Punjab: Kinnow is a rich source of vitamin C, which is beneficial for health and is available in abundance in Punjab during winters. In a unique initiative by a group of schools, Kinnow peels are now being used for water purification by developing ‘bio-enzymes’. Recognizing the nutritional value of this fruit, the Punjab government has included Kinnow in the mid-day meal programme. However, schools are facing a major challenge in managing the organic waste generated from Kinnow peels, which accumulates in large quantities, raising serious environmental concerns. To address this issue, Arya Group of Institutes in collaboration with PAU and CIPHET has developed bio-enzymes from Kinnow peels. These enzymes are being used to treat the wastewater of Budha Nallah, which is a significant step in supporting the Budha Nallah Swachhata Abhiyan.
On March 22, celebrated as World Water Day, Arya Group of Institutes took up a unique water purification initiative using bio-enzymes. Several schools of Arya Group including RS Model Senior Secondary School, BCM Arya, BCM International and BCM Laltan worked in collaboration with institutions like PAU (ICAR-CIPHET) for this project. Dr Rakesh Sharda, Project Coordinator of ICAR-CIPHET and Praveen, Coordinator of Haryana Punjab Initiative played a key role in this effort along with other research institutes. Arya Group Chairman Rakesh Jain said that the school group has made a significant contribution in the cleaning of Budha Nala initiated by environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal. “After the Punjab government introduced kinnow fruit as a nutritious diet in the lunch of students, the disposal of kinnow peels had become an environmental concern. To tackle this issue, bio-enzymes obtained from kinnow peels were used to purify the polluted water of Budha Nallah. These eco-friendly and highly effective bio-enzymes are completely safe and chemical-free as well as ensure cleanliness of the water body,” said Dr. Rakesh Sharda. Dr. Paramjit Kaur, Director, Arya Group of Institutes, informed that 2,000 students prepared 150 litres of bio-enzymes in 90 days in a special project lab at RS Model Senior Secondary School. On World Water Day, these enzymes were released into the Budha Nallah passing near Gurdwara Gaughat. A rally was also taken out on the occasion in which 200 students participated and raised slogans to spread awareness about water conservation and responsible use of water.
