Pioneering Innovation in Biosolids: Insights from the National Roundtable Conference

In a significant step towards establishing national-level standards for the application and reuse of biosolids, a roundtable conference titled "Biosolids: A Discussion on the Formulation of Guidelines for Treatment and Reuse" was convened on November 8, 2023, at the prestigious India Habitat Center in New Delhi.

This collaborative initiative, jointly organized by The Global Sanitation Center of Excellence (GSCOE) and the Technology Innovation Foundation (TECHIN) of IIT Palakkad, brought together key stakeholders in the biosolids domain for in-depth discussions and collaborative brainstorming at the national level. The event featured the launch of the Lab Alliance kick-off meeting spearheaded by the Centre for Science and Environment in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aimed at driving innovation in sanitation.

Distinguished personalities including Prof. A. Seshadri Sekhar, Director, IIT Palakkad, Dr. Manoranjan Mohanty, Adviser/Scientist ‘G’ - Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Dr. V. K. Chaurasia, CPHEEO, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Dr. Sapna Poti, Strategic Alliance Division, PSA’s office, Dr. Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, and Dr. Roshan Shrestha, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, graced the event with their presence, contributing valuable insights through engaging deliberations.

The conference also witnessed the active participation of representatives from various collaborating institutes and national agencies, including the WASH Institute, CDD, NIUA, BITS Pilani-Goa, CWAS-CEPT University, Indian Plumbing Association (IPA), and IIHS. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to shaping the future of biosolids treatment and reuse practices in the country.