In the heart of Chhattisgarh, a scientist is spearheading a revolution in water purification using an innovative and eco-friendly approach. Dr. Prashant Sharma's "E-Ball," a microbial marvel, is making waves across India as a sustainable solution to combat water pollution.
Dr. Sharma, a biotechnologist from Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, dedicated 13 years to researching microbial ecosystems, driven by the sight of a once-pristine village pond choked with filth. Instead of relying on chemicals, he sought a natural solution, asking himself, "What if the very microorganisms that existed in nature could be used to clean water?". This led to the creation of the microbial E-Ball.
The E-Ball is composed of a blend of 14 types of beneficial fungi and bacteria, mixed with calcium carbonate (lime powder), and formed into a 40-gram sphere. These carefully selected microbes work synergistically to break down organic waste, eliminate foul odors, and purify polluted water bodies in a natural way.
When introduced into a water body, the E-Ball tackles pollution by utilizing the carbon and nitrogen present in the water as nutrients. This process cleans the upper layer of the water, effectively improving its quality. The E-Ball also helps in balancing the water's pH level to a neutral 7 and enhances the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) value. Furthermore, it significantly reduces the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels, key indicators of water pollution.
The impact of E-Balls extends to various water bodies, including ponds, drains, and even lakes. For instance, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation in Jharkhand has recently adopted the E-Ball mechanism to clean the stinking Ranchi Lake, also known as Badka Talab, which had been plagued by neglect and pollution for decades. Similarly, Dr. Sharma's company has successfully applied E-Balls in ponds and drains across several municipal corporations, including Raipur and Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh, as well as cities in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
One of the most compelling aspects of the E-Ball technology is its cost-effectiveness. Cleaning a one-acre pond with E-Balls costs approximately Rs 7,000 annually, a fraction of the Rs 2-3 lakh required for traditional methods involving water removal and replacement. Moreover, the microbes within the E-Ball multiply over time, ensuring continuous water purification for an extended period.
Dr. Sharma emphasizes that the use of bacterial E-Balls is environmentally safe and poses no threat to aquatic life. This makes it a superior alternative to conventional cleaning methods that often involve harmful chemicals or disruptive processes. As the E-Balls purify water, the improved water quality has the potential to reduce pollution in rivers and other downstream ecosystems.
Dr. Sharma's innovation has garnered recognition and praise, with many calling him the "Jal Purush" (Water Man) of Surguja. His work offers a sustainable and affordable solution to the escalating water crisis in India, demonstrating the power of combining scientific knowledge with a deep understanding of natural processes. The E-Ball revolution is not just about cleaning water; it's about empowering communities to restore and protect their precious water resources for a healthier future.
