(a) whether the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has devised a low cost desalination plant;
(b) if so, the details thereof ; and
(c) the proposed Government programme for installing such plants on coastal towns to solve drinking water problems?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAPIL SIBAL)
(a) & (b) Yes Sir. National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai has developed two laboratory scale desalination plants having a capacity of 500 and 5000 liter per day each, based on Low Temperature Thermal Desalination System (LTTD). Currently, efforts are underway to establish 1 lakh litre per day capacity plant at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep and expected to be completed in about 6 months time.
(c) After successful demonstration of LTTD technology at field, the same could either be transferred to the concerned Ministry or a suitable mechanism could be evolved by the Department for setting up of such plants at appropriate locations in the coastal towns.