाओ व् फ्लिम स्टार्स के साथ फोटो सेशन और टेक्नोलॉजी ट्रांसफर के नाम पर कम्पनियो से साठघांट और साथ में टेम्परोरी ड्यूटी का मजा लेने के लिए डी आर डी ओ मुख्यालय के सब अधिकारी डा सेल्वामूर्ति के जाल में फँस गए। डा सेल्वामूर्ति ने बहुत से डीम्ड यूनिवर्सिटी को डी आर डी ओ लाइफ साइंस बोर्ड के माध्यम से करोड़ो रूपए बांटे तथा उनसे अपने लिए व् अन्य डी आर डी ओ अधिकारियो के लिए मानद उपाधि ली व् कुछ अपने चापलूसों को पी एच डी करवाई।
बायो डायजेस्टर तकनिकी का कई बार डी आर डी ओ ने विभिन्न स्थानो में लोकार्पण करके देश के बहुमूल्य पैसो का जम कर दुरूपयोग किया।
One World South Asia
India’s DRDO develops eco-friendly toilets
Tripti Nath/ OneWorld South Asia Jul 23, 2012
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) dedicated to enhancing self reliance in defence systems, has demonstrated exemplary versatility by developing eco-friendly bio-toilets for soldiers for human waste management in high altitude regions.
The low temperature at high altitude halts and delays the natural biodegradation of human waste and leads to its accumulation which is an environment hazard.
The painstaking research spanning a decade involved study of the science of bio digestion. It began in 1998 and was carried out by a team of DRDO scientists who camped for 16 months in harsh weather conditions in Antarctica and identified psychrophilic bacteria that can withstand both summer and winter temperature. The bacteria were then brought back to the laboratories where they were cultured and their kinetics studied.
After DRDO installed 200 units of bio digesters in high altitude areas such as Siachen and Ladakh for its jawans and word spread about the advantages of bio toilets, the Planning Commission evinced interest in the technology developed by DRDO. The technology has been adapted successfully for use in all terrains.
Dr W. Selvamurthy, DRDO’s distinguished scientist and Chief Controller of Research and Development, said, “The Lakhsadweep Islands were facing water borne diseases and had approached the Planning
Commission for a solution. What began as a solution for jawans turned out to be a gift to society. The bio toilets are a blessing in rural India where only 30 per cent of population has private toilets.”
Not just this, big brother America is taking interest in the bio-toilets. Coming month, Dr Selwamurthy alongwith Dr Lokendra Singh, Scientist G and Director, Life Sciences, Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior, will be travelling to Seattle in the United States to make a presentation to the Bill Gates Foundation as Bill Gates is reviewing the technology of bio toilets.
The presentation alongwith the exhibition of the innovation will be made at the invitation of the Bill Gates Foundation which is holding a global competition for best global solution for human waste management.
Dr Selwamurthy is confident that this will become a global technology. “ It is a unique IP (Intellectual Property. We have patented this technology not only at the national level but also at the international level.”
Better known as bio digesters, the toilets were conceptualised as DRDO’s solution for decomposition of biological waste generated by soldiers deployed in high altitude areas.While 12,000 units in Lakshadweep islands are using DRDO developed technology , the railways which have faced severe criticism for stinking platforms and unsightly human waste littered tracks , are also using these toilets.
As of date, eight trains are running with 436 bio toilets based on DRDO technology in 191 coaches.” As part of the green intitatives promised in the Railway Budget for 2012-’13, the Ministry of Railways will provide 2500 bio toilets in its coaches. By 2016-17, the new railway coaches will completely switch over to bio toilets.
]The Minister for Rural Development, Mr Jairam Ramesh, has given a go ahead for installation of bio toilets in 1000 village communities (gram panchayats) with a budget of Rs 400 crore. At the launch venue located only 15 kilometre from the Wheeler island where Agni V was successfully test fired early this year, the Minister for Rural Development promised that under the recently launched Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign) , his ministry will ensure that all gram panchayats are covered in the next 10 years.
As of now, India has 2,40,000 gram panchayats.”
