In a significant step towards sustainable rural development, environmental protection and technology-led community empowerment, the CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, formally handed over a 500 KLD Model Decentralised Combined Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for the treatment of textile dyeing effluent and domestic wastewater to the Siripuram Gram Panchayat in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District, Telangana.

Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICT, delivering the welcome address said that “The Siripuram Model Decentralised Effluent Treatment Plant demonstrates how scientific innovation can directly address environmental challenges while improving the lives and livelihoods of rural communities. It is a true ‘Lab to Loom’ initiative, translating indigenous research into a practical and sustainable solution for the handloom sector. We believe this model has strong potential for replication across textile and handloom clusters in the country, contributing to water conservation, pollution prevention and sustainable rural development.”

Addressing the event Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR-NEERI, explained that the treatment system integrates multiple biological metabolic pathways with advanced bio electrocatalytic processes for the efficient degradation of complex textile dyes and organic pollutants. Designed around the principles of low energy consumption, minimal chemical dependency, resource conservation and water reuse, the system demonstrates how environmental engineering and biotechnology can be translated into robust, field-scale solutions addressing pollution control, water security and circular economy objectives. Dr. Mohan further highlighted that India has hundreds of handloom and textile clusters, many of which face challenges in managing wastewater generated from dyeing and processing activities. The Siripuram ETP model, with its gravity-assisted, chemical-free and energy-efficient approach, has therefore been developed as a model demonstration facility with significant potential for replication and adaptation across similar textile and handloom clusters in the country.

INDIGENOUS GREEN TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL INDIA

The 500 KLD treatment facility uses an integrated hybrid biological treatment approach, combining multiple biological metabolic pathways with advanced bio electrocatalytic processes. The integration of bio electrocatalytic processes at this scale represents a significant field-level demonstration of the technology for the treatment of combined textile and domestic wastewater.

SOCIETAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The facility is expected to directly and indirectly benefit nearly 7,000 residents of Siripuram village by improving local environmental conditions and supporting sustainable livelihoods. The project is expected to help prevent wastewater-related contamination of land and water resources, improve sanitation and environmental quality, reduce dependence on freshwater, and strengthen the environmental sustainability of traditional handloom activities. Importantly, the initiative can contribute towards positioning Pochampally Ikat as an environmentally responsible textile product and support future efforts towards sustainability certification and eco-labelling, thereby potentially enhancing its value and competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

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