SAARC countries to import water treatment technology from Pakistan

Members of SAARC have expressed interest in importing bio-remediation technology for water waste treatment from Pakistan. The prospect was discussed in a detailed briefing at the National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC) on “Pakistan Bio-remediation Model, Prospects and Replication in SAARC Countries.” The event was attended by delegates from Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

The SAARC countries want to import water treatment technology to help them utilize the sewage water of their respective countries for irrigation purposes and cope with the future water scarcity challenges. Pakistan has already developed a bio-remediation model to use waste water treatment for irrigation at NARC.

Prior to the briefing, the delegates visited the bio-remediation site where Director Bio-Remediation Institute, Dr. Yousuf Riaz gave them a detailed presentation on this technology. The Pakistan Bioremediation Model for Wastewater Treatment was established in 2014 at Rose & Jasmine Garden and F-9 Park Islamabad to clean the wastewater of streams passing at these places. It has since been used to supply water for green belts and other horticulture activities. The waste water from our homes and sewages is taken to the plant where it undergoes numerous treatments like the addition of metal salts, pumping in aeration tanks to break down solids, and de-nitrification.

Chairing the meeting of the delegates, Chairman Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Dr.Iftikhar Ahmad said that the SAARC countries have great potential to cooperate with each other for the development of agriculture sector. He said that Pakistan was ready to share research and technology with the member countries to help them develop their agriculture on modern lines and also help areas that face water scarcity. He also expressed the hope that the member countries would reciprocate a similar spirit and help Pakistan further develop the sector.

The delegates were of the view that the bio-remediation technology would help several water-scarce SAARC countries, help overcome poverty challenges in the region and prevent the wastage of water. The representative of Maldives said that bio-remediation could be useful for them as they have to be dependent on sea-water.

This is proof of the fact that the SAARC countries are striving to achieve a common goal and to help promote prosperity in the region.

Source: Pakistan Today
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