The DRDO distinguished scientist said, “ To begin with, we have installed six twin bio digester toilets in Odisha in eastern India. The Ministry of Rural Development will identify these 1000 villages communities and ensure that every village home gets a bio toilet.”
Dr Selwamurthy is satisfied that DRDO is discharging its corporate social responsibility. “ Our technology has a spin off. It is now going to States. The Minister for Urban Development has recommended that new housing societies being developed in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra, instal bio toilets.”
DRDO’s versatility has earned it praise from the Union Minister for Rural Development, Mr Jairam Ramesh. While launching the eco toilet project based on DRDO’s bio digester technology in Dhamra in Odisha’s
Bhadrak district last month, the minister said that bio toilets can do to rural sanitation what Agni has done to India’s external defence. He said that the DRDO developed technology for bio toilets can bring a significant change in the quality of life of people, mainly in rural areas and help them lead a healthy life.”
Dr Selvamurthy agrees that the bio digesters will prevent the dehumanising practice of manual scavenging and meet its objective of discouraging open defecation and improving sanitation conditions. Open defecation is a huge problem in India and Sikkim is the only State that boasts of zero defecation in the open. Sixty per cent people in the world who have to go outside for toilets are from India.
The senior scientist, who has been part of the DRDO’s growth story for almost four decades, said that one toilet would cost Rs 15,000 but the cost would be borne by the Ministry of Rural Development. “Looking at the cost benefit analysis, it is not very expensive. It will prevent deaths that are caused by water borne diseases. A large number of children die due to water borne diseases. The durability of the whole system is 25 years. We have given it to 45 Indian companies for capacity building. We are willing to give it to other countries also. Industry will implement it under the Quality Assurance of DRDO. We are only monitoring it.”
DRDO to launch green toilets for civilians – The New Indian Express
Kasturi Ray Express News Service – BHUBANESWAR Published: 24th June 2012
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in a first of its kind attempt, will launch, not missiles, but bio-toilets for use by civilians. Scheduled to be dedicated to the nation on Sunday at Dhamra, 64 km from Bhadrak district, the bio-toilets project was conceived by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with Ministry of Rural Development.
With the objective of reducing open defecation and increasing sanitation, the project has been based on DRDO’s Bio-Digester technology developed by Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, and Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tezpur, two constituent laboratories under DRDO.
The technology was used to decompose biological waste generated by soldiers deployed in high-altitude regions such as Siachen and Ladakh. It degrades and converts the human waste into usable water and gasses in an eco-friendly manner. The generated gas can be utilised for energy/cooking and water for irrigation purposes. The process involves the bacteria which feeds upon the fecal matter inside the tank, through anaerobic process which finally degrades the matter and releases methane gas that can be used for cooking, along with the treated water. Highlighting the technical aspects and features of bio-digester technology, Dr W Selvamurthy, Chief Controller (R&D Life Science & International Cooperation) stated, “The bio digester technology is an innovative and cost effective solution for a mega problem of water pollution and health hazard due to open defecation.
The effluent coming out of the bio digesters is odourless and harmless and could be used for gardening and irrigation as well. Minister of State (I/C) Statistics and Programme Implementation and Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Srikant Jena and Minister of Rural Development and Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India, Jairam Ramesh are expected to be present at the inauguration.
The research body held a meeting with the RD Minister introducing him to the new technology and desired it be adopted in the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) that funds construction of toilets in rural households. Earlier, DRDO and FICCI had entered into a MoU for DRDO-FICCI Accelerated Technology Assessment & Commercialisation (ATAC) programme.
The DRDO-FICCI ATAC programme is a unique initiative of DRDO and FICCI that aims for commercialisation of cutting edge technologies developed by various DRDO labs for civilian applications. The RD Ministry will be implementing bio- toilets in its sanitation campaign providing privacy to rural folks apart from dealing with waste management. CTRAN Consulting, a BASIX group company dealing with sustainability solutions, has provided techno-managerial coordination for this project.
Bio-digester would cost Rs 15,000 (approx) and plans are afoot to launch it in thousands of gram panchayats.
