Use of Organic Fibers in Water Retaining Structures Workshop on Rural Technology IIT-Bombay January 12, 2012

Introduction Jalvardhini Pratisthan has been established to promote use of Rain Water as a source of water for all rural activities. In order to promote use of Rain Water as a source. We have developed several methods to store Rain Water with simple rural technology. VISIT OUR WEB SITE

We have used organic fibers such as 1) Coconut Coir 2) Banana fiber 3) Flax fiber ( Ambadi fiber) 4) Jute fiber as a Crack Controlling and/or as a bonding material in water retaining structures.

We are using Coconut coir since last 6 years & other fibers since last 3 years.

For technical rigour and testing, we have visited several Engineering Colleges/Institutes. I am giving below some important names I.I.T. Bombay I.I.T. Delhi Manipal Institute of Technology V.J.T.I. Mumbai UICT Mumbai ( to study effect of cement & sand mixture which I think as Alkaline on Organic fibre)

S.G.G.S.Engineering Institute, Nanded. ( They have developed Two tanks but study is still pending ) Kokan Krushi Vidyapith Dapoli, Maharashtra. MERI—Nashik COE Pune – The HOD Civil and respective prof. are interested & there does not seem to be a fund problem but unless some M tech or Ph D. Student shows interest in this project, I think study will not go ahead. NABARD-Pune They have Rural Innovation Fund. But they INSIST on filling a prescribed Form. I tried but it was not possible to fill up the form. It is really tough to fit an innovation in a standard format

Problems with above institute/college This kind of work may not be converted into an academic paper – something that is “valuable” from the college standpoint. M.Tech and or Ph.D. Students may not be interested in taking this type of work. Competent staff if available may not be interested in this work. Even though it is innovative concepts, since funds may not be available from our Trust hence colleges/institute may be reluctant to work. If no student is prepared to work on our concept then college/institute may be unwilling to appoint a technical person on salary basis to carry out the research work.

I think RuTAG-IITB should act as a Catalyst, understand the problem related to Science & Technology of NGO and find out methods by which Formal Technology Institutes would get linked up with the field worker. Often, NGO staff does not have the wherewithal to link up with such Institutes. It is only when the trained professional gets connected to the field on terms acceptable and feasible at the field level that meaningful application of technology to rural issues would be possible.

THANKS U. M. PARANJPE Trustee - Jalvardhini Pratishthan