Minister inspects unit that produces drinking water from air in Karnataka

Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture Minister K. Venkatesh visited the Government Higher Primary School at Somwarpet, near Chamarajanagar, and inspected the air-to-water (atmospheric water generator) unit installed in the school premises. Mr. Venkatesh is the Minister in charge of Chamarajanagar district in south Karnataka.

The unit, with a capacity to produce 100 litres of purified drinking water per day, has been installed to provide safe drinking water to students. The Minister observed the functioning of the system during his visit.

He interacted with Headmistress Nagalakshmi and enquired whether the unit was being properly maintained, whether the water produced was safe and pure, and whether it was sufficient to meet the needs of students. The Headmistress replied that installation of the unit has resolved the drinking water problem in the school and that students are receiving adequate water.

Deputy Commissioner Shreerupa explained the working of the technology to the Minister, stating that it collects moisture from the atmosphere, condenses it, and purifies it to make potable water. The technology can produce water throughout the year without depending on groundwater or rainfall, she added.

The unit operates on electricity, and can also be integrated with solar power.

The DC said the technology would be particularly useful in remote and forest areas. Considering that Chamarajanagar district has extensive forest cover, steps are being taken to introduce more such units in the district.

Later, speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Venkatesh said the possibility of installing such units in other areas of the district facing drinking water scarcity would be examined.