Event: Inauguration of First Eco-Friendly, Bio digester Toilets at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh
Esteemed government leaders, scientists and sevaks gathered together today to officially inaugurate the new eco-friendly, bio-digester toilets built at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh through the cooperation and hard work of DRDO, FICCI and Ganga Action Parivar. These toilets, which provide an environmentally-friendly and sustainable solution to the major sewage crisis India is facing, are the beginning of a partnership between these three entities which will help to bring eco-friendly toilets throughout the Ganga River Basin. In the first stage alone, 5,000 toilet blocks will be built hand-in-hand along the banks of Ganga in Uttarakhand.
To dedicate this historic step towards a clean and green India, many top leaders from both the Uttarakhand state government as well as the Central government alongside top scientists and directors, including:
Shri Aziz Qureshiji, Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand
Shri Pritam Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Uttarakhand
Shri Surendra Rakesh, Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare and Transport, Uttarakhand
Shri Satpal Maharaj, Hon’ble Member of Lok Sabha and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence
Shri Harish Rawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of State, Parliamentary Affairs, Agriculture and Food Processing Industry, Government of India
Shri Nirankar Saxena, Senior Director, FICCI
Dr. Lokendra Singh, Director of Life Sciences, DRDO
Shri S. Radhakrishnan, Director, DI2TM, DRDO
Shri R. Krishnan, Director – HR, BHEL
Shri S. Sundaresh, Chief Controller, R&D (ACE&SI), DRDO
The Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand praised the resolve of the DRDO, FICCI, GAP and the Parmarth family in its dedication to environmental protection and the betterment of India’s homes, villages, towns and cities. He recognized how building toilets in public places and girls’ schools will not only help the state in remaining clean but will also be a great facility for tourists and pilgrims. In addition, it will help save women’s dignity and promote women’s education, thus toilets are a must across villages and cities.
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, founder of Ganga Action Parivar, spoke on how it is everyone’s right to live with dignity, and thus current practices related to sewage management, such as manual scavenging, must be eliminated. Pujya Swamiji detailed how lack of toilets in villages, girls’ schools and elsewhere is a true curse on society, as it creates innumerable difficulties in so many lives. Women in villages must wait until it is dark to go to relieve themselves, causing many stomach and bowel issues and diseases. To protect their dignity, they must stand up every time a person or a vehicle passes by, and to avoid this women often walk out into dark areas and jungles to go to the bathroom – a very dangerous practice.
Pujya Swamiji also spoke about how building toilets is necessary for maintaining Gangaji’s purity and cleanliness, and that by building eco-friendly toilets within the Ganga Basin will not only help keep the environment clean, but will help our culture shine everywhere.
“Open defecation is blot on our culture.” – His Excellency, Dr Aziz Quresh–Governer Of Uttrakhand
“Toilets are a must for saving women’s honour.” – His Excellency, Dr Aziz Quresh–Governer Of Uttarakhand
“For environmental protection and the promotion of cleanliness, both industrial and spiritual institutions must come forward.” – Harish Rawatji
“Cleanliness of the environment and Gangaji will radiate our culture.” – Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
DRDO unveils eco-friendly complex based on bio-digester tech – The Economic Times
PTI Feb 26, 2014,
NEW DELHI: DRDO is achieving many successes on technology front and is being recognised for the facilities it has developed for the welfare of people, Avinash Chander, Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister, said today.
Chander, who is also Defence, R&D, Secretary, appreciated the efforts of DRDO while inaugurating Anusandhan Vihar, a self-contained residential complex at DRDO Estate
The 5.4-acre eco-friendly complex consists of 56 Type V & 56 Type IV accommodations sports and children park facilities, a DRDO statement said, adding that the highlight of the complex is that it is first ever residential complex based on DRDO-developed bio-digester technology for sewage treatment.
“The entire water is recycled for various purposes including treated flush water for arboriculture, soft water for bathing and washing purposes each of 2-lakh litre capacity and treated water of 80000-ltr per day capacity for drinking and cooking purposes,” it said.
As per a study carried out by Defence Terrain Research Laboratory, the ecological balance of the area is maintained because the complex has adequate amount of greenery, it said.
