Challenges Faced by STP Plants Exporters in Rural India
Can we really progress as a nation without ensuring the development of our rural sector? Crip-pled by lack of infrastructure and facilities that many in cities take for granted, our villages are in dire need of infrastructure investment. One of the area we need to focus on is the wastewater treatment in rural areas. If we are to build a smart nation, we have to start with smart villages with electricity, STPs, roads and healthcare.
The focus of many STP plants exporters has now shifted to rural areas. This is a severely neg-lected area even in a country where wastewater management is already very poorly maintained. The setting up of rural wastewater plants can have multiple benefits, but needs a proper study for sustainable management.
Requirement Of Wastewater Management
Changing nature of waste disposal: Traditionally, rural areas exercised their own means of waste disposal that were particular to their community, environment and requirements. These traditional methods were environmental friendly and ensured that every resource was utilised in some manner. Waste was reduced, recycled and reused wherever possible.
But growing consumerism and a lack of regard towards the environment has changed this attitude towards waste disposal. The use of plastics, change in consumption and disposable items has changed the nature of waste and the way it is disposed.
Water scarcity: Many rural areas of India are reeling under severe water shortage. In remote villages that are at a fair distance from urban areas, there is almost no municipal arrangement. Water supply infrastructure is quite primitive and the sources of water are also drying up. For instance, the most commonly used water source, groundwater, is badly depleted. Wastewater treatment by STP plants exporters provides an alternative to these communities when looking for other sources.
Pollution of water sources: What happens to the wastewater that remains untreated as it happens in many rural areas? The wastewater trickles into other water sources, polluting it further. It also trickles into the groundwater supply. The pollution that happens at one point flows into the water sources, taking it further. Construction of wastewater treatment plants are critical in stopping the polluting of the natural streams and rivers of India.
For non-drinking consumption: The treated water from STPs can be used in many non-drinking functions, such as household chores like cleaning and mopping. With high quality STP plants we can even use the treated water in irrigation, a major requirement in rural areas.
Building waste infrastructure: Many rural areas lack a basic waste infrastructure with a dire absence of streamlets or storm water drains. This can be a serious hygiene and sanitary problem as dirty water becomes a health hazard. The contaminated water also seeps into the groundwater. Developing wastewater treatment, hence, must also involve the laying of appropriate infrastructure.
Building self-sufficiency: Wastewater treatment in rural areas has to be ultimately managed by the community. While there may be some public-private participation in initial stages, STP plants exporters have to eventually hand over the running of the plant to the villagers. The intention here is to create a sense of ownership within the community. This builds self-sufficiency within the community and removes the dangers of any official apathy that most rural areas suffer from.
Bringing up the quality of life: Wastewater management will ultimately help in bringing up the quality of life in rural India. The lack of sanitation, waste disposal infrastructure and its treatment has brought down the basic standard of living in rural communities. Poor sanitation and unhealthy living conditions can be rectified with proper waste management system.
Health awareness: Poor sanitation is not just an eyesore, it is also a serious health hazard. With wastewater pooling at various places, many villages of India face related health problems. It is a fertile ground for disease causing mosquitoes. The wastewater seeps into drinking water sources and this polluted water can also seriously affect our health. Diarrhoea is counted among the leading causes of death among children less than five-years-old in rural areas. Poor wastewater management is one of the reasons behind this.
There is clearly an urgent need for STP plants exporters in our villages. Moreover, we need customised solutions that meet the requirements and the unique topography of villages.