Technology challenge launched for promoting suitable techniques for cleaning of sewers, septic tanks

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched a technology challenge for promoting suitable techniques for cleaning of sewers and septic tanks with the objective of eliminating the human entry into septic tanks/manholes etc.nnThis is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, in a meeting chaired by him on May 4, 2018 had desired a technology challenge to promote latest technologies to avoid human intervention in cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.nnThe Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which was entrusted with the task, has now launched the ?Technology Challenge: Identifying solutions for cleaning of Sewerage Systems and Septic Tanks?. The said challenge will be a part of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention which is to be held on October 2, 2018 and will remain open up to 17:30 Hrs on 14 August, 2018.nnTechnology Challenge ? DetailsnnElimination of human entry into sewer drains and cleaning of the septic tank is the ultimate goal of this Challenge. Proposals have been invited by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Govt of India, from interested innovators, individuals, consortium partners, companies, academic institutions, research and development centers, NGOs, Parastatal and municipal bodies, to provide innovative technical solutions which eliminate the need for human entry into septic tanks and sewers.nnObjectivesnnIdentify technological as well as business process innovations.nEndorse viable business models that are suitable for a different size, geographies, and class of cities.nPilot test and handhold to scale the shortlisted technologies/solutions in select project cities.nBridge the gap between innovators/manufacturers and beneficiaries- i.e. ULBs, citizensnEvaluation Process and CriteriannFor evaluation and scrutiny of the technological solutions submitted by the participants, a jury shall be constituted from among experts from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, faculty from IITs/IIMs and representatives of leading civil society groups. The jurors for evaluation of the proposals shall adopt the following broad criteria.nna) The operational effectiveness of the Technologynb) Life of machinery/ Durabilitync) Ease of use (automation)nd) Ease of availability/Economies of scalene) Adaptability/Versatilitynf) Made in Indiang) Environmentally SustainablennCategoriesnnThe Challenge shall be conducted for two separate categories.nnCategory A-Technological solutions for cleaning and maintenance of sewerage systems that eliminate need for human entry.nCategory B-Technological solutions for cleaning and maintenance of septic tanks that eliminate need for human entry.nnFurther details about the Technology Challenge and application form are available at www.amrut.gov.in and http://smartnet.niua.org/.