DRDO said it has signed MoUs with various states, Union Territories, FICCI and Ganga Action Plan for installation of more than 18000 bio toilets across the country based on the bio-digester technology.
Over 10000 bio-digesters are being installed in various types of passenger coaches of the Indian Railways.
Event: Bhoomi Puja for New Biodigester Toilets with Vivek Oberoi – 26 Feb 2014
Today at the final day of the Kumbha Mela, Vivek Oberoi took a pledge for the construction of the first 2 toilet complexes being built by a partnership between Ganga Action Parivar, DRDO and FICCI. Led by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, the Founder of Ganga Action Parivar and President of Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, Vivek performed puja, yagna and a ceremonial “bhoomi puja” blessing for bricks to be used in the eco-friendly, bio-digester toilet complexes. The first toilet complex built by the partnership of Ganga Action Parivar, DRDO and FICCI was inaugurated at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh by the hands of the Honourable Governor of Uttarakhand; the second toilet complex was inaugurated at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, by the hands of revered saints of all the world’s religions at a huge “Environmental Protection for World Peace” event held on November 3, 2012 in honor of Pujya Swami Chidanandji’s 60th birthday. Now, further complexes are being built throughout Uttarakhand, and plans are underway for construction in Uttar Pradesh as well, including here in Allahabad. The 2 toilet complexes sponsored by Vivek will be located here in Allahabad and in the sacred teerth of Badrinath.
Last night, on February 25th, at the Ganga Action Parivar Camp, Pujya Swami Chidanandji showed a film which had been made on the need for toilets. The lack of proper toilet facilities is not only a major factor contributing to pollution in Ganga, Yamuna and all rivers, but also is a source of violence, fear and illness in girls and women. Embarrassed to go to the toilet in the daytime, they suffer innumerable ailments from holding until the dark of night. Then, in the dark of night, they fall prey to wild animals and violent men. Hence, the toilet program initiated by Pujya Swamiji is an answer to problems faced by Mother Ganga, Mother Yamuna and all the young and old girls and women living on their banks.
Said Pujya Swami Chidanandji: “Every time we drive and I see women and girls having to jump up in the middle of answering nature’s calls due to shame of passing cars, it hurts my heart and I feel that we are inflicting great physical and emotional violence against our “Matri Shakti” by not providing them with safe, available places to go to the toilet. Also, lack of toilets is one of the main reasons for young girls dropping out of school, so we are committed to building toilets in schools so our young girls can continue their studies. Our temples purify our minds and thoughts, but a toilet is necessary for the body. Just as temples are crucial for spiritual health, so are toilets crucial for physical health. That is why, after decades of building temples, I am now focused on building toilets.”
Said Vivek Oberoi: “I am so glad to be part of such an important initiative which not only helps keep Mother Ganga clean but which also is seva for all of our mothers and sisters — of every age — who don’t have access to toilets and must brave the jungle and rapists in the dark of night. Giving our women the dignity they deserve is our duty.”
Members of Ganga Action Parivar explained that currently, much of India’s sewage is disposed of within water bodies such as the Ganga. The Ganga is deluged with nearly 2 billion liters of human waste a day, while being the sole source of drinking water to a population approximating that of the United States, Canada and Russia combined. The resulting public health crisis has taken a tremendous toll. According to the World Bank, 21% of communicable diseases in India are related to unsafe water. Of these diseases, diarrhea alone is responsible for over 1,600 deaths each day.
The DRDO-Developed Biodigester uses no chemicals and requires no electricity, nor moving parts. Rather, the biodigester tanks provide an oxygen-free environment within which harmless bacteria dissolve all sewage. What’s left is clear, 99% pathogen-free water, which is rich in agricultural nourishments, and odor-free methane gas which can then be utilized as a fabulous source of energy. Cars have been developed which can reach a top speed of over 180 kph which are fueled for an entire year from the biogas produced from the sewage of just 70 homes. A consortium of Japanese auto makers reports that this fuel can potentially cut carbon emissions by 75%.
Appeal to clean DRDO of corrupt and anti-national officials
