Darjeeling’s First Sewage Treatment Plant by Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling has launched its first-ever sewage treatment plant named Swachhata Se Samriddhi. This plant can treat 1,000 liters of wastewater daily, amounting to 365 kiloliters annually. The treated water is reused for toilet flush systems, promoting sustainable waste management within the institute.
Additionally, the institute has built a rainwater storage plant with a capacity of 1.8 lakh liters, reducing dependence on external water sources. The institute also showcases sustainability by repurposing damaged mountaineering gear into decorative items, demonstrating innovative recycling practices.
Swachhata Abhiyan Initiative
The Department of Defence, as part of the Pan-India Swachhata Abhiyan initiative, has covered 2,705 out of 3,832 sites, positively impacting the country. As of October 15, 2024, over 20,976 physical files have been reviewed, resulting in the removal of 5,391 files and freeing up 195k square feet of space. Revenue of Rs 21.1 lakh has been generated through the disposal of scrap materials and obsolete IT equipment.
The initiative includes sites under Military Hospitals, Border Roads Organisation, Indian Coast Guard, and more. Cantonments have led campaigns like mosquito-breeding eradication and waste segregation workshops, transforming Garbage Vulnerable Points into plantation sites and enhancing public spaces with composting initiatives.
Doubts Revealed
Darjeeling -: Darjeeling is a town in the Indian state of West Bengal, famous for its tea gardens and beautiful views of the Himalayas.
Sewage Treatment Plant -: A sewage treatment plant is a place where dirty water from toilets and sinks is cleaned so it can be safely reused or returned to nature.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute -: The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a famous school in Darjeeling where people learn how to climb mountains.
Swachhata Se Samriddhi -: Swachhata Se Samriddhi means ‘Prosperity through Cleanliness’ in Hindi, and it’s the name of the new sewage treatment plant.
Rainwater Storage Plant -: A rainwater storage plant is a system that collects and stores rainwater so it can be used later, especially during dry times.
1.8 lakh liters -: 1.8 lakh liters is a way to say 180,000 liters, which is a large amount of water that the rainwater storage plant can hold.
Department of Defence -: The Department of Defence is a part of the Indian government responsible for managing the country’s military and defense-related activities.
Swachhata Abhiyan -: Swachhata Abhiyan is a campaign in India aimed at cleaning up the country and promoting good hygiene practices.
Rs 21.1 lakh -: Rs 21.1 lakh is a way to say 2,110,000 rupees, which is a large amount of money made from selling old and unused items.