Siripuram Gets CSIR-IICT's 500 KLD Combined Effluent Treatment Plant

The programme commenced with a visit to the 500 KLD ETP and a demonstration of its treatment units. In his welcome address, Director, CSIR-IICT, Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy, said “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,” Reddy said.

Presenting the technical overview, Dr. S. Venkata Mohan, Director, CSIR-NEERI, explained that the treatment system integrates multiple biological metabolic pathways with advanced bioelectrocatalytic 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.

Dr. G.V. Raghunath Reddy, Scientist G, Department of Science and Technology, addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of translating science and technology into sustainable solutions that deliver tangible benefits to society.

The proposed facility would play a vital role in protecting local water resources, improving environmental conditions, supporting the livelihoods of handloom artisans, and enhancing the overall well-being of the people of Siripuram. As the first facility of its kind in the region, it is also expected to bring positive recognition and visibility to Siripuram.

Siripuram is part of the renowned Pochampally Ikat handloom ecosystem, representing India's rich textile heritage and supporting the livelihoods of numerous artisan families. However, textile dyeing activities generate coloured wastewater containing dyes, salts and organic contaminants.

When such effluent mixes with domestic wastewater and is discharged without adequate treatment, it can adversely affect local drains, agricultural land, surface water and groundwater. To address this challenge, CSIR-IICT developed an innovative decentralised treatment system specifically suited to rural and semi-urban textile clusters.

The initiative represents a “Lab to Loom” approach — taking scientific innovation from the laboratory to the communities that sustain India's traditional handloom sector. India has numerous handloom and decentralised textile clusters where wastewater management remains a significant environmental challenge.

The Siripuram ETP has therefore been developed as a model demonstration facility, with the potential to provide a technological framework for replication and adaptation across similar textile and handloom clusters in different parts of the country.