IIT Delhi transfers rural technologies to African countries

The technologies include ground water level measuring device and ergonomically designed treadle pump, which are the improved versions of practices followed by rural people in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, respectively. 

Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has transferred two technologies to four African countries – Ghana, Namibia, Sudan, and Zambia. The technologies include ground water level measuring device and ergonomically designed treadle pump, which are the improved versions of the practices followed by the rural people in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, respectively. 

RuTAG at IIT Delhi was set up in 2009 and has been working on several demand-driven technologies to reduce the drudgeries of the villagers and improve the performances. 

Ground water level measuring device 

The groundwater level measurement device developed by RuTAG IIT Delhi is used to measure the groundwater table in monitoring wells. The device consists of a robust rust-resistant stainless-steel probe connected to a high-tension coaxial cable. The cable is then connected to an electronic circuit containing a battery, an LED lamp and a buzzer. 

The probe is an assemblage of plumb bob, perforated tubular body, high-pressure cord holding gland, and copper electrodes. During the operation, the probe is lowered into the well, and as it comes in contact with water, the circuit is completed, the buzzer beep, and the LED glows. The operator can then get the depth using the markings on the cord.   

Ergonomically designed treadle pump 

Treadle pump is a mechanical device, which uses human power to draw water from the ground. It is a twin-cylinder reciprocating water pump currently being used by poor/marginal farmers in various places for irrigation purposes. The treadle pump parts are made of mild steel, and the estimated life of the pump is around 10 to 15 years. 

While speaking about the transfer of the technologies to the African nations, SK Saha, Coordinationar, RuTAG, IIT Delhi, said, “It is a proud moment for RuTAG IIT Delhi to go global.  IIT Delhi is committed to expand and support such knowledge sharing in the days to come.” Along with IIT Delhi, there are RuTAG centres at IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras, and IIT Roorkee also. 

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