In a breakthrough, Indian scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) have found success in making sea water drinkable cheaper than all the previously discovered methods. The new method can solve the water crisis faced by several Indian states including Maharashtra.

Researchers developed a waters desalination plant in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. BARC scientists took the help of nuclear energy to desalinate the water. According to scientists, waste steam was fed into the nuclear reactor that removed salt from the water and made it fit for drinking purposes.

Reports suggest that desalinated water tastes equally good as the fresh water and has TDS less than 100. People at the Kudankulam plant are using the processed water for drinking and other purposes.

While explaining, KN Vyas, Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre said it is not the first time that BARC scientists have come up to fight against the problem of water shortage. In addition, such water treatment plants have been installed in other states as well including Punjab, West Bengal and Rajasthan.

“Besides, BARC has developed several membranes, by which, at a very small cost, groundwater contaminated by uranium or arsenic can be purified and make fit for drinking,” Dr Vyas said.

Evaluating the significance of the feat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the site himself and congratulated the scientists to boost their confidence. There, he also pedalled a bicycle attached to water purifier which turns dirty contaminated water into potable water. Pedalling a bicycle produces energy which is needed for purifier to function.

Moreover, researcher at the BARC have also developed several low-cost thin membranes for household use to purify water.